Edisi 09 August 2017 | Internasional Bali Post

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

16 Pages Number 148 9th year

Price: Rp 3.000,-

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Sleeping in a dog cage, Pattinson pares down for ‘Good Time’ thriller

e-mail: info_ibp@balipost.co.id online: http://www.internationalbalipost.com. http://epaper.internationalbalipost.com.

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

LOS ANGELES- Actor Robert Pattinson, accustomed to luxury trailers and gourmet food, was reduced to taking a catnap in a dog cage on the set of his latest movie “Good Time,” a fast-paced nocturnal crime thriller set in New York City.

“We were setting up lights and I was like, ‘Where’s Rob?’ I look over and there is a dog cage, a huge dog cage and (Pattinson) is in there sleeping,” the film’s co-director Josh Safdie said in an interview.

“The dog was pissed,” an amused Pattinson added. “Just shooting at the pace we were shooting at, you’re kind of always on. We didn’t even have trailers.”

The British actor, best known for playing vampire Edward Cullen in the “Twilight” young adult romance film franchise, portrays a psychopath named Connie in “Good Time,” who is obsessed with breaking his developmentally challenged brother out of prison after a botched robbery attempt.

“Good Time,” out in U.S. theaters on Friday, was shot mostly with handheld cameras on the streets of the New York City borough of Queens, following Connie on an all-night odyssey filled with misadventure.

The actor’s sacrifices for the low budget independent film has paid off in rave reviews for his post”Twilight” performance.

TheWrap.com film critic Sam Fragoso compared Pattinson’s “manic adrenalized performance” to Robert De Niro in 1973’s crime thriller “Mean Streets,” while Emily Yoshido of New York Magazine said the British actor delivered “some of the best work of his post-franchise journeyman career.” (rtr)

REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Cast member Robert Pattinson (L) and directors Joshua (C) and Ben Safdie pose for a portrait while promoting the film “Good Time” in Los Angeles, California, U.S., July 2, 2017.

New “Doctor Who” star hopes fans don’t fear a female time lord

Jodie Whittaker

REUTERS/Fred Prouser/File Photo

LONDON - Jodie Whittaker, the first woman cast as the lead role of the BBC’s iconic sci-fi programme “Doctor Who”, expressed hopes on Monday that fans will embrace her role as a symbol of diversity rather than fear the shift from a man.

Whittaker, 35, breaks a tradition back to the start of the television series in 1963 that the Doctor is a man, travelling the universe as a “time lord” in a telephone box to protect the weak and combat evil aliens.

“I hope, you know, my gender isn’t a fearful thing for the fans,” Whittaker told the BBC, in her first broadcast interview since her casting was announced last month.

“In this world particularly - there aren’t rules and that’s a great thing, you know, so hopefully, hopefully everyone is excited, as excited as I am,” she added.

Her casting was largely viewed positively by fans and commentators but some on social media argued that the role of the Doctor should not be played by a woman.

Whittaker said that she had missed the reactions as she was not a social media user.

Ultimately, Whittaker hopes that her casting will help fans of the programme to embrace diversity.

“Now we can say to young boys and young girls that the people

that you potentially look up to or the characters that you love don’t necessarily have to look the same as before - you know, we can celebrate the fact of differences.”

She told the BBC that she believed getting the role would be “a blessing and a curse”, and expressed the hope that media interest in her personal life would die down: “It’s not very exciting”, she said.

“Doctor Who” is one of the BBC’s most popular scripted programmes, and has inspired a devoted fanbase in several countries, with clubs, conventions and fan publications. She will be the 13th Doctor. (rtr)

You can find International Bali Post at: 1 Kuta Beach Club Jl. Bakung Sari Kuta 2 Wen Dys Kuta the Coffe Bear Jl. Pantai Kuta 3 Seminyak Paradiso Bali Hotel Jl. Camplung Tanduk 4 Ramayana Resort&Spa Jl. Bakung Sari Kuta 5 The Lokha Legian Resort&Spa Jl. Padma Legian Kuta 6 66 Corner Live Sport Emtertaiment Jl. Doble Six/Werkudara 23 7 Leghawa Grill Jl. D.Tamblingan No. 51 8 Retno Barr dan Restoran Jl. D.Tamblingan No.126 A Sanur 9 Elkomedor Jl. D.Tamblingan 140

10 Malaika Scret 11 Snack Shack 12 Warung Lokal 13 Cokro Cafee 14 T.J.Bar 15 J & N Kebab 16 Goanna Bar 17 Batu Jimbar 18 Ramayana Cafee

Jl. D.Poso No 68 Jl. D.Poso No. 50D Jl. D.Poso No. 39 Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur Jl. D.Tamblingan

19 Smirnof Cafee Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 20 Legwa Hotel Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 21 Nu Laser Cafee Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 22 Ganesa Book Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 23 All For Daiving Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 24 Barocca Jl.Petitenget 17 DKerobokan 25 Lantern Jl.Petitenget 17E Kerobokan 26 Shearlock Jl.Petitenget 17C Kerobokan Klod 27 Cafe Degan Jl.Petitenget 9 Kerobokan Klod

28 Kopi Made Jl. Raya Puputan No. 106 Dps 29 Dimsum Manan Jl. Raya Niti Mandala Renon No 148 30 Furama Jl. Raya Niti Mandala No. 148 Renon 31 Warung Subah Renon Jl. Mohamad Yamin No.18 32 Ayam Betutu khas Gilimanuk Jl. Merdeka No.88 Renon 33 Bali Bakery Jl. Hayam Wuruk 184 Denpasar

KCNA/via REUTERS

A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful test launch of the “Hwasong-14” intercontinental ballistic missile is seen in this undated photo released by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang on August 8, 2017.

Tillerson in Thailand presses for more action on North Korea

BANGKOK - U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Tuesday pressed Thai leaders for more action on North Korea during the highest level visit to Thailand by a U.S. official since a military coup in 2014 soured relations with the United States. Tillerson’s top priority has been urging Southeast Asian countries to do more to cut funding streams for North Korea.

The United States believes North Korean front companies are active in Thailand and is trying to encourage the Thais to shut them down, Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Susan Thornton told reporters aboard Tillerson’s plane. The companies are using Bangkok as a regional hub and change their names frequently, she said.

Before meeting Tillerson, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said Thailand would support a U.N. resolution on new sanctions on Pyongyang over its missile tests.

But he made no mention of specific action.

The United States was encouraging Thailand to take as many North Korean refugees as it can handle, Thornton said. Reuters

reported exclusively last week that the number of North Koreans slipping illegally into Thailand has surged in recent months.

Thailand’s own politics and human rights record were also in focus, as Washington strengthens relations with its oldest ally in the region after they were downgraded following the coup. “We want Thailand to emerge as a strengthened democracy that respects and guarantees human rights and fundamental freedoms at home and plays a leading role in advancing regional security and prosperity,” a US embassy spokesman said.

“UPS AND DOWNS” Tillerson offered no specific message on human rights when he

spoke to the American community at the ambassador’s residence and highlighted the 200-year-old relationship. “We want to continue to grow that relationship, even in its ups and downs,” he said. Tillerson met Thailand’s foreign minister, Don Pramudwinai, before junta chief Prayuth. Don also emphasised support for the U.N. resolution on North Korea.

Following his meeting with Tillerson, Don told reporters in Bangkok that trade between Thailand and North Korea had dropped by as much as 94 percent over the past year.”Thailand will act as a good member of the United Nations ... one result is trade which dropped significantly.

It dropped 94 percent,” Don told reporters. U.S. President Donald

Trump has spoken to Prayuth by telephone and invited him to the White House, but no date has been set yet.

Human rights groups have voiced concern about the re-establishment of normal relations while Thailand’s junta continues to crack down on critics. “It would be a practical mistake for Tillerson to not condition positive diplomatic relations on improvements in the protection of human rights,” Matthew Smith, of the Fortify Rights group, told Reuters.

Thailand’s military seized power in May 2014 after months of street protests with a promise to eventually restore democracy, but elections will not happen before next year and a new constitution retains a powerful political say for the army.

Since the coup, Thailand has aligned itself more closely with Beijing, and this year approved purchases of more than $500 mil-

lion worth of Chinese submarines, tanks and helicopters, besides construction of a new rail link.

Another source of friction is Thailand’s trade surplus over the United States. It was the 11th largest last year, at nearly $19 billion, although Thai officials expect a sharp rise in U.S. imports to reduce it.

During his five-hour visit to Bangkok, Tillerson signed a condolence book for the revered late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose death after seven decades on the throne was felt deeply in Thailand. Tillerson’s visit follows his attendance at a regional security forum in Manila at the weekend. (rtr) News can also be heard in “Bali Image” at Global Radio FM 96.5 from 9.30 until 10.00 am. Listen to Global Radio FM at http:// globalfmbali.listen2myradio.com or live video streaming at http:// radioglobalfmbali.com and http:// ustream.tv/channel/global-fm-bali.

2

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Bali News

Tourism village development constrained by human resources

SEMARAPURA - Tourism village in Klungkung district has reached dozens. Some of them were founded before 2014. However, after running for several years, they are not entirely able to develop maximally.

The remaining low understanding on human resources becomes one of the causes. Head of the Klungkung Tourism Office, I Nengah Sukasta, explained that according to the latest data, the number of tourism villages in the region reaches 18 locations. In the near future, another location will join, so they totally make 19 locations. The establishment is inseparable from the tourism potential owned by each village. Its existence is also expected to boost the economy of society leading to the increase of prosperity. “Now, there are 18 tourism villages. We will soon add the Selat village,” he explained, on Sunday (Aug. 6).

Of that number, they do not entirely develop such as the Paksebali, Penasan, Kamasan, Tihingan, Bakas and others spreading in Nusa Penida. It highly depends on the quality of human resources owned.“For the development of tourism villages, human resources are still a constraint as they do not understand how

to manage,” said this former Head of the Klungkung Transportation Agency.

To overcome the existing problems, Sukasta claimed to have regularly provided coaching in terms of tourism management and object arrangement. This measure is also expected to get support from the village government through the funds having been widely disbursed by the government. “The village fund is enough. We hope the development of tourism village can be done directly by each village,” he said.

In order to attract tourists to visit, the village is also asked to explore its potential. It is not only natural wealth, but also local wisdom as well as creative economy. “The potential must be explored, this is what we continue to push, what can be made into the attraction must be raised,” he said.

The development of tourism village also needs to be supported by the tourism awareness group (Pokdarwis). In Klungkung, its presence has not been evenly distributed. The formation is being pushed by the district government. It is meant to make the management of the object maximal and sustainable. “We are also still promoting the establishment of Pokdarwis,” said Sukasta. (kmb45)

Kamasan paintings, one of the tourism attarction in Kamasan Village, Klungkung.

IBP/file

International

Specified as tourism village

Headman of Selat asks district govt not to rush things

SEMARAPURA - The Klungkung tourism office will be designating Selat village as a tourism village based on its unique features. However the local village government is asking the district government not to rush the matter as local infrastructure still needs work. Headman of Selat, Wayan Sudiana, said the village has private-run whitewater rafting and potential for agro-tourism. However the villagers are not exactly enthusiastic about the idea of a tourism village as many consider it to be too early, explained Headman Sudiana.

The seven hamlets that make up Selat indeed lack tourism supporting infrastructure, including adequate road access. Chairman of Commission II of the Klungkung House of Representatives, Komang Suantara, said that once the govern-

ment has established a village to have tourism potential, this should be followed up with improvements ot infrastructure and the community should also be consulted and supported. “If the potential has been explored and calculated, then it should be worked on to the maximum, but otherwise spending excessive amounts of money will be for nothing”, he said.

This Gerindra politician added that a tourism village also needs to be supported by continuous promotion. So far, this has been lacking, he said “The important thing is promotion,” he added.

Previously, the Head of the Klungkung Tourism Office, I Nengah Sukasta, explained that there is a plan to designate Selat village as a tourism village given its potential, such as white water rafting and nature tourism. (kmb45)

First time since 2000

Payangan Festival returns

GIANYAR - The subdistrict of Payangan will be holding a cultural festival for the first time since the year 2000. This year’s festival with the theme Urip Bhuana (Cosmic Life) involved 9 hamlets and was opened at Payangan village’s ‘Struggle for freedom cultural monument’ on Monday afternoon (Aug 7). Hundreds of local residents enthusiastically thronged the festival grounds in celebration of the independence of Indonesia.

The nine hamlets who took part are: Melinggih, Melinggih Kelod, Kelusa, Bresela, Bukian, Puhu, Kerta, Buahan Kaja and Buahan Kelod.

Committee chairman of the Payangan Festival, Nyoman Dharma, said the festival also recalls the heyday of the Payangan kingdom. “ Over time there were obstacles to unity for the Payangan Festival was not held for many years”, he said.

This festival explained Dharma includes both material and spiritual aspects.

“As Payangan residents, we would like to re-establish the spirit of unity, and people’s daily life is very intense with spiritual vibrations. One way of encouraging unity is through the traditional arts and the passion for local culture”, explained this man who is also Payangan headman’s secretary.

Art in Payangan n has been developing and has yielded awards from various art events and stands at least on par with the arts of other subdistricts in Gianyar. “Recently, on the occasion of Ginayar’S anniversary celebrations, Payangan’s baleganjur from Tegalllalang won second prize”, he said.

The festival will run until August 12th with activities and performances starting in the afternnoon and going into the night including drama-dance, baleganjur, child puppeteer and painting demos by fine artists from Payangan. “The most impressive is probably the colossal cak a-cappella involving 300 Payangan singers”, said Dharma.

Regent of Gianyar, Anak Agung Bharata, who was present at eth opening of the Payangan Festival said that this festival should be held every year. The splendors presented, and the spirit of togetherness he said is very encouraging. Regent Bharata added that he hopes that more people can learn about the history of art in Payangan. He also added that other unique features of this area should be cultivated and presented at this annual event. I am very proud of Payangan Village and hope tp see this festival taking place every year” said the Regent of Gianyar. (kmb35)

 Founder : K.Nadha,  General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Gugiek Savindra  Editors:Agus Toni, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Sueca, Sugiartha, Yudi Winanto Denpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subrata, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Suasrina, Buleleng: Dewa kusuma, Gianyar: Manik Astajaya, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Dewa Farendra. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto.  Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp. (0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post

International

Activities

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

15

H SOVEREIGN BALINAMED AS “BALI LEADING AIRPORT HOTEL” 2017/2018DURING BALI TOURISM AWARDS EVERY MONDAY Movie Monday19:00-21:00 Genius Cafe- Home to the entrepreneur Beach CLub Mertasari Beach (Next to Mercure), Sanur EVERY TUESDAY Ecstatic contact dance: Transformative journey Paradiso Ubud, Jalan Goutama Selatan, Ubud 100k includes dinner EVERY WEDNESDAY DEep Dive Dance Guided improvised movement 19:00-21:00 Paradiso Ubud Jalan Goutama Selatan, Ubud 100k EVERY THURSDAY African Drums with Catur SAng Klang Wijaya 16:00-18:00 Experience the healing power of drumming, all levels welcome

BY DONATION SUNDAY MARKETS 10AM 1PM Sunday Market at Batu Jimbar Jl. Danau Tablingan , Sanur 10AM-4PM The Sands Beach Club and Restaurant Sunday MArket Jl. Danau Tamblingan, No 27, Sanur 9:30AM-1PM Sunday Market @ Warung Sopa Jl. Sugriwas no36, Padang Tegal, Ubud 9AM-2PM Samadi Sunday Market Jalan. Padang Linjong 39, Canggu, 9AM-2PM Wednesday and Sunday Ubud Organik Market Jl. Raya Pengosekan across from Zens Hotel Tebesaya, Ubud 12PM-10PM Sunday Food Festival & Bazaar Byrdhouse Beach Club, Sanur 10AM-6PM, Mercure,last sunday of every month, jl. ,Mertasari, Sanur, fashion food and and kids activities The Coffee Spot, Jalan Peigenet 888X,Seminyak, last Sunday of every month, garage sale clothing, books, and hand-made jewellery

BY INDONESIA TOURISM & TRAVEL FOUNDATION

H Sovereign Bali has been awarded for 3rdconsecutive year as “Bali Leading Airport Hotel 2017/18 during Bali Tourism Awards at Inaya Putri Bali on Thursday, 3rd August 2017 organized by Indonesia Travel & Tourism Awards Foundation (ITTA). Bali Tourism Awards aim to become prestigious awards for tourism in Bali. The awards given limited to ONLY 40 BEST selected hotel from 120 nominees.

The main purpose of this awards is to celebrate the winner that has been work hard and to improve the quality services. This event also dedicated to enhance the awareness on how to maintain and improve the quality of service continuously within travel and tourism industry in Bali. There are more than 4500 company within hotel industry. The second Bali Tourism Awards this year show significant voterswith total 46,956 from 23 countries around the world.

The award judging process went through very tight screening process by the board of committee such as: 25% from online voting, 50% from independence board of advisor and 25% by BInus Business School through research prior the winner is announced. The award was presented by the President of the ITTA Foundation, Mr.Benny Nainggolanand received by Mr. I Made Ramia Adnyana, S.E., M.M., CHA as a General Manager of H Sovereign Bali during the Gala Award Night.

“It is such a great honor to receive such prestigious

awards for the third consecutive year during this Bali Tourism Awards. This achievement is dedicated to all the voters which is mostly our valued customers, all the staffs and the owning company. Without their valued supports and contribution we are not able to get what we have achieved today.H Sovereign Bali has committed to strive the best quality of service and product to the customer. We always put our guest as the first priority concern. These are two of the most important aspects for the award”, explained Ramia Adnyana during the awards presentation.

As proven on our consistent in providing the quality of the services, we also has awarded the followings: • Bali Leading Airport Hotel 2015/2016 • Bali Leading Airport Hotel 2016/2017 • Winner of World Luxury Hotel Awards 2016 – Southern Asia • Best Restaurant 2016 by Indonesia Tatler • An “Excellent Award” 2015 with mark 8,5 from Booking.com’s • An “Excellent Awards” 2016 with mark 4,3from Hotels.com • Recommended Hotel on Trip Advisor • Certified Hotel Partner from Traveloka At this stage, we also would like to express our gratitude and sincere thanks to all our supporters and stake holder.

14

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Technology

Autonomous cars race narrows on doubts about clear path to profit

FRANKFURT - BMW and Daimler, the world’s top luxury carmakers, have announced alliances with suppliers, talking up the virtues of having a bigger pool of engineers to develop a self-driving car.

But another motive behind these deals, executives and industry experts told Reuters, is a concern that robocars may not live up to the profit expectations that drove an initial investment rush.

Carmakers are increasingly looking to forego outright ownership of future autonomous driving systems in favour of spreading the investment burden and risk.

The trend represents a clear shift in strategy from little more than a year ago when most automakers were pursuing standalone strategies focussed on tackling the engineering challenge of developing a self-driving car, rather than on the business case.

“Although it is a substantial market, it may not be worth the scale of investments currently being sunk into it,” said a board member at one of the German carmakers, who declined to be identified because the matter is confidential.

Dozens of companies - including carmakers and tech firms like Google and Uber - are vying for a market which, according to consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, will only make up about 10 to 15 percent of vehicles in Europe by 2030. There are sure to be losers.

“It’s impossible for me to believe there will be 50 successful autonomous vehicle software producers,” said John Hoffecker, global vice chairman of Michigan-based consulting firm AlixPartners.

In July last year, BMW became the first major carmaker to abandon its solo development of self-driving cars in favour of teaming up with chipmaker Intel and camera and software manufacturer Mobileye to build a platform for autonomous cars technology by 2021.

The decision followed a trip by senior executives to visit startups and suppliers to gauge BMW’s competitive position.

“Sitting at other companies, one rattles off the technological challenges and safety aspects, and you come to realise that many of us are swimming in the same sludge,” Klaus Buettner, BMW’s vice president autonomous driving projects, told Reuters.

“Everybody is investing billions. Our view was that it makes sense to club together to develop some core systems as a platform.”

Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz has since combined efforts with supplier Bosch, three months ago, while Japanese carmaker Honda has said it is open to alliances in the area of autonomous cars.

Even deep-pocketed tech companies are teaming up. San Francisco-based transport app operator Lyft and Alphabet Inc’s self-driving car unit Waymo pooled their resources in May. (rtr)

REUTERS/Paul Hanna/File Photo

(L-R) Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E Holding, Denis Sverdlov, CEO of Roborace and Charge,and Daniel Simon, Chief Design Officer of Roborace and Charge, stand on the stage after unveiling Roborace’s self-driving racing car during Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, February 27, 2017.

International

Bali News

International

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

3

Many horticultural farmers still lack of information REUTERS/Jason Reed/File Photo

A cigarette burns as an office worker takes a break in Sydney, Australia, May 11, 2017.

Tiny biotech firm offers Big Tobacco model to curb its nicotine habit LONDON - Investors are betting on a little-known biotech company to supply Big Tobacco with low-nicotine cigarettes, but so far its technology is unproven.

Shares in New York-based 22nd Century Group have soared 80 percent to a three-year high since late last month, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration proposed cutting the nicotine levels in cigarettes so they aren’t so addictive.

Investors’ hopes are pinned on 22nd Century’s technology becoming widespread, although none of the big tobacco makers has bought it yet.

The plant biotechnology company says it has more than 200 patents that give it the ability to increase or decrease the level of nicotine in tobacco plants, as well as the level of cannabinoids in cannabis plants.

“We genetically modify the tobacco. We’ve been working on this for 20 years,” Henry Sicignano, chief executive of 22nd Century, told Reuters.

Sicignano, who helped to develop Natural American Spirit cigarettes before the brand was bought

by RJ Reynolds in 2002, said the aim was to reduce the harm caused by smoking. By making cigarettes less addictive, people would smoke when they want to rather than when they need to, and would probably smoke less.

That is the logic behind the FDA announcement suggesting regulating nicotine and encouraging smokers to switch to alternatives seen as less harmful, such as e-cigarettes.

Sicignano said 22nd Century can make cigarettes with 95 to 97 percent less nicotine than conventional cigarettes, which have about 10 mg of nicotine each. It is the only company with tobacco that can be below the threshold of what health regulators say they believe to be non-addictive, he added.

A top-10 shareholder of 22nd Century said major cigarette firms would have to turn to it if the FDA’s proposal becomes reality. “If Big Tobacco doesn’t want their market to go to zero overnight, they’re going to have to work with someone

who has a low-nicotine tobacco leaf,” he said.

While the long-term market for low-nicotine cigarettes is highly uncertain, given that they are designed to be easier to quit, he said it would take years for all smokers to quit. “For a tiny company there’s a huge opportunity.”

22nd Century has roughly 80 employees and annual revenue of about $16 million, a portion of which is from regulators such as the FDA using its tobacco to run clinical trials. So far it has got orders for over 24 million cigarettes for this purpose, with at least 25 such trials underway.

It sells some low-nicotine cigarettes in Spain and does contract manufacturing of regular cigarettes “to keep the lights on”.

British American Tobacco, the world’s biggest international tobacco company, has been assessing the opportunity for tobacco with altered levels of nicotine. It has a four-year research agreement with 22nd Century worth up to $14 million that gives it the right to enter into an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with the company.

Sicignano said he expected BAT to enter into a commercial agreement, and noted that any such deal would not prevent 22nd Century from selling its own products - finished cigarettes or tobacco leaves - to rivals such as Altria, Japan Tobacco International or Imperial Brands.

A BAT spokeswoman said the agreement was part of its research and development programme on nicotine levels. She declined to comment on whether BAT planned to exercise its licensing right.

Like many start-ups, until the deals are signed, 22nd Century is struggling to make money.

“We’re not a profitable company. It’s certainly important for us to be able to achieve regulatory acceptance either here or in the EU or perhaps in Asia,” Sicignano said.

“We’re working on all these fronts, so that we can bring these important products to market and be a profitable company.” (rtr)

DENPASAR — Horticultural commodities produced by Balinese farmers such as fruits, vegetables and flowers actually have their own advantages. However, the commodities have not been able to penetrate tourism sector such as hotels and restaurants. One of the reasons causing this problem to happen is that many horticultural farmers still have no information regarding what the tourism sector needs.

“We often see a gap between farmers and the market, let alone are farmers in the rural areas away from tourism areas. We lack of information regarding what the hotels need,” said Chairman of the Association of Horticulture Business Players (Aspehorti) Bali, I Wayan Sugianta, in Denpasar, on Sunday (Aug. 6).

According to Sugianta, horticultural farmers do not get much information about what plants to grow. Often they follow others to plant the same commodities becoming a trend. As a result, there is over production during harvest time so that farmers do not get a decent price.

“And when talking about quality, the products of Balinese farmers are not inferior. However, in general their quantity and continuity are not maintained. When over supply or over production occurs, they will get overwhelmed,” he explained.

Sugianta hoped the presence of the Aspehorti initiated by the Bali food crop, horticulture and plantation agency can bridge farmers with the market. It includes the cultivation and planting arrangements to create continuity of the horticultural products. In the meantime, regarding the excessive production, it will be attempted by entrepreneurs to overcome with export solutions as well as post-harvest processing

solutions.

“From long time ago, we want a kind of factory but it can flexibly process some types of fruit because the factory also often goes bankrupt. It does not operate when in need of raw materials as farmers cannot supply. Capacity of the factory can be adjusted to some types of fruit. This will very much help farmers in post-harvest,” he said.

Head of the Bali Food Crop, Horticulture and Plantation Agency, Ida Bagus Wisnuardhana, said there are many obstacles faced by horticulture farmers starting from price drop during massive harvest, less competitive product against those from outside Bali and overseas and selection of less economical to plant.

“Since this Bali is small, we must cultivate horticulture having high economic values. Indeed, we have owned superior fruits such as mangosteen, tangerine, snakefruit, mango, durian, dragon fruit and others. Our flowers and vegetables are also a lot because our climate is good,” he said.

To overcome the existing constraints, Wisnu claimed to have a program by first classifying the preeminence of each district. Thus, the process of coaching becomes more focused to increase the added value of farmers. However, the agency cannot do it alone so that it needs coordination through Aspehorti considering this newly-established organization on April 27, 2017 consists of farmers, entrepreneurs, merchants and marketers.

“Through coordination, we can know about the conditions in the field so that we can improve the quality and quantity of horticulture.

We are ready to compete, including realizing the synergy of agriculture and tourism, so that our horticulture can be absorbed at hotel,” he explained. (kmb32)

IBP/kmb40

The sweet taste with crispy texture makes this snack always get a place in the hearts of traditional snack lovers.

Jaja gipang still exists

Production constrained by weather condition

BANGLI — Jaja gipang is one of the traditional snacks remaining to exist up to these days. The sweet taste with crispy texture makes this snack always get a place in the hearts of traditional snack lovers.

IBP/kmb

Many horticultural farmers still have no information regarding what the tourism sector needs.

Wayan Renyih, one of jaja gipang makers at Tiga Kawan hamlet, Penglumbaran, Susut, admitted that the enthusiasts of jaja gipang still exist until today. It is classified into traditional snacks and usually made or purchased by society to be used as oblation paraphernalia. “The demand is still a lot,” she said when met at her home, on Sunday (Aug. 5).

This mother of four children explained the main ingredient used to make jaja gipang is glutinous rice and sugar. The making is relatively easy. The washed sticky rice is steamed until cooked. After that, the cooked sticky rice is washed again and then dried. Drying process takes up to a full day if the weather is sunny.

Once dry, the sticky rice is then fried until tender.

Having been mixed with liquid sugar, the glu-

tinous fried rice is then stirred until evenly spread and finally molded. Molding tool used by Renyih is quite simple in the form of zinc circle. The mixture of fried sticky rice and liquid sugar is then fed into the mold and formed in such a way. After that, the mold is dried in the sun. Renyih admitted that if the weather is not friendly, the homemade jaja gipang is dried by air on the stove.

In a day, she can spend 10-15 kilogram of sticky rice to make jaja gipang. Ten kilograms of sticky rice can be processed into 40 to 50 pieces of large-sized jaja gipang. All this time, the homemade jaja gipang is sold to traditional markets at a price of IDR 10,000IDR 12,000 per piece.

Renyih, having been in the business of making jaja gipang since she was young, admitted that she does not encounter any significant obstacles. Usually, the production of jaja gipang will not be able to run optimally during rainy weather. “In the current weather condition, it is rather difficult to make it because of getting difficulty to dry out,” she added. (kmb40)

4

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Bali News

International

Sacred Monkey Forest and I Ketut Budiana: new entrances to old worlds

MONKEYS, known as the sacred guardians of the forest in Bali, are not the only creatures who inhabit Wenara Wara.

Sacred Monkey Forest as it is known, is also home to numerous other creatures, some of whom are depicted in the sculpted works of renown artist sculptor and life artist I Ketut Budiana who graciously agreed to show me around this enchanted world where he grew up.

A new entrance way is being built to accommodate the growing number of tourists who are drawn to this forest and its creatures. and Mr. Budiana is in charge of decorating the new entrance. But I soon realised that -as with all of his works, Mr. Budiana is not so much decorating or even designing a monumental art work, but is in fact inviting people to experience a deeper layer of being using a the 3-dimensional language of architecture.

Long before Monkey Forest became a tourist attraction, it was the backyard of the local cemetery and the playground of Durga and her creatures. In Bali she is known as Rangda and as Mr. Budiana explained, when he was a kid, few people dared to visit this place -except for during ceremonies, as the forest was known for the daunting energy of both its visible and invisible creatures. As a child, Ketut was curious and brave and came to know many of these creatures which he eventually rendered into the sculptures we see today.

Mr. Budiana greeted me in front of one of the new sculptures that he is working on, a robust and beautiful women dressed in garb fit for a deity with large nipples that are intended to become small fountains. The concept is still awaiting approval from the Customary Village who runs this attractions. “After all it is from woman that all life emerges, I don’t see why this should be a problem”, he said matter-of-factly. I was instantly charmed by his candour and slightly mischievous smile.

As we came to the mouth of the new entrance way of the forest, we were met by a priest dressed all in white standing next to a big block. Mr. Budiana explained that a linga-yoni fountain would sit atop this block, so that visitors could sprinkle themselves with holy water, as is the custom when entering a temple.

There are certain protocol that are called for when visiting any temple in Bali, which are designed both to protect the visitor and to maintain the harmony of these sacred places. Perhaps the most important is to come with a clear heart and good thoughts and to ask permission to enter, but also

includes wearing certain types of clothing and not bleeding in anyway. Monkey Forest itself is not a temple, but this linga-yoni fountain invites visitors to aknowledge the sanctity of the forest nonetheless.

The invitation to look deeply into ourselves is made even more palpable by the design of the entrance itself. As we descended the walk way lined with Balinese style bas reliefs depicting monkeys holding cell phones and other humorous images, we approached a dark cave.

The walls of the cave-like entrance way are still being worked on, so the area was brightly lit, but Mr. Budiana ran ahead to turn off the lights, explaining that is important to have the feeling of entering a dark damp place, the inner most sanctum from where all life is born.

The cave-like passageway curves slightly, so that when we reach its centre we can see neither the entrance nor the exit. Here we are architecturally invited to become still, look deeply within ourselves and connect with the source of creation.

The walls had chalk drawings of Balinese mythological beings and Hindu deities that will be rendered into bas-reliefs in the coming months and the floor had various buckets and planks scattered about. But, for a moment I was nonetheless truly transported into the mythological/prehistoric past and back further still to a place beyond time and space.

The artist and designer explained that small lights would line the floor of the cave tunnel. I could not help but protest that the floor was flat enough that no lights were needed, that the intended experience of this entranceway would best be served by having visitor plunged in darkness even if only for a brief moment. He just nodded and smiled agreeably.

As we left the cave our eyes were greeted with streams of light dappling through the lush greenery.

Turning back towards the caveentrance, Mr.Budiana pointed out two small enclaves set into the cliff on either side of the entrance that would soon have sculptures of figures seated in meditation added to them.

We then came upon two giant banyan trees honored with check-

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

International

13

China says willing to pay the price for new N.Korea sanctions

BEIJING - China will pay the biggest price from the new United Nations sanctions against North Korea because of its close economic relationship with the country, but will always enforce the resolutions, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.

ered cloth around their trunks. As I stopped and looked around, he said: “yes that is the cemetery up there”.

We continued past a group of tourists taking pictures of mother and child monkeys sitting atop one of nature’s own sculptures and came to a monumental statue of Rangda at a fork in the path. Her large nipples are a different color than the rest of the sculpture and Mr. Budiana just said: “apparently some people complained about the fountain, so I covered them with cement”.

Her head was covered in a cloth rendered in stone and when I asked why her face was covered he explained: “You see the path to the left? It leads up to the temple where she resides. On certain occasions she is brought to the cemetery over there in a ritual procession.

Her eyes are so powerful that anyone who gazes upon them would become struck with fear, so her head remains covered in a white cloth until everyone arrives at the cemetery for the ceremony. There, people are prepared to so the cloth is removed”.

We took the path to the right that is lined with what looks like a fat winding stone railing. Along this ‘railing’ are all sorts of creatures, some of them recognizable as forest animals, others less so. “These are all creatures that live in the forest.

Some of them I have seen myself, while others were described to me. You see this one here, I gave her the same features as that tree

behind her”, he said adding that all of these sculptures are made of materials that allow moss to grow on them so that they blend in with their surroundings.

Following the fat snaking railing that lines the pathway, we found ourselves in front of the temple, where throngs of tourists were feeding the monkeys. “Rangda resides up there, and her power extends throughout the forest. Woman is the source of life, you see, and her power snakes through the forest emerging in different forms” he explained.

In one of the trees by the steep ravine below, two male monkeys were shrieking and jumping wildly expressing their fierce wildness.

A few tourists gathered looking on, recogninsing this palpable raw power.

Right in front of this tree, the long snaking ‘railing’ reveals itself as a serpent or dragon. Just opposite the temple entrance its head interlocks with the head of another serpent coming from the other direction. ““You see how these two serpents or dragons come together here? This represents the power of coming together”, explained the charming artist. “Like as in a couple- a man and woman?” I asked. “No, no it doesn’t have to be a couple it can be any two forces coming together, and this connection makes them both stronger, you see”, he said beaming as if happy to remember and to remind others of the power of unity.

We then entered the temple so

that Mr. Budiana could show me the first barong that he had sculpted back in 1974 as a form of ngayah or devotional service (as with all his art works in the forest). The young lady who accompanied us, however quickly became nauseous and then fell into a kind of trance, making strange sounds and gesturing wildly. Mr. Budiana calmly waited for the storm to pass and gave her some water. Having come back to her sense, we casually continued on to the art gallery that is found just in front of the temple, below the large gazebo.

This art gallery has regular exhibitions featuring the works of the many talented artists from Ubud and surrounding areas. As a respected artist and senior figure in his community, Mr. Budiana is the curator and the current and rather extensive exhibition features art works of the ‘Young Artist’ style, popularized by visiting artist Arie Shmidt in the 1960’s.

Elderly artist Ngurah Gede greeted us and showed me a photo of his artworks featured in National Geographic with a photo of him as dashing young man. He joked that visitors might be confused when they come to see the ‘Young Artist’ exhibition and find this old man instead. He also pointed out his wife’s art works that are part of the current exhibition. These impressionist style paintings he explained sell a lot better than his own more illustrative style paintings. Maybe Randa’s powers are at work here too, I thought.(kmb)

The United Nations Security Council unanimously imposed new sanctions on North Korea on Saturday that could slash its $3 billion annual export revenue by a third.

Speaking at a regional security forum in Manila on Monday, Wang said the new resolution showed China and the international community’s opposition to North Korea’s continued missile tests, the foreign ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Owing to China’s traditional economic ties with North Korea, it will mainly be China paying the price for implementing the resolution,” the statement cited Wang as saying.

“But in order to protect the international non-proliferation system and regional peace and stability, China will as before fully and strictly properly implement the entire contents of the relevant resolution.”

China has repeatedly said it is committed to enforcing increasingly tough U.N. resolutions on North Korea, though it has also said what it terms “normal” trade and ordinary North Koreans should not be affected.

The latest U.N. resolution bans North Korean exports of coal, iron, iron ore, lead, lead

ore and seafood. It also prohibits countries from increasing the numbers of North Korean labourers currently working abroad, bans new joint ventures with North Korea and any new investment in current joint ventures.

DOOR TO DISCUSSIONS? Wang said that apart from the new sanctions, the resolution also made clear that the six party talks process, a stalled dialogue mechanism with North Korea that also includes Russia and Japan, should be restarted.

China appreciated comments earlier this month by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson that the United States does not seek to topple the North Korean government and would like dialogue with Pyongyang at some point, Wang added.

The United States does not seek regime change, the collapse of the regime, an accelerated reunification of the peninsula or an excuse to send the U.S. military into North Korea, Tillerson said.

Wang said Tillerson’s “Four Nos” promise was a positive signal.

China “hopes North Korea can echo this signal from the United States”, Wang added.

KCNA via REUTERS/File Photo

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reacts during the long-range strategic ballistic rocket Hwasong-12 (Mars-12) test launch in this undated photo released by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on May 15, 2017.

Speaking at the same forum on Monday, Tillerson held a door open for dialogue with North Korea saying Washington was willing to talk to Pyongyang if it halted a series of recent missile test launches.

North Korea said the latest sanctions infringed its sovereignty and it was ready to give

Washington a “severe lesson” with its strategic nuclear force in response to any U.S. military action.

The successful testing of two intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) last month suggested the reclusive North was making technical progress, Japan’s annual Defence White Paper

warned.

“Since last year, when it forcibly implemented two nuclear tests and more than 20 ballistic missile launches, the security threats have entered a new stage,” the Japanese Defence Ministry said in the 563-page document released on Tuesday. (rtr)

Australia seeks to resolve gay marriage debate this year

Daniel Munoz

Gay rights activists hold a rainbow flag during a rally to support same-sex marriage in central Sydney August 11, 2012.

MELBOURNE - Australia will vote in November on whether to allow same-sex marriage, settling a long-stalled debate by the end of this year, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Tuesday.

The conservative government decided on Monday to hold a non-compulsory postal vote on whether to allow same-sex couples to marry, if a second attempt to win parliamentary support for a compulsory national ballot fails.

If, as expected, the government does not win support for a compulsory ballot, which it would hold on Nov. 25, then it will send out postal ballots in September, seeking an outcome by Nov. 15, Finance Minister Mathias Cor-

mann said.

Same-sex marriage is supported by 61 percent of Australians, a 2016 Gallup opinion poll showed, but the issue has fractured the government and damaged Turnbull’s standing with voters.

If the population votes in favour of allowing gay marriage, then the government plans to introduce legislation in the final two weeks of parliament’s sitting this year to carry that out.

“We’ve been very clear about this: we will facilitate a private members’ bill to change the law in respect to same-sex marriage so same-sex couples can be married if there’s a ‘yes’ vote, and if it is a ‘no’ vote we won’t,” Turnbull told reporters in Canberra.

Same sex-marriage advocates,

who would prefer a conscience vote on the issue in parliament, have threatened to launch a court challenge against using a postal vote as the basis to change a law.

But Cormann, in his role as finance minister, said he has the power to ask the Australian Bureau of Statistics to run a “survey” of the population’s view on allowing gay marriage, and under the constitution the government could make laws based on those statistics.

He said there was precedent for asking the public for its opinion on a policy issue, pointing to a survey carried out by phone in 1974 which led to Australia changing its national anthem. (rtr)

12

International

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Bali News

International

BUSINESS

“What we’re seeing now is the emergence of technologies which are likely to mean that there will be less market for simple industrial manufacturers in poor countries because of automation,” the institute’s director Andrew Norton told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone.

The report, which examines the impact of automation on work in the global South, warned that it could have “a sharply negative impact on gender equality”. Norton, the report’s author, said sectors “in the frontline of the next wave of automation” included call centres which have provided a large number of jobs for women in some countries.

But the institute said problems could be avoided if governments refocused their economic and social policies to make them more sustainable. The report said it was vital for governments to invest in developing education systems

that ensure people have the skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving labour market.

Support to smallholder farmers was also important so that they could benefit from changing technology. Countries with natural resources should invest in sustainable development, it said, citing the example of Costa Rica which has promoted forest regeneration and reaped rewards from investing in sustainable tourism and hydropower.

The increasing “global gig economy” also offers opportunities, enabling workers anywhere in the world with good internet access to bid for work on digital platforms in areas such as translation, graphic design and accountancy.

Such global digital labour platforms are growing in volume of business at 2.5 percent per year, the report found. “Clearly, millions of people in developing

Bandrang, Umbul-umbul and Kober, Symbols of Majesty and Strength

IBP/kmb

IBP/rtr

If southern Bali has been known to have the tradition of kite playing with the highlight in terms of aesthetic (art), Buleleng has a traditional game having developed since 1970. The culture is known as kite fighting game or commonly referred to as mekorot. Aside from competing kites in the air, the kite enthusiasts also apply strategies and techniques so as to win the game. Since first appearing, the kite hobbyists are playing a kite by putting it into competition. No wonder the game takes place with tight competition and implements strategies in order to defeat their opponents.

Made Suitama, one of the hobbyists and experts of typical kite players of Buleleng said that since the appearance in 1970 he was taught by parents to get involved in kite fighting. At that time, the supplies mainly the thread is not like it is today. He had to prepare in advance the thread coated with shatter of glass. To have sharpness to cut off the kite thread of the opponent, other than preparing the thread, the making of the kites also apply a specific technique in order to move swiftly. Ultimately, it will be easier to attack the opponents.

In his journey the typical kite playing of Buleleng, added Suitama, originally had no standard rules in the kite fighting. From 1980 until the establishment of the Association of Buleleng Kite Sport (PORLAB) 2006, it was then created a rule by the kite hobbyists in North Bali. These standard rules regarding the size matter of the kite itself. (kmb)

For members of the Balinese Hindu community, religious ceremonies are inseparable form wht is known to many as art. The unique artistic values of Balinese Hindu rituals are also sometimes performed as a cultural attraction. Everything from the dances, pslamodies and even ritual paraphernalia are embed with aesthetic beauty of great meaning and value.

countries can be expected to turn to outsourced work as internet access (covering more than 40 per cent of the world’s population in 2017) continues to grow,” it said.

Technology can also play a vital role in strengthening infra-

structure, Norton said, pointing to Kenya’s cellphone-based money transfer service M-PESA - now used by more than two-thirds of the country’s adult population.

“Automation and other technological developments are both a warning and present opportuni-

ties. Now is the time for governments and businesses to act,” he said in a statement. “They need to make sure that the men and women whose livelihoods are threatened by this change have the means to adjust and adapt.” (rtr)

Cuba says private sector freeze will not last years

Despite being all the rage, the Cuban economy is still locked in a cage

5

Typical Kite Fighting of Buleleng

Developing countries urged to act now to prevent technology exacerbating poverty YAOUNDE - Governments and businesses in developing countries must act now to ensure rapid technological advances boost rather than hinder development, a think-tank said on Tuesday, warning that growing automation posed a particular threat to women’s jobs. Increasing automation in industries risks leaving large numbers unemployed and widening inequality gaps, especially in the global South, the London-based International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) said in a report.

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

HAVANA - The Cuban government said on Monday the freeze on new licenses for some privatesector occupations would not last years, in an attempt to reassure citizens worried about an apparent pause in the liberalization of the economy. Communist-run Cuba last week said it was suspending issuing licenses for popular activities like renting out rooms in homes while it took new measures to “perfect” the functioning of the nascent private sector and curb wrongdoing.

“We are not talking about a very long period of time. We are not talking about years,” Labor Vice Minister Marta Elena Feitó said in an interview aired on state-

run television. “We are talking about a normal work procedure to approve these norms.” Feitó said around 1,600 applications for licenses for affected occupations filed before the freeze was announced would be processed.

The number of self-employed on the island has more than tripled to 567,982 since President Raul Castro in 2010 launched his plan to open up the centrally planned economy to more private initiative and market forces.

For many Cubans, self-employment or work at cooperatives offers an opportunity to earn more than the average state wage of $30 per month. The Cuban government legalized nonagricultural

cooperatives five years ago.

Worries that the government is reneging on its reform plan were exacerbated on Friday when one fast-growing cooperative said it had been ordered to shut down.

Scenius, which provides accounting and business consultancy services mainly to state companies, said the order came after the finance ministry complained it was offering skills outside its official remit. Scenius General Director Alfonso Larrea denounced the order on his Facebook page for destroying the “faith of 300 cooperativists ... and thousands of Cubans who believed it was possile to dream.” (rtr)

Objects such as banners, kober and bandrang (spears) that are used in temple ceremonies also contain great meaning and value. Apart from their decorative aspects, these banners also have spiritual meaning and provide protection.

Balinese humanist, and former rector of ISI Denpsar (1981-1997), Prof. Dr. I Made Bandem, explains that these ritual paraphernalia are important in religious processions like ngunya, ngelawang (gallivanting street show) and melasti and are used in accordance with time, place and circumstance as well as the scale of the ritual, whether large, medium or small.

He added that in the past these objects were the property of kingdoms and were used to show or display the majesty of a kingdom.

In modern times such paraphernalia are used when escorting the deities.

Indirectly, they contains meaningful philosophy related to showing off

the beauty, greatness and grandeur of the deities that are venerated by the community.

“All ritual paraphernalia including the bandrang (spears), banners, kober (flags) and so forth are believed to serve as both phyical and spiritual protectors. The use of these objects is also related to the Balinese Hindu community’s respect for local venerated deities”, explained Prof. Bandem.

While serving as a means to show respect for the deities, these ojects are also based on the values of Hindu philosophy. Dr. I Gusti Made Ngurah, Chairman of the Sabha Budaya Hindu Bali Foundation said that in the Purana and Itihasa scriptures bandrang are mentioned as being an ordinary spear embellished with feathers symbolizing the power of Lord Brahma, while banners symbolize the power of Lord Vishnu and kober -especially when they bear the image of Hanuman Maruti (son of Lord Bayu) symbolize strength. Due

to the forces of such symbols, they are used in combinations with hope of producing balance.

Ngurah added that the use of kober with the image of Dewata Nawa Sanga (gods of the nine directions) has become a necessity for the Hindu community of Bali and represents something about the arrival of Hindu religious teachings to Bali. This symbol also represents the the concept of Sarwa Dewata or Sarwa Samudaya which translates as something like ‘the god amounting to more than one’. The nine gods represented in the Dewata Nawa Sanga are each equipped with their own are each equipped with their own weapons as manifestations for their receptive powers.

“The use of bandrang, banners, kober and so on are important for their philosophical meanings but also as a sign that a ritual is being held in a particular location” added Gusti Made Ngurah. (kmb)

IBP/kmb

Jaje Lempog, a Cheap Dish with Rich Taste Have you ever try Lempog? It is one of Balinese traditional food is reraly found in the stores and supermaket. Lempog is usually being sold in thetraditional market or small stores in the village. It is understandable because it is not an exclusive dish, lempog is usualy being enjoyed by the farmers.

Lempog is a cheap dish because it is using a simple material such as Balinese sugar and cassava. The food is great to accompany us in drinkingtea or coffee. In Java, Lempog is also known as Getuk. Before, Lempog is not only enjoyed by farmers but also served on Hindus ceremonies such as wedding and Ngaben.

Not only that, when the locals work together in building house or a kitchen, Lempog always becomea snack, just like when the farmer work in the field. In addition to use very easy materials, the process of making it is also very simple.

It doesn’t need a big machine or factory. Everything can be done at

home. To make it, first the cassava must be pealed and cut into smaller pieces and then boiled. The red sugar chopped into smaller pieces so it can dissolved with the cassava. The sugar can also bolied along with the cassava to make a better taste.

After finish, the cassava is crushed using traditional tool called

Luhu which is a big stick made from wood. During the process, the sugar is put so it can blend perfectly. Salt is also added in the process. After it is smooth enough, the dough is cut into small pieces and ready to be served. In serving Lempog, coconut which is already puured on top of it.

Enjoy (kmb)

6

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

W

International

RLD

Specter of coup, surge in violence haunt Venezuela

CARACAS - Venezuela appears to be sliding toward a more volatile stage of unrest after anti-government forces looted weapons during a weekend raid on a military base and frustration over what some see as an ineffectual opposition leadership boils over.

Last week’s installation of an all-powerful new legislative body run by leftist President Nicolas Maduro’s Socialist Party loyalists, despite massive protests and a global outcry, has left many Venezuelans feeling there are no more democratic options to oppose the government.

That sentiment may have helped trigger Sunday’s raid on a military base near the city of Valencia by soldiers and armed civilians, in which the government said two people were killed. Venezuelan authorities say they are hunting 10 of the attackers who escaped with a cache of weapons.

In a pre-taped video, the group of more than a dozen men in military-style uniforms said they were seeking to restore constitutional order and called for Maduro to step aside in favor of a transitional government.

The raid has raised the specter of a coup or a surge in already serious levels of violence in the country of 30 million as its slides further into an economic crisis and chaos.

Even before Sunday’s attack, Maduro’s consolida-

tion of power had left many protesters disappointed with what they see as a quarrelsome and self-interested opposition coalition.

More than 120 people have been killed and thousands arrested in four months of unrest that failed to prevent last month’s elections to the new constituent assembly.

Many hardliners felt betrayed as their leaders appeared to hesitate on strategy and postponed protests last week. The coalition’s many political parties have also diverged over whether to take part in gubernatorial elections in December, especially after widespread accusations of fraud in the constituent assembly election.

For the hooded youths who block roads with iron metal sheets and debris - forming the militant fringe of an otherwise broadly peaceful protest movement - the fragmented opposition leadership is already history.

“We have to stop believing in the opposition coalition. We can only believe in ourselves,” said a young man from the Andean state of Tachira, who quit university to move to Caracas and join the protests, The 20-year-old, whose face was covered with a T-shirt as he brandished a homemade petrol bomb, declined to give his name for fear of reprisal. A new public prosecutor, named by the constituent assembly in its first session on Saturday, has pledged to crack down hard on the demonstrators. (rtr)

REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Bandung plans cooperation with Mexico, Ecuador

Murat Cetinmuhurdar/Presidential Palace/Handout via REUTERS

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a meeting of his ruling AK Party in Rize, Turkey, August 7, 2017. Picture taken August 7, 2017.

Turkey’s Erdogan claims Germany abetting terrorists

Women walk past a portrait of Venezuela’s late President Hugo Chavez in Caracas, Venezuela August 7, 2017.

International

ANKARA - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan accused Germany on Monday of assisting terrorists by not responding to thousands of files sent to Berlin or handing over suspects wanted by Turkish authorities.

“Germany is abetting terrorists,” Erdogan told a conference in the Black Sea province of Rize, in comments likely to further escalate tensions between the two countries.

“We gave (German Chancellor Angela) Merkel 4,500 dossiers, but have not received an answer on a single one of them,” he told members of his ruling AK Party.

“When there is a terrorist, they can tell us to give that person back.

You won’t send the ones you have to us, but can ask us for yours. So you have a judiciary, but we don’t in Turkey?” he said.

In Berlin, a German government source rejected Erdogan’s latest remarks.

“Everything has really been

said about this,” said the source.

“Repeating the same accusations over and over again does not make them any more true.”

Already tense relations deteriorated further last month after Turkey arrested 10 rights activists, including a German, as part of a wider security crackdown.

A Turkish prosecutor has accused them of links to the network of Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara blames for a failed coup in July 2016. The U.S.-based Gulen denies any involvement.

Turkey accuses Germany of sheltering Kurdish and far-leftist militants as well as military officers and other people linked to the abortive coup. Berlin denies the accusations.

Tensions between Berlin and Ankara were already running high after the arrest of a Turkish-German journalist and Turkey’s refusal to allow German lawmakers to visit troops at a Turkish air base. (rtr)

BANDUNG - Bandung Municipal Government would implement cooperation with two Latin American Countries, Mexico and Ecuador, to increase their long list of Sister Cities.

Foreign Cooperation Division Head of Bandung Municipal Secretariat, Bariati Ratna Aju, said the convoy, which was led by Mayor Ridwan Kamil, would first visit Mexico to study the operational system of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

“Bandung wants to understand the road safety system in Mexico City through BRT systems implementation. This system is considered applicable in Bandung,” Bariati said in her press statement received by the reporters on Monday.

She stated that Mexico City was considered one of the city that was successful in implementing BRT. During 2005-2010 period, it reduced the travelling time to around 40 percent each, reducing air pollution and emission to more than 142 thousand tons of CO2 per year.

Other than that, Mexico City has managed to lower traffic accidents rate as much as 40 percent and lower the death of victims by 38 percent. “The mayor was scheduled to be back to

Bandung next week,” she noted.

After studying in Mexico City, the convoy planned to visit Cuenca in Ecuador for a cultural exchange event called “Little Bandung”. Bariati noted that Cuenca offered various cooperation, since both cities have different characteristics such as the number of heritage buildings, creativity, and waste management.

“The Cuencan government has proposed one place where Little Bandung could be held. It might have a Letter of Intent (LoI) signing, which covers cultural, environmental, and commercial economic aspects,” she noted.

Kamil would also attend the invitation for JIDAP, a kind of festival where cultural arts are being exhibited in Cuenca in November this year. If the cooperation between both countries is already done, it would add to the list of sister cities with friendly countries. Among them are Seoul and Suwon in South Korea, Kawasaki; Hanamatsu and Toyota City in Japan; Petaling Jaya in Malaysia; Cotabaco in Philippines; and so on. “Hopefully, the visit to the two South American countries would create good cooperation for Bandung,” she added. (rtr)

11

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, left, greets Foreign Minister of Indonesia Retno Marsudi during a reception for the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM) at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay city, metro Manila, Philippines August 5, 2017.

ASEAN foreign ministers express grave concern over situation in Al-Aqsa REUTERS/Bullit Marquez/Pool

JAKARTA - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers in Manila, Sunday, yielded a joint statement expressing deep concern over the incident around Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem, Palestine, that resulted in loss of lives and injuries. Driven

by Indonesias initiative, the ASEAN foreign ministers have agreed to issue a joint statement called the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Statement on the situation in the Al-Haram Al-Sharif Compound, as quoted by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website on Monday.

The ASEAN ministers highlighted the importance of ensuring freedom to practice ones religion as a basic human right as well as a reflection of respect for religious and cultural diversity. The ASEAN has also called on all parties to exercise restraint and to contribute to maintaining peace, security, and stability as well as to uphold the status quo at the Al-Haram Al-Sharif compound, while the sanctity of Al-Haram Al-Sharif compound, as a holy site for various religions and faiths over the millennia, must be preserved and protected.

Hence, the ASEAN has encouraged the international community to contribute towards ensuring continued peace, security, stability, and freedom of worship in the Al-Haram Al-Sharif compound. The Southeast Asian nations further encouraged the resumption of the peace process between the Israeli and Palestinian sides with a

view to achieving enduring peace through a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in secure and recognized borders.

A final, just, and comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can contribute towards peace and stability in the Middle East region and the world at large, the ASEAN ministers underscored.

Prior to the ASEAN ministers meeting in Manila on Aug 4-8, Indonesian Foreign Minister Marsudi, earlier this month in Istanbul, Turkey, had urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) members to offer international protection to the Al-Aqsa complex to counter Israels violence and restriction against worshiping at the holy site.

The message was conveyed by Minister Marsudi during an Open-Ended Extraordinary Meeting of the OIC Executive Committee at the level of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul, Turkey, on Tuesday. Minister Marsudi affirmed that the incident at the Al-Aqsa Mosque is a reflection of the harsh policies that violate human rights and the impact of Israels ongoing illegal occupation of Palestine.

“The incident that occurred in Al-Aqsa is not the first one, but it is a form of violence and illegal occupation and also acts that violate human rights for which Israel must be held accountable,” she noted.

The meeting in Istanbul also served as a platform to reaffirm the importance of re-launching peace talks that are based on the principle of a two-state solution. The outcome of the meeting is a Final Communique that contains several of Indonesias recommendations. (ant)

10

Destination

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

International

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

International

Hip holds as Kyrgios rolls on at Rogers Cup

Samuh Beach MANGUPURA - Nusa Dua area is famous for its prestigious five-star hotel facilities. This area is really managed professionally by the government of Badung. Other than offering luxurious hotels, this area also has a beach resort that is not less beautiful, namely the Segara Samuh Beach. It is located right behind of Hotel Bali Tropic Resort till Club Med. Visitors often call it by the name of Nusa Dua Beach because the beach lies in Nusa Dua area. Samuh Beach presents nature attraction in the form of beautiful sunrise like that on Sanur Beach area.

This beach is very friendly to children because it has little waves.

Sometimes there are no waves at all, so that many tourists allow their kids to play freely on this beach. If the sea water is receding, we can have a promenade as far as 100 m to the middle of the sea. Seeing the marine animals trapped in the puddles of seawater will add to the sensation of visitors to this Samuh Beach.

Villa House Maid Wanted Immediately Seminyak.Must Speak English,as Villa Guests are English.Motorbike Required 5 hours work/day,6 days/week Requirements:Shopping, Breakfast Preparing Maid Duties. Good Salary.Call 0812-388-3960 or WhatsApp

B.BP.001.08.17.0000479

“Spa Therapist needed in Resort in Raja Ampat.max 30 Year Old,2 Year Experience and Basic English Knowledge Required.Please Send CV to:

From this Segara Samuh Beach, we can see the green Island of Nusa Dharma. On this island, visitors can explore the track on foot or by cycling. For those who like surfing can go in as far as 200 meters from the beach to get suitable waves.

Those who like diving or snorkeling can try it on this beach. There is an underwater park named the Bali Underwater Cultural Park (BUCP) located about 500 meters from the Samuh Beach at a depth of 11 meters from sea level.

BUCP contains a collection of artificial reefs in the form of statues of dancer such as statues of Kecak Dance performance and characters of the Ramayana epic like Rama and Sita. The BUCP is intended to do conservation for the sake of marine biodiversity and Balinese culture. In addition to increasing the value of the arts, the statue also serves as a medium to grow new natural coral, so that the conservation of coral reef will be well preserved.

Other than for the growth of

hr@lotus-hotels.com.

B.BP.001.08.17.0000337

Join us! PT.Clipan Finance Dibuka: Staff Surveyor(CMO) & Supervisor,Umur Max.30Thn, Brpengalaman,Info:081212420396

B.BP.001.08.17.0000102

Management Service company in Sanur Bali is seeking Client Support Administrator,Fluent English,MS Excel,MS Word,Power Point and internet.Mentally strong,Team work and able work to deadlines from instruction.

Email CV to (bhfs@cbn.net.id)

coral reef, this statue also becomes the home to various fish, a new attraction of marine tourism objects as well as tourist destination promotion caring about the preservation of culture and environment. If visitors want to enjoy the beauty of the underwater, the submarine or snorkeling facilities. Fishing boats are available to take to the middle of the sea. They can be rented on Mengiat Beach whose location is not far from the Samuh Beach.

Not far from Segara Samuh Beach, there is a small island named the Peninsula Island which is famous for its water blow object (the waves hits the rocks and create the towering sparks). On this island, there is also jogging track like that in Nusa Dharma Island. Aside from enjoying the beautiful water blow, visitors can also try this track that directly leads to water blow.

The Samuh Beach tourism object has been equipped with spacious parking area, boat rental, bathroom / toilet, resting place and restaurant offering various menus. (kmb)

REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon of Kenya celebrates winning gold.

Kipyegon adds world title to Olympic 1,500m gold LONDON - Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon added the world title to her Olympic gold when she won a superb women’s 1,500 metres final in a white-hot London Stadium atmosphere on Monday, judging her charge to perfection and holding off the field.

B.BP.004.08.17.0000274

Required Immediately Waitress for Seminyak Restaurant must SpeakEnglish.Good Rates of Pay Send CVto reservation@brazilia naussiebbq.com or 081999094140

B.BP.004.08.17.0000551

Place Your Add Here

SPG for silver & accesories.

Good English&experiences.Sanur 08113866371/Kuta:08113866372

It is for Job Vacancy, Property, Selling or Buying

Staff Wanted Web Design Word Press Program Hub:085857217219

Gugiek : 08123840500 / Eka : 081338519538

B.BP.821.08.17.0000087

B.BP.001.08.17.0000449

MONTREAL - Temperamental Australian Nick Kyrgios looked fresh and focused as he blazed to a 6-1 6-2 first round win over Viktor Troicki at the Rogers Cup in Montreal on Monday but warned he was rolling the dice with a hip injury that could flare up at any time.

The wobbly hip that hit Kyrgios’s grasscourt season, with firstround retirements at London’s Queen’s Club and Wimbledon, have followed him into the North American hardcourt season.

But the 16th seed showed no signs of distress in dispatching Troicki after 51 minutes on a sun-kissed centre court. “I’m feeling it all the time,” said Kyrgios. “It’s not something that is just going to heal. I can compete so that’s the most I can do at the moment.”

With his mother watching from the stands, the hot-headed Australian kept his cool against an overmatched opponent who has been struggling with his own injury issues.

Tennis fans never quite know what to expect when Kyrgios steps onto the court.

Will it be the immensely skilled athlete hailed as a future grand slam winner or the pouty, petulant player going through the motions?

On opening day, at least, the fans saw a motivated Kyrgios playing near his best and treating the crowd to a display of power and finesse.

The only lapse in an otherwise dominant effort was Kyrgios’s inability to deliver the knockout punch with the 22-year-old needing seven match points to finish off the 45th ranked Serb.

“I just wanted to come out here and try and get the win,” said Kyrgios. “I’ve been struggling the last couple of months.

“He’s been struggling as well with injuries so all the best to him but I’m just happy to get out here and get a win.”

In later games, Juan Martin del Potro withstood 24 aces from John Isner to knock off the big-serving American 7-5 7-5.

Del Potro, a 2009 finalist at Montreal, broke Isner’s service while tied at 5-5 in both sets to advance.

Isner had been red hot after capturing back-to-back tournaments in July. (rtr)

Please contact

Kipyegon, silver medallist two years ago, took up the running with 600 to go and was stride for stride with in-form Sifan Hassan until the Dutchwoman faded while the Kenyan stayed strong to cross the line in four minutes 2.59 seconds.

Jenny Simpson of the United States, the 30-year-old 2011 champion, also showed great track nous as she slipped up the inside and finished like a teenage sprinter to take second.

South Africa’s 800 metres specialist Caster Semenya also powered through on the line to grab the bronze.

“I knew it would be fast, it is such a quality field,” Kipyegon said. “The best was going to win here. It was always going to be quick and competitive.”

After a relatively low-key

night’s action, the 55,000 crowd roared their encouragement to home hopes Laura Muir and Laura Weightman to create a vibrant atmosphere.

Muir had travelled to Rio de Janeiro with real medal hopes last year after a stellar season but failed to live with the last-lap pace in the Olympic final and finished seventh.

CROWD FRENZY This time she had vowed not to repeat that error and set the pace from the start and, although it was not a particularly punishing one, her positive move sent the crowd into a frenzy.

After a slow second lap, Kipyegon and Hassan, the fastest over the distance in the world this year, took it up with 600 to go as Muir and Simpson stayed in their wake in a thrilling last 300.

But it was the Kenyan who had the superior staying power as she drove through the line for a brilliant win to follow her 2016 triumph at the Olympics in Rio. Hassan, who slipped to fifth, and then Muir, fourth, ran out of gas over the last few metres, allowing Simpson and Semenya, who has barely run a 1,500 in her career but has been unbeatable over two laps, to snatch the minor medals. “My coach has been telling me all day, ‘Be willing to run your guts out and you’ll be great’, so I did exactly what she said,” Simpson said.

“The last 300 metres in particular I ran my guts out and it paid off.

“Having the experience is huge because having the ability to stay calm is so hard. To come out with a medal, I think it was down to keeping my wits about me.” (rtr)

Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Kyrgios of Australia hits a forehand against Viktor Troicki of Serbia (not pictured) during the Rogers Cup tennis tournament at Uniprix Stadium.

8

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Sp rt Ronaldo ready to face United despite long rest - Zidane

Cristiano Ronaldo is as sharp as when he scored twice for Real Madrid in the Champions League final in June and is ready to face Manchester United in the European Super Cup, the Spanish club’s coach Zinedine Zidane said on Monday.

Ronaldo was allowed to report for pre-season training later than his team mates after playing in the Confederations Cup with Portugal and missed the Liga team’s tour of the United States, instead going on a promotional tour of Asia. He returned to full training for the first time on Saturday.

The 32-year-old has not played for Real since the 4-1 win over Juventus in the Champions League final in Cardiff, after which reports emerged from Portugal that he wanted to leave Real after being accused of tax evasion by the Spanish authorities.

Ronaldo, who denied any wrongdoing in a statement released by his agency Gestifute last month, has made no public statement following the original report in Portuguese newspaper Record although Spanish media say he has decided to stay at Real.

Ronaldo was expected to remain in Madrid after joining up late with the squad but Zidane, who on Tuesday will target a sixth trophy as Real coach, said

General view during training

the prolific Portuguese forward had every chance of playing against his former side United.

“What has impressed me the most is that he is in the same condition as in the final and two months ago, that’s what I care about the most and what he cares about,” Zidane told a news conference on Monday ahead of the game in Skopje.

“The fact he has come with us here means a lot, and it means he is ready to play. Tomorrow (Tuesday) we’ll see if he does. Many things have happened and there has been a lot of noise as usual, but he is calm.”

Ronaldo joined United from Sporting aged 18 after impressing in a pre-season friendly and developed into a global star at Old Trafford, winning the Ballon d’Or for the first time in 2008 and collecting three Premier League titles and the Champions League.

He left United to join Real for a then world record fee of 80 million pounds ($104.21 million) in 2009 and has won three Champions League trophies and two Liga titles in the capital as well as becoming the club’s all-time top scorer in 2015.

“He is a very important player for our squad and, regardless of the number of days he’s spent training, it was important that he travelled with us because he has an important role,” said Real captain Sergio Ramos. “Even if he doesn’t play, his presence is important.” (rtr)

REUTERS/Peter Cziborra

9

Thin Chelsea squad must steer clear of injuries, says Cahill

Chelsea captain Gary Cahill says keeping players fit will be crucial in the upcoming season with the Premier League club’s first-team squad looking light on numbers compared to rivals. The match programme for Sunday’s Community Shield at Wembley showed Chelsea listing 17 fewer players than opponents Arsenal.

“The back of the programme was interesting,” said Cahill. “In terms of quality we’ve certainly got that and you just have to hope Gareth Bale during training

REUTERS/Peter Cziborra

Mourinho ready to crank up interest in Bale if winger not in Madrid plans

Jose Mourinho said on Monday he would step up Manchester United’s pursuit of Gareth Bale if the Real Madrid winger was left out of the starting lineup in Tuesday’s European Super Cup between the Red Devils and the Champions League holders.

Bale was once the world’s most expensive player when he joined Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur for 85.5 million pounds ($111 million), although his status in Madrid has fallen due to an injury-ravaged last campaign that saw him miss the starting line-up for the Champions League final win over Juventus.

Bale’s Real future has been further cast into doubt by the club’s reported pursuit of teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe of Monaco, although he is expected to start against United. Mourinho said he would take the Wales international’s absence as an invitation to lure him to Old Trafford.

“If he is not in the club’s plans, that with the arrival of another player would mean he was on his way out. I will try to be waiting for him on the other side and fight with other coaches that would want him on their team,” Mourinho told a news conference ahead of Tuesday’s game in Skopje. “If he’s playing tomorrow, I wouldn’t think of that, it would be because he’s in the coach’s plans and the club’s plans, because he also has the motivation to continue at Real Madrid.”

United have signed striker Rom-

elu Lukaku, midfielder Nemanja Matic and defender Victor Lindelof this summer for a combined 146 million pounds as they seek to mount a Premier League title challenge after finishing sixth last season, and Mourinho has said he would like one more signing.

The Super Cup is the only European trophy Mourinho is yet to win as a coach, having lost the 2003 and 2013 editions while with Porto and Chelsea respectively. United have not lifted the trophy since 1991, and the Portuguese coach said his side were the underdogs to double Champions League holders Real.

“We are going to try but the difference between the Champions League winners and Europa League winners is obvious. There is a big difference of quality but we believe it’s possible,” Mourinho said. The coach also raised concerns about the scorching temperatures in the Macedonian capital, which have led tournament organisers UEFA to permit water breaks during Tuesday’s game.

“I knew the weather was like this and since we got back from the United States. In Madrid they have training sessions with the hot weather so must be more adapted than we are but we have to play and enjoy a special moment,” he said. “It is not often a player has the chance to play a Super Cup unless you are like Madrid and Barcelona winning regular European trophies.” (rtr)

we don’t have too many injuries.”

Chelsea have signed Alvaro Morata, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Willy Caballero and Antonio Rudiger but manager Antonio Conte has suggested he would like to strengthen further.

“The new players that have just come are going to be vitally important for us and the quicker they settle the better but there’s no doubt we have added quality to the team,” said Cahill.

With Chelsea returning to the Champions League, Cahill believes

the current squad will be under pressure to sustain title bids on both domestic and European fronts.

“They’re going to be tested, 100 percent,” he added.

“Rest is going to be important because we’re going to have a lot of games, and we players are in control of the way we prepare ourselves. The other stuff outside of that is none of our business.”

Chelsea kick off their league campaign at home to Burnley on Saturday. (rtr)

Arsenal’s Walcott hails ‘absolute tank’ Kolasinac

Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

Arsenal’s Sead Kolasinac celebrates after winning the FA Community Shield

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott labelled new team mate Sead Kolasinac an “absolute tank”, saying the defender is well equipped to become an instant success in the Premier League. The 24-year-old Kolasinac, who joined Arsenal on a free transfer from Schalke 04, came on as a substitute for the injured Per Mertesacker and scored his first goal for the club as they beat Chelsea in the Community Shield on Sunday.

Walcott said he was impressed by the Bosnian international’s physical attributes and work-ethic during the pre-season preparations. “Sead looks an absolute tank,” Walcott told the British media. “He’s one tough unit to get past and I’m sure his physical attributes are going to be key to us this season. “You can see the power he’s got when he’s got the ball, his pace and everything. It’s beautiful to watch and he’s a great addition to the squad.

“Trust me he’s not easy to get around (in training) -- he’s quite wide as well. He fits perfectly for the Premier League, he’s absolutely perfect.” Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has backed another new signing, Alexandre Lacazette, to shine.

Lacazette, the club’s record signing from Olympique Lyonnais, will face competition for the attacking spots from fellow Frenchman Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez. “(Lacazette) has a different game to Giroud, which I think is good because you need different types of strikers,” Henry, Arsenal’s record goalscorer, told Sky Sports. “He did it in the French league and people might say it’s a different league but, with due respect to Lyon, he’ll also be with better players. I’m backing him to have a good season.

“But that rotation will be key. Sometimes you’ll need Giroud or even (Alexis) Sanchez in the middle and sometimes you’ll need (Danny) Welbeck or Walcott, whoever will have an impact.” Arsenal, who finished fifth in the league last season, host Leicester City in the opening game of their campaign on Friday. (rtr)

Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

Chelsea’s David Luiz clashes heads with Gary Cahill

8

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Sp rt Ronaldo ready to face United despite long rest - Zidane

Cristiano Ronaldo is as sharp as when he scored twice for Real Madrid in the Champions League final in June and is ready to face Manchester United in the European Super Cup, the Spanish club’s coach Zinedine Zidane said on Monday.

Ronaldo was allowed to report for pre-season training later than his team mates after playing in the Confederations Cup with Portugal and missed the Liga team’s tour of the United States, instead going on a promotional tour of Asia. He returned to full training for the first time on Saturday.

The 32-year-old has not played for Real since the 4-1 win over Juventus in the Champions League final in Cardiff, after which reports emerged from Portugal that he wanted to leave Real after being accused of tax evasion by the Spanish authorities.

Ronaldo, who denied any wrongdoing in a statement released by his agency Gestifute last month, has made no public statement following the original report in Portuguese newspaper Record although Spanish media say he has decided to stay at Real.

Ronaldo was expected to remain in Madrid after joining up late with the squad but Zidane, who on Tuesday will target a sixth trophy as Real coach, said

General view during training

the prolific Portuguese forward had every chance of playing against his former side United.

“What has impressed me the most is that he is in the same condition as in the final and two months ago, that’s what I care about the most and what he cares about,” Zidane told a news conference on Monday ahead of the game in Skopje.

“The fact he has come with us here means a lot, and it means he is ready to play. Tomorrow (Tuesday) we’ll see if he does. Many things have happened and there has been a lot of noise as usual, but he is calm.”

Ronaldo joined United from Sporting aged 18 after impressing in a pre-season friendly and developed into a global star at Old Trafford, winning the Ballon d’Or for the first time in 2008 and collecting three Premier League titles and the Champions League.

He left United to join Real for a then world record fee of 80 million pounds ($104.21 million) in 2009 and has won three Champions League trophies and two Liga titles in the capital as well as becoming the club’s all-time top scorer in 2015.

“He is a very important player for our squad and, regardless of the number of days he’s spent training, it was important that he travelled with us because he has an important role,” said Real captain Sergio Ramos. “Even if he doesn’t play, his presence is important.” (rtr)

REUTERS/Peter Cziborra

9

Thin Chelsea squad must steer clear of injuries, says Cahill

Chelsea captain Gary Cahill says keeping players fit will be crucial in the upcoming season with the Premier League club’s first-team squad looking light on numbers compared to rivals. The match programme for Sunday’s Community Shield at Wembley showed Chelsea listing 17 fewer players than opponents Arsenal.

“The back of the programme was interesting,” said Cahill. “In terms of quality we’ve certainly got that and you just have to hope Gareth Bale during training

REUTERS/Peter Cziborra

Mourinho ready to crank up interest in Bale if winger not in Madrid plans

Jose Mourinho said on Monday he would step up Manchester United’s pursuit of Gareth Bale if the Real Madrid winger was left out of the starting lineup in Tuesday’s European Super Cup between the Red Devils and the Champions League holders.

Bale was once the world’s most expensive player when he joined Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur for 85.5 million pounds ($111 million), although his status in Madrid has fallen due to an injury-ravaged last campaign that saw him miss the starting line-up for the Champions League final win over Juventus.

Bale’s Real future has been further cast into doubt by the club’s reported pursuit of teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe of Monaco, although he is expected to start against United. Mourinho said he would take the Wales international’s absence as an invitation to lure him to Old Trafford.

“If he is not in the club’s plans, that with the arrival of another player would mean he was on his way out. I will try to be waiting for him on the other side and fight with other coaches that would want him on their team,” Mourinho told a news conference ahead of Tuesday’s game in Skopje. “If he’s playing tomorrow, I wouldn’t think of that, it would be because he’s in the coach’s plans and the club’s plans, because he also has the motivation to continue at Real Madrid.”

United have signed striker Rom-

elu Lukaku, midfielder Nemanja Matic and defender Victor Lindelof this summer for a combined 146 million pounds as they seek to mount a Premier League title challenge after finishing sixth last season, and Mourinho has said he would like one more signing.

The Super Cup is the only European trophy Mourinho is yet to win as a coach, having lost the 2003 and 2013 editions while with Porto and Chelsea respectively. United have not lifted the trophy since 1991, and the Portuguese coach said his side were the underdogs to double Champions League holders Real.

“We are going to try but the difference between the Champions League winners and Europa League winners is obvious. There is a big difference of quality but we believe it’s possible,” Mourinho said. The coach also raised concerns about the scorching temperatures in the Macedonian capital, which have led tournament organisers UEFA to permit water breaks during Tuesday’s game.

“I knew the weather was like this and since we got back from the United States. In Madrid they have training sessions with the hot weather so must be more adapted than we are but we have to play and enjoy a special moment,” he said. “It is not often a player has the chance to play a Super Cup unless you are like Madrid and Barcelona winning regular European trophies.” (rtr)

we don’t have too many injuries.”

Chelsea have signed Alvaro Morata, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Willy Caballero and Antonio Rudiger but manager Antonio Conte has suggested he would like to strengthen further.

“The new players that have just come are going to be vitally important for us and the quicker they settle the better but there’s no doubt we have added quality to the team,” said Cahill.

With Chelsea returning to the Champions League, Cahill believes

the current squad will be under pressure to sustain title bids on both domestic and European fronts.

“They’re going to be tested, 100 percent,” he added.

“Rest is going to be important because we’re going to have a lot of games, and we players are in control of the way we prepare ourselves. The other stuff outside of that is none of our business.”

Chelsea kick off their league campaign at home to Burnley on Saturday. (rtr)

Arsenal’s Walcott hails ‘absolute tank’ Kolasinac

Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

Arsenal’s Sead Kolasinac celebrates after winning the FA Community Shield

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott labelled new team mate Sead Kolasinac an “absolute tank”, saying the defender is well equipped to become an instant success in the Premier League. The 24-year-old Kolasinac, who joined Arsenal on a free transfer from Schalke 04, came on as a substitute for the injured Per Mertesacker and scored his first goal for the club as they beat Chelsea in the Community Shield on Sunday.

Walcott said he was impressed by the Bosnian international’s physical attributes and work-ethic during the pre-season preparations. “Sead looks an absolute tank,” Walcott told the British media. “He’s one tough unit to get past and I’m sure his physical attributes are going to be key to us this season. “You can see the power he’s got when he’s got the ball, his pace and everything. It’s beautiful to watch and he’s a great addition to the squad.

“Trust me he’s not easy to get around (in training) -- he’s quite wide as well. He fits perfectly for the Premier League, he’s absolutely perfect.” Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has backed another new signing, Alexandre Lacazette, to shine.

Lacazette, the club’s record signing from Olympique Lyonnais, will face competition for the attacking spots from fellow Frenchman Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez. “(Lacazette) has a different game to Giroud, which I think is good because you need different types of strikers,” Henry, Arsenal’s record goalscorer, told Sky Sports. “He did it in the French league and people might say it’s a different league but, with due respect to Lyon, he’ll also be with better players. I’m backing him to have a good season.

“But that rotation will be key. Sometimes you’ll need Giroud or even (Alexis) Sanchez in the middle and sometimes you’ll need (Danny) Welbeck or Walcott, whoever will have an impact.” Arsenal, who finished fifth in the league last season, host Leicester City in the opening game of their campaign on Friday. (rtr)

Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

Chelsea’s David Luiz clashes heads with Gary Cahill

10

Destination

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

International

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

International

Hip holds as Kyrgios rolls on at Rogers Cup

Samuh Beach MANGUPURA - Nusa Dua area is famous for its prestigious five-star hotel facilities. This area is really managed professionally by the government of Badung. Other than offering luxurious hotels, this area also has a beach resort that is not less beautiful, namely the Segara Samuh Beach. It is located right behind of Hotel Bali Tropic Resort till Club Med. Visitors often call it by the name of Nusa Dua Beach because the beach lies in Nusa Dua area. Samuh Beach presents nature attraction in the form of beautiful sunrise like that on Sanur Beach area.

This beach is very friendly to children because it has little waves.

Sometimes there are no waves at all, so that many tourists allow their kids to play freely on this beach. If the sea water is receding, we can have a promenade as far as 100 m to the middle of the sea. Seeing the marine animals trapped in the puddles of seawater will add to the sensation of visitors to this Samuh Beach.

Villa House Maid Wanted Immediately Seminyak.Must Speak English,as Villa Guests are English.Motorbike Required 5 hours work/day,6 days/week Requirements:Shopping, Breakfast Preparing Maid Duties. Good Salary.Call 0812-388-3960 or WhatsApp

B.BP.001.08.17.0000479

“Spa Therapist needed in Resort in Raja Ampat.max 30 Year Old,2 Year Experience and Basic English Knowledge Required.Please Send CV to:

From this Segara Samuh Beach, we can see the green Island of Nusa Dharma. On this island, visitors can explore the track on foot or by cycling. For those who like surfing can go in as far as 200 meters from the beach to get suitable waves.

Those who like diving or snorkeling can try it on this beach. There is an underwater park named the Bali Underwater Cultural Park (BUCP) located about 500 meters from the Samuh Beach at a depth of 11 meters from sea level.

BUCP contains a collection of artificial reefs in the form of statues of dancer such as statues of Kecak Dance performance and characters of the Ramayana epic like Rama and Sita. The BUCP is intended to do conservation for the sake of marine biodiversity and Balinese culture. In addition to increasing the value of the arts, the statue also serves as a medium to grow new natural coral, so that the conservation of coral reef will be well preserved.

Other than for the growth of

hr@lotus-hotels.com.

B.BP.001.08.17.0000337

Join us! PT.Clipan Finance Dibuka: Staff Surveyor(CMO) & Supervisor,Umur Max.30Thn, Brpengalaman,Info:081212420396

B.BP.001.08.17.0000102

Management Service company in Sanur Bali is seeking Client Support Administrator,Fluent English,MS Excel,MS Word,Power Point and internet.Mentally strong,Team work and able work to deadlines from instruction.

Email CV to (bhfs@cbn.net.id)

coral reef, this statue also becomes the home to various fish, a new attraction of marine tourism objects as well as tourist destination promotion caring about the preservation of culture and environment. If visitors want to enjoy the beauty of the underwater, the submarine or snorkeling facilities. Fishing boats are available to take to the middle of the sea. They can be rented on Mengiat Beach whose location is not far from the Samuh Beach.

Not far from Segara Samuh Beach, there is a small island named the Peninsula Island which is famous for its water blow object (the waves hits the rocks and create the towering sparks). On this island, there is also jogging track like that in Nusa Dharma Island. Aside from enjoying the beautiful water blow, visitors can also try this track that directly leads to water blow.

The Samuh Beach tourism object has been equipped with spacious parking area, boat rental, bathroom / toilet, resting place and restaurant offering various menus. (kmb)

REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon of Kenya celebrates winning gold.

Kipyegon adds world title to Olympic 1,500m gold LONDON - Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon added the world title to her Olympic gold when she won a superb women’s 1,500 metres final in a white-hot London Stadium atmosphere on Monday, judging her charge to perfection and holding off the field.

B.BP.004.08.17.0000274

Required Immediately Waitress for Seminyak Restaurant must SpeakEnglish.Good Rates of Pay Send CVto reservation@brazilia naussiebbq.com or 081999094140

B.BP.004.08.17.0000551

Place Your Add Here

SPG for silver & accesories.

Good English&experiences.Sanur 08113866371/Kuta:08113866372

It is for Job Vacancy, Property, Selling or Buying

Staff Wanted Web Design Word Press Program Hub:085857217219

Gugiek : 08123840500 / Eka : 081338519538

B.BP.821.08.17.0000087

B.BP.001.08.17.0000449

MONTREAL - Temperamental Australian Nick Kyrgios looked fresh and focused as he blazed to a 6-1 6-2 first round win over Viktor Troicki at the Rogers Cup in Montreal on Monday but warned he was rolling the dice with a hip injury that could flare up at any time.

The wobbly hip that hit Kyrgios’s grasscourt season, with firstround retirements at London’s Queen’s Club and Wimbledon, have followed him into the North American hardcourt season.

But the 16th seed showed no signs of distress in dispatching Troicki after 51 minutes on a sun-kissed centre court. “I’m feeling it all the time,” said Kyrgios. “It’s not something that is just going to heal. I can compete so that’s the most I can do at the moment.”

With his mother watching from the stands, the hot-headed Australian kept his cool against an overmatched opponent who has been struggling with his own injury issues.

Tennis fans never quite know what to expect when Kyrgios steps onto the court.

Will it be the immensely skilled athlete hailed as a future grand slam winner or the pouty, petulant player going through the motions?

On opening day, at least, the fans saw a motivated Kyrgios playing near his best and treating the crowd to a display of power and finesse.

The only lapse in an otherwise dominant effort was Kyrgios’s inability to deliver the knockout punch with the 22-year-old needing seven match points to finish off the 45th ranked Serb.

“I just wanted to come out here and try and get the win,” said Kyrgios. “I’ve been struggling the last couple of months.

“He’s been struggling as well with injuries so all the best to him but I’m just happy to get out here and get a win.”

In later games, Juan Martin del Potro withstood 24 aces from John Isner to knock off the big-serving American 7-5 7-5.

Del Potro, a 2009 finalist at Montreal, broke Isner’s service while tied at 5-5 in both sets to advance.

Isner had been red hot after capturing back-to-back tournaments in July. (rtr)

Please contact

Kipyegon, silver medallist two years ago, took up the running with 600 to go and was stride for stride with in-form Sifan Hassan until the Dutchwoman faded while the Kenyan stayed strong to cross the line in four minutes 2.59 seconds.

Jenny Simpson of the United States, the 30-year-old 2011 champion, also showed great track nous as she slipped up the inside and finished like a teenage sprinter to take second.

South Africa’s 800 metres specialist Caster Semenya also powered through on the line to grab the bronze.

“I knew it would be fast, it is such a quality field,” Kipyegon said. “The best was going to win here. It was always going to be quick and competitive.”

After a relatively low-key

night’s action, the 55,000 crowd roared their encouragement to home hopes Laura Muir and Laura Weightman to create a vibrant atmosphere.

Muir had travelled to Rio de Janeiro with real medal hopes last year after a stellar season but failed to live with the last-lap pace in the Olympic final and finished seventh.

CROWD FRENZY This time she had vowed not to repeat that error and set the pace from the start and, although it was not a particularly punishing one, her positive move sent the crowd into a frenzy.

After a slow second lap, Kipyegon and Hassan, the fastest over the distance in the world this year, took it up with 600 to go as Muir and Simpson stayed in their wake in a thrilling last 300.

But it was the Kenyan who had the superior staying power as she drove through the line for a brilliant win to follow her 2016 triumph at the Olympics in Rio. Hassan, who slipped to fifth, and then Muir, fourth, ran out of gas over the last few metres, allowing Simpson and Semenya, who has barely run a 1,500 in her career but has been unbeatable over two laps, to snatch the minor medals. “My coach has been telling me all day, ‘Be willing to run your guts out and you’ll be great’, so I did exactly what she said,” Simpson said.

“The last 300 metres in particular I ran my guts out and it paid off.

“Having the experience is huge because having the ability to stay calm is so hard. To come out with a medal, I think it was down to keeping my wits about me.” (rtr)

Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Kyrgios of Australia hits a forehand against Viktor Troicki of Serbia (not pictured) during the Rogers Cup tennis tournament at Uniprix Stadium.

6

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

W

International

RLD

Specter of coup, surge in violence haunt Venezuela

CARACAS - Venezuela appears to be sliding toward a more volatile stage of unrest after anti-government forces looted weapons during a weekend raid on a military base and frustration over what some see as an ineffectual opposition leadership boils over.

Last week’s installation of an all-powerful new legislative body run by leftist President Nicolas Maduro’s Socialist Party loyalists, despite massive protests and a global outcry, has left many Venezuelans feeling there are no more democratic options to oppose the government.

That sentiment may have helped trigger Sunday’s raid on a military base near the city of Valencia by soldiers and armed civilians, in which the government said two people were killed. Venezuelan authorities say they are hunting 10 of the attackers who escaped with a cache of weapons.

In a pre-taped video, the group of more than a dozen men in military-style uniforms said they were seeking to restore constitutional order and called for Maduro to step aside in favor of a transitional government.

The raid has raised the specter of a coup or a surge in already serious levels of violence in the country of 30 million as its slides further into an economic crisis and chaos.

Even before Sunday’s attack, Maduro’s consolida-

tion of power had left many protesters disappointed with what they see as a quarrelsome and self-interested opposition coalition.

More than 120 people have been killed and thousands arrested in four months of unrest that failed to prevent last month’s elections to the new constituent assembly.

Many hardliners felt betrayed as their leaders appeared to hesitate on strategy and postponed protests last week. The coalition’s many political parties have also diverged over whether to take part in gubernatorial elections in December, especially after widespread accusations of fraud in the constituent assembly election.

For the hooded youths who block roads with iron metal sheets and debris - forming the militant fringe of an otherwise broadly peaceful protest movement - the fragmented opposition leadership is already history.

“We have to stop believing in the opposition coalition. We can only believe in ourselves,” said a young man from the Andean state of Tachira, who quit university to move to Caracas and join the protests, The 20-year-old, whose face was covered with a T-shirt as he brandished a homemade petrol bomb, declined to give his name for fear of reprisal. A new public prosecutor, named by the constituent assembly in its first session on Saturday, has pledged to crack down hard on the demonstrators. (rtr)

REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Bandung plans cooperation with Mexico, Ecuador

Murat Cetinmuhurdar/Presidential Palace/Handout via REUTERS

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a meeting of his ruling AK Party in Rize, Turkey, August 7, 2017. Picture taken August 7, 2017.

Turkey’s Erdogan claims Germany abetting terrorists

Women walk past a portrait of Venezuela’s late President Hugo Chavez in Caracas, Venezuela August 7, 2017.

International

ANKARA - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan accused Germany on Monday of assisting terrorists by not responding to thousands of files sent to Berlin or handing over suspects wanted by Turkish authorities.

“Germany is abetting terrorists,” Erdogan told a conference in the Black Sea province of Rize, in comments likely to further escalate tensions between the two countries.

“We gave (German Chancellor Angela) Merkel 4,500 dossiers, but have not received an answer on a single one of them,” he told members of his ruling AK Party.

“When there is a terrorist, they can tell us to give that person back.

You won’t send the ones you have to us, but can ask us for yours. So you have a judiciary, but we don’t in Turkey?” he said.

In Berlin, a German government source rejected Erdogan’s latest remarks.

“Everything has really been

said about this,” said the source.

“Repeating the same accusations over and over again does not make them any more true.”

Already tense relations deteriorated further last month after Turkey arrested 10 rights activists, including a German, as part of a wider security crackdown.

A Turkish prosecutor has accused them of links to the network of Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara blames for a failed coup in July 2016. The U.S.-based Gulen denies any involvement.

Turkey accuses Germany of sheltering Kurdish and far-leftist militants as well as military officers and other people linked to the abortive coup. Berlin denies the accusations.

Tensions between Berlin and Ankara were already running high after the arrest of a Turkish-German journalist and Turkey’s refusal to allow German lawmakers to visit troops at a Turkish air base. (rtr)

BANDUNG - Bandung Municipal Government would implement cooperation with two Latin American Countries, Mexico and Ecuador, to increase their long list of Sister Cities.

Foreign Cooperation Division Head of Bandung Municipal Secretariat, Bariati Ratna Aju, said the convoy, which was led by Mayor Ridwan Kamil, would first visit Mexico to study the operational system of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

“Bandung wants to understand the road safety system in Mexico City through BRT systems implementation. This system is considered applicable in Bandung,” Bariati said in her press statement received by the reporters on Monday.

She stated that Mexico City was considered one of the city that was successful in implementing BRT. During 2005-2010 period, it reduced the travelling time to around 40 percent each, reducing air pollution and emission to more than 142 thousand tons of CO2 per year.

Other than that, Mexico City has managed to lower traffic accidents rate as much as 40 percent and lower the death of victims by 38 percent. “The mayor was scheduled to be back to

Bandung next week,” she noted.

After studying in Mexico City, the convoy planned to visit Cuenca in Ecuador for a cultural exchange event called “Little Bandung”. Bariati noted that Cuenca offered various cooperation, since both cities have different characteristics such as the number of heritage buildings, creativity, and waste management.

“The Cuencan government has proposed one place where Little Bandung could be held. It might have a Letter of Intent (LoI) signing, which covers cultural, environmental, and commercial economic aspects,” she noted.

Kamil would also attend the invitation for JIDAP, a kind of festival where cultural arts are being exhibited in Cuenca in November this year. If the cooperation between both countries is already done, it would add to the list of sister cities with friendly countries. Among them are Seoul and Suwon in South Korea, Kawasaki; Hanamatsu and Toyota City in Japan; Petaling Jaya in Malaysia; Cotabaco in Philippines; and so on. “Hopefully, the visit to the two South American countries would create good cooperation for Bandung,” she added. (rtr)

11

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, left, greets Foreign Minister of Indonesia Retno Marsudi during a reception for the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM) at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay city, metro Manila, Philippines August 5, 2017.

ASEAN foreign ministers express grave concern over situation in Al-Aqsa REUTERS/Bullit Marquez/Pool

JAKARTA - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers in Manila, Sunday, yielded a joint statement expressing deep concern over the incident around Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem, Palestine, that resulted in loss of lives and injuries. Driven

by Indonesias initiative, the ASEAN foreign ministers have agreed to issue a joint statement called the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Statement on the situation in the Al-Haram Al-Sharif Compound, as quoted by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website on Monday.

The ASEAN ministers highlighted the importance of ensuring freedom to practice ones religion as a basic human right as well as a reflection of respect for religious and cultural diversity. The ASEAN has also called on all parties to exercise restraint and to contribute to maintaining peace, security, and stability as well as to uphold the status quo at the Al-Haram Al-Sharif compound, while the sanctity of Al-Haram Al-Sharif compound, as a holy site for various religions and faiths over the millennia, must be preserved and protected.

Hence, the ASEAN has encouraged the international community to contribute towards ensuring continued peace, security, stability, and freedom of worship in the Al-Haram Al-Sharif compound. The Southeast Asian nations further encouraged the resumption of the peace process between the Israeli and Palestinian sides with a

view to achieving enduring peace through a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in secure and recognized borders.

A final, just, and comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can contribute towards peace and stability in the Middle East region and the world at large, the ASEAN ministers underscored.

Prior to the ASEAN ministers meeting in Manila on Aug 4-8, Indonesian Foreign Minister Marsudi, earlier this month in Istanbul, Turkey, had urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) members to offer international protection to the Al-Aqsa complex to counter Israels violence and restriction against worshiping at the holy site.

The message was conveyed by Minister Marsudi during an Open-Ended Extraordinary Meeting of the OIC Executive Committee at the level of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul, Turkey, on Tuesday. Minister Marsudi affirmed that the incident at the Al-Aqsa Mosque is a reflection of the harsh policies that violate human rights and the impact of Israels ongoing illegal occupation of Palestine.

“The incident that occurred in Al-Aqsa is not the first one, but it is a form of violence and illegal occupation and also acts that violate human rights for which Israel must be held accountable,” she noted.

The meeting in Istanbul also served as a platform to reaffirm the importance of re-launching peace talks that are based on the principle of a two-state solution. The outcome of the meeting is a Final Communique that contains several of Indonesias recommendations. (ant)

12

International

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Bali News

International

BUSINESS

“What we’re seeing now is the emergence of technologies which are likely to mean that there will be less market for simple industrial manufacturers in poor countries because of automation,” the institute’s director Andrew Norton told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone.

The report, which examines the impact of automation on work in the global South, warned that it could have “a sharply negative impact on gender equality”. Norton, the report’s author, said sectors “in the frontline of the next wave of automation” included call centres which have provided a large number of jobs for women in some countries.

But the institute said problems could be avoided if governments refocused their economic and social policies to make them more sustainable. The report said it was vital for governments to invest in developing education systems

that ensure people have the skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving labour market.

Support to smallholder farmers was also important so that they could benefit from changing technology. Countries with natural resources should invest in sustainable development, it said, citing the example of Costa Rica which has promoted forest regeneration and reaped rewards from investing in sustainable tourism and hydropower.

The increasing “global gig economy” also offers opportunities, enabling workers anywhere in the world with good internet access to bid for work on digital platforms in areas such as translation, graphic design and accountancy.

Such global digital labour platforms are growing in volume of business at 2.5 percent per year, the report found. “Clearly, millions of people in developing

Bandrang, Umbul-umbul and Kober, Symbols of Majesty and Strength

IBP/kmb

IBP/rtr

If southern Bali has been known to have the tradition of kite playing with the highlight in terms of aesthetic (art), Buleleng has a traditional game having developed since 1970. The culture is known as kite fighting game or commonly referred to as mekorot. Aside from competing kites in the air, the kite enthusiasts also apply strategies and techniques so as to win the game. Since first appearing, the kite hobbyists are playing a kite by putting it into competition. No wonder the game takes place with tight competition and implements strategies in order to defeat their opponents.

Made Suitama, one of the hobbyists and experts of typical kite players of Buleleng said that since the appearance in 1970 he was taught by parents to get involved in kite fighting. At that time, the supplies mainly the thread is not like it is today. He had to prepare in advance the thread coated with shatter of glass. To have sharpness to cut off the kite thread of the opponent, other than preparing the thread, the making of the kites also apply a specific technique in order to move swiftly. Ultimately, it will be easier to attack the opponents.

In his journey the typical kite playing of Buleleng, added Suitama, originally had no standard rules in the kite fighting. From 1980 until the establishment of the Association of Buleleng Kite Sport (PORLAB) 2006, it was then created a rule by the kite hobbyists in North Bali. These standard rules regarding the size matter of the kite itself. (kmb)

For members of the Balinese Hindu community, religious ceremonies are inseparable form wht is known to many as art. The unique artistic values of Balinese Hindu rituals are also sometimes performed as a cultural attraction. Everything from the dances, pslamodies and even ritual paraphernalia are embed with aesthetic beauty of great meaning and value.

countries can be expected to turn to outsourced work as internet access (covering more than 40 per cent of the world’s population in 2017) continues to grow,” it said.

Technology can also play a vital role in strengthening infra-

structure, Norton said, pointing to Kenya’s cellphone-based money transfer service M-PESA - now used by more than two-thirds of the country’s adult population.

“Automation and other technological developments are both a warning and present opportuni-

ties. Now is the time for governments and businesses to act,” he said in a statement. “They need to make sure that the men and women whose livelihoods are threatened by this change have the means to adjust and adapt.” (rtr)

Cuba says private sector freeze will not last years

Despite being all the rage, the Cuban economy is still locked in a cage

5

Typical Kite Fighting of Buleleng

Developing countries urged to act now to prevent technology exacerbating poverty YAOUNDE - Governments and businesses in developing countries must act now to ensure rapid technological advances boost rather than hinder development, a think-tank said on Tuesday, warning that growing automation posed a particular threat to women’s jobs. Increasing automation in industries risks leaving large numbers unemployed and widening inequality gaps, especially in the global South, the London-based International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) said in a report.

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

HAVANA - The Cuban government said on Monday the freeze on new licenses for some privatesector occupations would not last years, in an attempt to reassure citizens worried about an apparent pause in the liberalization of the economy. Communist-run Cuba last week said it was suspending issuing licenses for popular activities like renting out rooms in homes while it took new measures to “perfect” the functioning of the nascent private sector and curb wrongdoing.

“We are not talking about a very long period of time. We are not talking about years,” Labor Vice Minister Marta Elena Feitó said in an interview aired on state-

run television. “We are talking about a normal work procedure to approve these norms.” Feitó said around 1,600 applications for licenses for affected occupations filed before the freeze was announced would be processed.

The number of self-employed on the island has more than tripled to 567,982 since President Raul Castro in 2010 launched his plan to open up the centrally planned economy to more private initiative and market forces.

For many Cubans, self-employment or work at cooperatives offers an opportunity to earn more than the average state wage of $30 per month. The Cuban government legalized nonagricultural

cooperatives five years ago.

Worries that the government is reneging on its reform plan were exacerbated on Friday when one fast-growing cooperative said it had been ordered to shut down.

Scenius, which provides accounting and business consultancy services mainly to state companies, said the order came after the finance ministry complained it was offering skills outside its official remit. Scenius General Director Alfonso Larrea denounced the order on his Facebook page for destroying the “faith of 300 cooperativists ... and thousands of Cubans who believed it was possile to dream.” (rtr)

Objects such as banners, kober and bandrang (spears) that are used in temple ceremonies also contain great meaning and value. Apart from their decorative aspects, these banners also have spiritual meaning and provide protection.

Balinese humanist, and former rector of ISI Denpsar (1981-1997), Prof. Dr. I Made Bandem, explains that these ritual paraphernalia are important in religious processions like ngunya, ngelawang (gallivanting street show) and melasti and are used in accordance with time, place and circumstance as well as the scale of the ritual, whether large, medium or small.

He added that in the past these objects were the property of kingdoms and were used to show or display the majesty of a kingdom.

In modern times such paraphernalia are used when escorting the deities.

Indirectly, they contains meaningful philosophy related to showing off

the beauty, greatness and grandeur of the deities that are venerated by the community.

“All ritual paraphernalia including the bandrang (spears), banners, kober (flags) and so forth are believed to serve as both phyical and spiritual protectors. The use of these objects is also related to the Balinese Hindu community’s respect for local venerated deities”, explained Prof. Bandem.

While serving as a means to show respect for the deities, these ojects are also based on the values of Hindu philosophy. Dr. I Gusti Made Ngurah, Chairman of the Sabha Budaya Hindu Bali Foundation said that in the Purana and Itihasa scriptures bandrang are mentioned as being an ordinary spear embellished with feathers symbolizing the power of Lord Brahma, while banners symbolize the power of Lord Vishnu and kober -especially when they bear the image of Hanuman Maruti (son of Lord Bayu) symbolize strength. Due

to the forces of such symbols, they are used in combinations with hope of producing balance.

Ngurah added that the use of kober with the image of Dewata Nawa Sanga (gods of the nine directions) has become a necessity for the Hindu community of Bali and represents something about the arrival of Hindu religious teachings to Bali. This symbol also represents the the concept of Sarwa Dewata or Sarwa Samudaya which translates as something like ‘the god amounting to more than one’. The nine gods represented in the Dewata Nawa Sanga are each equipped with their own are each equipped with their own weapons as manifestations for their receptive powers.

“The use of bandrang, banners, kober and so on are important for their philosophical meanings but also as a sign that a ritual is being held in a particular location” added Gusti Made Ngurah. (kmb)

IBP/kmb

Jaje Lempog, a Cheap Dish with Rich Taste Have you ever try Lempog? It is one of Balinese traditional food is reraly found in the stores and supermaket. Lempog is usually being sold in thetraditional market or small stores in the village. It is understandable because it is not an exclusive dish, lempog is usualy being enjoyed by the farmers.

Lempog is a cheap dish because it is using a simple material such as Balinese sugar and cassava. The food is great to accompany us in drinkingtea or coffee. In Java, Lempog is also known as Getuk. Before, Lempog is not only enjoyed by farmers but also served on Hindus ceremonies such as wedding and Ngaben.

Not only that, when the locals work together in building house or a kitchen, Lempog always becomea snack, just like when the farmer work in the field. In addition to use very easy materials, the process of making it is also very simple.

It doesn’t need a big machine or factory. Everything can be done at

home. To make it, first the cassava must be pealed and cut into smaller pieces and then boiled. The red sugar chopped into smaller pieces so it can dissolved with the cassava. The sugar can also bolied along with the cassava to make a better taste.

After finish, the cassava is crushed using traditional tool called

Luhu which is a big stick made from wood. During the process, the sugar is put so it can blend perfectly. Salt is also added in the process. After it is smooth enough, the dough is cut into small pieces and ready to be served. In serving Lempog, coconut which is already puured on top of it.

Enjoy (kmb)

4

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Bali News

International

Sacred Monkey Forest and I Ketut Budiana: new entrances to old worlds

MONKEYS, known as the sacred guardians of the forest in Bali, are not the only creatures who inhabit Wenara Wara.

Sacred Monkey Forest as it is known, is also home to numerous other creatures, some of whom are depicted in the sculpted works of renown artist sculptor and life artist I Ketut Budiana who graciously agreed to show me around this enchanted world where he grew up.

A new entrance way is being built to accommodate the growing number of tourists who are drawn to this forest and its creatures. and Mr. Budiana is in charge of decorating the new entrance. But I soon realised that -as with all of his works, Mr. Budiana is not so much decorating or even designing a monumental art work, but is in fact inviting people to experience a deeper layer of being using a the 3-dimensional language of architecture.

Long before Monkey Forest became a tourist attraction, it was the backyard of the local cemetery and the playground of Durga and her creatures. In Bali she is known as Rangda and as Mr. Budiana explained, when he was a kid, few people dared to visit this place -except for during ceremonies, as the forest was known for the daunting energy of both its visible and invisible creatures. As a child, Ketut was curious and brave and came to know many of these creatures which he eventually rendered into the sculptures we see today.

Mr. Budiana greeted me in front of one of the new sculptures that he is working on, a robust and beautiful women dressed in garb fit for a deity with large nipples that are intended to become small fountains. The concept is still awaiting approval from the Customary Village who runs this attractions. “After all it is from woman that all life emerges, I don’t see why this should be a problem”, he said matter-of-factly. I was instantly charmed by his candour and slightly mischievous smile.

As we came to the mouth of the new entrance way of the forest, we were met by a priest dressed all in white standing next to a big block. Mr. Budiana explained that a linga-yoni fountain would sit atop this block, so that visitors could sprinkle themselves with holy water, as is the custom when entering a temple.

There are certain protocol that are called for when visiting any temple in Bali, which are designed both to protect the visitor and to maintain the harmony of these sacred places. Perhaps the most important is to come with a clear heart and good thoughts and to ask permission to enter, but also

includes wearing certain types of clothing and not bleeding in anyway. Monkey Forest itself is not a temple, but this linga-yoni fountain invites visitors to aknowledge the sanctity of the forest nonetheless.

The invitation to look deeply into ourselves is made even more palpable by the design of the entrance itself. As we descended the walk way lined with Balinese style bas reliefs depicting monkeys holding cell phones and other humorous images, we approached a dark cave.

The walls of the cave-like entrance way are still being worked on, so the area was brightly lit, but Mr. Budiana ran ahead to turn off the lights, explaining that is important to have the feeling of entering a dark damp place, the inner most sanctum from where all life is born.

The cave-like passageway curves slightly, so that when we reach its centre we can see neither the entrance nor the exit. Here we are architecturally invited to become still, look deeply within ourselves and connect with the source of creation.

The walls had chalk drawings of Balinese mythological beings and Hindu deities that will be rendered into bas-reliefs in the coming months and the floor had various buckets and planks scattered about. But, for a moment I was nonetheless truly transported into the mythological/prehistoric past and back further still to a place beyond time and space.

The artist and designer explained that small lights would line the floor of the cave tunnel. I could not help but protest that the floor was flat enough that no lights were needed, that the intended experience of this entranceway would best be served by having visitor plunged in darkness even if only for a brief moment. He just nodded and smiled agreeably.

As we left the cave our eyes were greeted with streams of light dappling through the lush greenery.

Turning back towards the caveentrance, Mr.Budiana pointed out two small enclaves set into the cliff on either side of the entrance that would soon have sculptures of figures seated in meditation added to them.

We then came upon two giant banyan trees honored with check-

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

International

13

China says willing to pay the price for new N.Korea sanctions

BEIJING - China will pay the biggest price from the new United Nations sanctions against North Korea because of its close economic relationship with the country, but will always enforce the resolutions, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.

ered cloth around their trunks. As I stopped and looked around, he said: “yes that is the cemetery up there”.

We continued past a group of tourists taking pictures of mother and child monkeys sitting atop one of nature’s own sculptures and came to a monumental statue of Rangda at a fork in the path. Her large nipples are a different color than the rest of the sculpture and Mr. Budiana just said: “apparently some people complained about the fountain, so I covered them with cement”.

Her head was covered in a cloth rendered in stone and when I asked why her face was covered he explained: “You see the path to the left? It leads up to the temple where she resides. On certain occasions she is brought to the cemetery over there in a ritual procession.

Her eyes are so powerful that anyone who gazes upon them would become struck with fear, so her head remains covered in a white cloth until everyone arrives at the cemetery for the ceremony. There, people are prepared to so the cloth is removed”.

We took the path to the right that is lined with what looks like a fat winding stone railing. Along this ‘railing’ are all sorts of creatures, some of them recognizable as forest animals, others less so. “These are all creatures that live in the forest.

Some of them I have seen myself, while others were described to me. You see this one here, I gave her the same features as that tree

behind her”, he said adding that all of these sculptures are made of materials that allow moss to grow on them so that they blend in with their surroundings.

Following the fat snaking railing that lines the pathway, we found ourselves in front of the temple, where throngs of tourists were feeding the monkeys. “Rangda resides up there, and her power extends throughout the forest. Woman is the source of life, you see, and her power snakes through the forest emerging in different forms” he explained.

In one of the trees by the steep ravine below, two male monkeys were shrieking and jumping wildly expressing their fierce wildness.

A few tourists gathered looking on, recogninsing this palpable raw power.

Right in front of this tree, the long snaking ‘railing’ reveals itself as a serpent or dragon. Just opposite the temple entrance its head interlocks with the head of another serpent coming from the other direction. ““You see how these two serpents or dragons come together here? This represents the power of coming together”, explained the charming artist. “Like as in a couple- a man and woman?” I asked. “No, no it doesn’t have to be a couple it can be any two forces coming together, and this connection makes them both stronger, you see”, he said beaming as if happy to remember and to remind others of the power of unity.

We then entered the temple so

that Mr. Budiana could show me the first barong that he had sculpted back in 1974 as a form of ngayah or devotional service (as with all his art works in the forest). The young lady who accompanied us, however quickly became nauseous and then fell into a kind of trance, making strange sounds and gesturing wildly. Mr. Budiana calmly waited for the storm to pass and gave her some water. Having come back to her sense, we casually continued on to the art gallery that is found just in front of the temple, below the large gazebo.

This art gallery has regular exhibitions featuring the works of the many talented artists from Ubud and surrounding areas. As a respected artist and senior figure in his community, Mr. Budiana is the curator and the current and rather extensive exhibition features art works of the ‘Young Artist’ style, popularized by visiting artist Arie Shmidt in the 1960’s.

Elderly artist Ngurah Gede greeted us and showed me a photo of his artworks featured in National Geographic with a photo of him as dashing young man. He joked that visitors might be confused when they come to see the ‘Young Artist’ exhibition and find this old man instead. He also pointed out his wife’s art works that are part of the current exhibition. These impressionist style paintings he explained sell a lot better than his own more illustrative style paintings. Maybe Randa’s powers are at work here too, I thought.(kmb)

The United Nations Security Council unanimously imposed new sanctions on North Korea on Saturday that could slash its $3 billion annual export revenue by a third.

Speaking at a regional security forum in Manila on Monday, Wang said the new resolution showed China and the international community’s opposition to North Korea’s continued missile tests, the foreign ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Owing to China’s traditional economic ties with North Korea, it will mainly be China paying the price for implementing the resolution,” the statement cited Wang as saying.

“But in order to protect the international non-proliferation system and regional peace and stability, China will as before fully and strictly properly implement the entire contents of the relevant resolution.”

China has repeatedly said it is committed to enforcing increasingly tough U.N. resolutions on North Korea, though it has also said what it terms “normal” trade and ordinary North Koreans should not be affected.

The latest U.N. resolution bans North Korean exports of coal, iron, iron ore, lead, lead

ore and seafood. It also prohibits countries from increasing the numbers of North Korean labourers currently working abroad, bans new joint ventures with North Korea and any new investment in current joint ventures.

DOOR TO DISCUSSIONS? Wang said that apart from the new sanctions, the resolution also made clear that the six party talks process, a stalled dialogue mechanism with North Korea that also includes Russia and Japan, should be restarted.

China appreciated comments earlier this month by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson that the United States does not seek to topple the North Korean government and would like dialogue with Pyongyang at some point, Wang added.

The United States does not seek regime change, the collapse of the regime, an accelerated reunification of the peninsula or an excuse to send the U.S. military into North Korea, Tillerson said.

Wang said Tillerson’s “Four Nos” promise was a positive signal.

China “hopes North Korea can echo this signal from the United States”, Wang added.

KCNA via REUTERS/File Photo

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reacts during the long-range strategic ballistic rocket Hwasong-12 (Mars-12) test launch in this undated photo released by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on May 15, 2017.

Speaking at the same forum on Monday, Tillerson held a door open for dialogue with North Korea saying Washington was willing to talk to Pyongyang if it halted a series of recent missile test launches.

North Korea said the latest sanctions infringed its sovereignty and it was ready to give

Washington a “severe lesson” with its strategic nuclear force in response to any U.S. military action.

The successful testing of two intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) last month suggested the reclusive North was making technical progress, Japan’s annual Defence White Paper

warned.

“Since last year, when it forcibly implemented two nuclear tests and more than 20 ballistic missile launches, the security threats have entered a new stage,” the Japanese Defence Ministry said in the 563-page document released on Tuesday. (rtr)

Australia seeks to resolve gay marriage debate this year

Daniel Munoz

Gay rights activists hold a rainbow flag during a rally to support same-sex marriage in central Sydney August 11, 2012.

MELBOURNE - Australia will vote in November on whether to allow same-sex marriage, settling a long-stalled debate by the end of this year, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Tuesday.

The conservative government decided on Monday to hold a non-compulsory postal vote on whether to allow same-sex couples to marry, if a second attempt to win parliamentary support for a compulsory national ballot fails.

If, as expected, the government does not win support for a compulsory ballot, which it would hold on Nov. 25, then it will send out postal ballots in September, seeking an outcome by Nov. 15, Finance Minister Mathias Cor-

mann said.

Same-sex marriage is supported by 61 percent of Australians, a 2016 Gallup opinion poll showed, but the issue has fractured the government and damaged Turnbull’s standing with voters.

If the population votes in favour of allowing gay marriage, then the government plans to introduce legislation in the final two weeks of parliament’s sitting this year to carry that out.

“We’ve been very clear about this: we will facilitate a private members’ bill to change the law in respect to same-sex marriage so same-sex couples can be married if there’s a ‘yes’ vote, and if it is a ‘no’ vote we won’t,” Turnbull told reporters in Canberra.

Same sex-marriage advocates,

who would prefer a conscience vote on the issue in parliament, have threatened to launch a court challenge against using a postal vote as the basis to change a law.

But Cormann, in his role as finance minister, said he has the power to ask the Australian Bureau of Statistics to run a “survey” of the population’s view on allowing gay marriage, and under the constitution the government could make laws based on those statistics.

He said there was precedent for asking the public for its opinion on a policy issue, pointing to a survey carried out by phone in 1974 which led to Australia changing its national anthem. (rtr)

14

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Technology

Autonomous cars race narrows on doubts about clear path to profit

FRANKFURT - BMW and Daimler, the world’s top luxury carmakers, have announced alliances with suppliers, talking up the virtues of having a bigger pool of engineers to develop a self-driving car.

But another motive behind these deals, executives and industry experts told Reuters, is a concern that robocars may not live up to the profit expectations that drove an initial investment rush.

Carmakers are increasingly looking to forego outright ownership of future autonomous driving systems in favour of spreading the investment burden and risk.

The trend represents a clear shift in strategy from little more than a year ago when most automakers were pursuing standalone strategies focussed on tackling the engineering challenge of developing a self-driving car, rather than on the business case.

“Although it is a substantial market, it may not be worth the scale of investments currently being sunk into it,” said a board member at one of the German carmakers, who declined to be identified because the matter is confidential.

Dozens of companies - including carmakers and tech firms like Google and Uber - are vying for a market which, according to consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, will only make up about 10 to 15 percent of vehicles in Europe by 2030. There are sure to be losers.

“It’s impossible for me to believe there will be 50 successful autonomous vehicle software producers,” said John Hoffecker, global vice chairman of Michigan-based consulting firm AlixPartners.

In July last year, BMW became the first major carmaker to abandon its solo development of self-driving cars in favour of teaming up with chipmaker Intel and camera and software manufacturer Mobileye to build a platform for autonomous cars technology by 2021.

The decision followed a trip by senior executives to visit startups and suppliers to gauge BMW’s competitive position.

“Sitting at other companies, one rattles off the technological challenges and safety aspects, and you come to realise that many of us are swimming in the same sludge,” Klaus Buettner, BMW’s vice president autonomous driving projects, told Reuters.

“Everybody is investing billions. Our view was that it makes sense to club together to develop some core systems as a platform.”

Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz has since combined efforts with supplier Bosch, three months ago, while Japanese carmaker Honda has said it is open to alliances in the area of autonomous cars.

Even deep-pocketed tech companies are teaming up. San Francisco-based transport app operator Lyft and Alphabet Inc’s self-driving car unit Waymo pooled their resources in May. (rtr)

REUTERS/Paul Hanna/File Photo

(L-R) Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E Holding, Denis Sverdlov, CEO of Roborace and Charge,and Daniel Simon, Chief Design Officer of Roborace and Charge, stand on the stage after unveiling Roborace’s self-driving racing car during Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, February 27, 2017.

International

Bali News

International

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

3

Many horticultural farmers still lack of information REUTERS/Jason Reed/File Photo

A cigarette burns as an office worker takes a break in Sydney, Australia, May 11, 2017.

Tiny biotech firm offers Big Tobacco model to curb its nicotine habit LONDON - Investors are betting on a little-known biotech company to supply Big Tobacco with low-nicotine cigarettes, but so far its technology is unproven.

Shares in New York-based 22nd Century Group have soared 80 percent to a three-year high since late last month, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration proposed cutting the nicotine levels in cigarettes so they aren’t so addictive.

Investors’ hopes are pinned on 22nd Century’s technology becoming widespread, although none of the big tobacco makers has bought it yet.

The plant biotechnology company says it has more than 200 patents that give it the ability to increase or decrease the level of nicotine in tobacco plants, as well as the level of cannabinoids in cannabis plants.

“We genetically modify the tobacco. We’ve been working on this for 20 years,” Henry Sicignano, chief executive of 22nd Century, told Reuters.

Sicignano, who helped to develop Natural American Spirit cigarettes before the brand was bought

by RJ Reynolds in 2002, said the aim was to reduce the harm caused by smoking. By making cigarettes less addictive, people would smoke when they want to rather than when they need to, and would probably smoke less.

That is the logic behind the FDA announcement suggesting regulating nicotine and encouraging smokers to switch to alternatives seen as less harmful, such as e-cigarettes.

Sicignano said 22nd Century can make cigarettes with 95 to 97 percent less nicotine than conventional cigarettes, which have about 10 mg of nicotine each. It is the only company with tobacco that can be below the threshold of what health regulators say they believe to be non-addictive, he added.

A top-10 shareholder of 22nd Century said major cigarette firms would have to turn to it if the FDA’s proposal becomes reality. “If Big Tobacco doesn’t want their market to go to zero overnight, they’re going to have to work with someone

who has a low-nicotine tobacco leaf,” he said.

While the long-term market for low-nicotine cigarettes is highly uncertain, given that they are designed to be easier to quit, he said it would take years for all smokers to quit. “For a tiny company there’s a huge opportunity.”

22nd Century has roughly 80 employees and annual revenue of about $16 million, a portion of which is from regulators such as the FDA using its tobacco to run clinical trials. So far it has got orders for over 24 million cigarettes for this purpose, with at least 25 such trials underway.

It sells some low-nicotine cigarettes in Spain and does contract manufacturing of regular cigarettes “to keep the lights on”.

British American Tobacco, the world’s biggest international tobacco company, has been assessing the opportunity for tobacco with altered levels of nicotine. It has a four-year research agreement with 22nd Century worth up to $14 million that gives it the right to enter into an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with the company.

Sicignano said he expected BAT to enter into a commercial agreement, and noted that any such deal would not prevent 22nd Century from selling its own products - finished cigarettes or tobacco leaves - to rivals such as Altria, Japan Tobacco International or Imperial Brands.

A BAT spokeswoman said the agreement was part of its research and development programme on nicotine levels. She declined to comment on whether BAT planned to exercise its licensing right.

Like many start-ups, until the deals are signed, 22nd Century is struggling to make money.

“We’re not a profitable company. It’s certainly important for us to be able to achieve regulatory acceptance either here or in the EU or perhaps in Asia,” Sicignano said.

“We’re working on all these fronts, so that we can bring these important products to market and be a profitable company.” (rtr)

DENPASAR — Horticultural commodities produced by Balinese farmers such as fruits, vegetables and flowers actually have their own advantages. However, the commodities have not been able to penetrate tourism sector such as hotels and restaurants. One of the reasons causing this problem to happen is that many horticultural farmers still have no information regarding what the tourism sector needs.

“We often see a gap between farmers and the market, let alone are farmers in the rural areas away from tourism areas. We lack of information regarding what the hotels need,” said Chairman of the Association of Horticulture Business Players (Aspehorti) Bali, I Wayan Sugianta, in Denpasar, on Sunday (Aug. 6).

According to Sugianta, horticultural farmers do not get much information about what plants to grow. Often they follow others to plant the same commodities becoming a trend. As a result, there is over production during harvest time so that farmers do not get a decent price.

“And when talking about quality, the products of Balinese farmers are not inferior. However, in general their quantity and continuity are not maintained. When over supply or over production occurs, they will get overwhelmed,” he explained.

Sugianta hoped the presence of the Aspehorti initiated by the Bali food crop, horticulture and plantation agency can bridge farmers with the market. It includes the cultivation and planting arrangements to create continuity of the horticultural products. In the meantime, regarding the excessive production, it will be attempted by entrepreneurs to overcome with export solutions as well as post-harvest processing

solutions.

“From long time ago, we want a kind of factory but it can flexibly process some types of fruit because the factory also often goes bankrupt. It does not operate when in need of raw materials as farmers cannot supply. Capacity of the factory can be adjusted to some types of fruit. This will very much help farmers in post-harvest,” he said.

Head of the Bali Food Crop, Horticulture and Plantation Agency, Ida Bagus Wisnuardhana, said there are many obstacles faced by horticulture farmers starting from price drop during massive harvest, less competitive product against those from outside Bali and overseas and selection of less economical to plant.

“Since this Bali is small, we must cultivate horticulture having high economic values. Indeed, we have owned superior fruits such as mangosteen, tangerine, snakefruit, mango, durian, dragon fruit and others. Our flowers and vegetables are also a lot because our climate is good,” he said.

To overcome the existing constraints, Wisnu claimed to have a program by first classifying the preeminence of each district. Thus, the process of coaching becomes more focused to increase the added value of farmers. However, the agency cannot do it alone so that it needs coordination through Aspehorti considering this newly-established organization on April 27, 2017 consists of farmers, entrepreneurs, merchants and marketers.

“Through coordination, we can know about the conditions in the field so that we can improve the quality and quantity of horticulture.

We are ready to compete, including realizing the synergy of agriculture and tourism, so that our horticulture can be absorbed at hotel,” he explained. (kmb32)

IBP/kmb40

The sweet taste with crispy texture makes this snack always get a place in the hearts of traditional snack lovers.

Jaja gipang still exists

Production constrained by weather condition

BANGLI — Jaja gipang is one of the traditional snacks remaining to exist up to these days. The sweet taste with crispy texture makes this snack always get a place in the hearts of traditional snack lovers.

IBP/kmb

Many horticultural farmers still have no information regarding what the tourism sector needs.

Wayan Renyih, one of jaja gipang makers at Tiga Kawan hamlet, Penglumbaran, Susut, admitted that the enthusiasts of jaja gipang still exist until today. It is classified into traditional snacks and usually made or purchased by society to be used as oblation paraphernalia. “The demand is still a lot,” she said when met at her home, on Sunday (Aug. 5).

This mother of four children explained the main ingredient used to make jaja gipang is glutinous rice and sugar. The making is relatively easy. The washed sticky rice is steamed until cooked. After that, the cooked sticky rice is washed again and then dried. Drying process takes up to a full day if the weather is sunny.

Once dry, the sticky rice is then fried until tender.

Having been mixed with liquid sugar, the glu-

tinous fried rice is then stirred until evenly spread and finally molded. Molding tool used by Renyih is quite simple in the form of zinc circle. The mixture of fried sticky rice and liquid sugar is then fed into the mold and formed in such a way. After that, the mold is dried in the sun. Renyih admitted that if the weather is not friendly, the homemade jaja gipang is dried by air on the stove.

In a day, she can spend 10-15 kilogram of sticky rice to make jaja gipang. Ten kilograms of sticky rice can be processed into 40 to 50 pieces of large-sized jaja gipang. All this time, the homemade jaja gipang is sold to traditional markets at a price of IDR 10,000IDR 12,000 per piece.

Renyih, having been in the business of making jaja gipang since she was young, admitted that she does not encounter any significant obstacles. Usually, the production of jaja gipang will not be able to run optimally during rainy weather. “In the current weather condition, it is rather difficult to make it because of getting difficulty to dry out,” she added. (kmb40)

2

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Bali News

Tourism village development constrained by human resources

SEMARAPURA - Tourism village in Klungkung district has reached dozens. Some of them were founded before 2014. However, after running for several years, they are not entirely able to develop maximally.

The remaining low understanding on human resources becomes one of the causes. Head of the Klungkung Tourism Office, I Nengah Sukasta, explained that according to the latest data, the number of tourism villages in the region reaches 18 locations. In the near future, another location will join, so they totally make 19 locations. The establishment is inseparable from the tourism potential owned by each village. Its existence is also expected to boost the economy of society leading to the increase of prosperity. “Now, there are 18 tourism villages. We will soon add the Selat village,” he explained, on Sunday (Aug. 6).

Of that number, they do not entirely develop such as the Paksebali, Penasan, Kamasan, Tihingan, Bakas and others spreading in Nusa Penida. It highly depends on the quality of human resources owned.“For the development of tourism villages, human resources are still a constraint as they do not understand how

to manage,” said this former Head of the Klungkung Transportation Agency.

To overcome the existing problems, Sukasta claimed to have regularly provided coaching in terms of tourism management and object arrangement. This measure is also expected to get support from the village government through the funds having been widely disbursed by the government. “The village fund is enough. We hope the development of tourism village can be done directly by each village,” he said.

In order to attract tourists to visit, the village is also asked to explore its potential. It is not only natural wealth, but also local wisdom as well as creative economy. “The potential must be explored, this is what we continue to push, what can be made into the attraction must be raised,” he said.

The development of tourism village also needs to be supported by the tourism awareness group (Pokdarwis). In Klungkung, its presence has not been evenly distributed. The formation is being pushed by the district government. It is meant to make the management of the object maximal and sustainable. “We are also still promoting the establishment of Pokdarwis,” said Sukasta. (kmb45)

Kamasan paintings, one of the tourism attarction in Kamasan Village, Klungkung.

IBP/file

International

Specified as tourism village

Headman of Selat asks district govt not to rush things

SEMARAPURA - The Klungkung tourism office will be designating Selat village as a tourism village based on its unique features. However the local village government is asking the district government not to rush the matter as local infrastructure still needs work. Headman of Selat, Wayan Sudiana, said the village has private-run whitewater rafting and potential for agro-tourism. However the villagers are not exactly enthusiastic about the idea of a tourism village as many consider it to be too early, explained Headman Sudiana.

The seven hamlets that make up Selat indeed lack tourism supporting infrastructure, including adequate road access. Chairman of Commission II of the Klungkung House of Representatives, Komang Suantara, said that once the govern-

ment has established a village to have tourism potential, this should be followed up with improvements ot infrastructure and the community should also be consulted and supported. “If the potential has been explored and calculated, then it should be worked on to the maximum, but otherwise spending excessive amounts of money will be for nothing”, he said.

This Gerindra politician added that a tourism village also needs to be supported by continuous promotion. So far, this has been lacking, he said “The important thing is promotion,” he added.

Previously, the Head of the Klungkung Tourism Office, I Nengah Sukasta, explained that there is a plan to designate Selat village as a tourism village given its potential, such as white water rafting and nature tourism. (kmb45)

First time since 2000

Payangan Festival returns

GIANYAR - The subdistrict of Payangan will be holding a cultural festival for the first time since the year 2000. This year’s festival with the theme Urip Bhuana (Cosmic Life) involved 9 hamlets and was opened at Payangan village’s ‘Struggle for freedom cultural monument’ on Monday afternoon (Aug 7). Hundreds of local residents enthusiastically thronged the festival grounds in celebration of the independence of Indonesia.

The nine hamlets who took part are: Melinggih, Melinggih Kelod, Kelusa, Bresela, Bukian, Puhu, Kerta, Buahan Kaja and Buahan Kelod.

Committee chairman of the Payangan Festival, Nyoman Dharma, said the festival also recalls the heyday of the Payangan kingdom. “ Over time there were obstacles to unity for the Payangan Festival was not held for many years”, he said.

This festival explained Dharma includes both material and spiritual aspects.

“As Payangan residents, we would like to re-establish the spirit of unity, and people’s daily life is very intense with spiritual vibrations. One way of encouraging unity is through the traditional arts and the passion for local culture”, explained this man who is also Payangan headman’s secretary.

Art in Payangan n has been developing and has yielded awards from various art events and stands at least on par with the arts of other subdistricts in Gianyar. “Recently, on the occasion of Ginayar’S anniversary celebrations, Payangan’s baleganjur from Tegalllalang won second prize”, he said.

The festival will run until August 12th with activities and performances starting in the afternnoon and going into the night including drama-dance, baleganjur, child puppeteer and painting demos by fine artists from Payangan. “The most impressive is probably the colossal cak a-cappella involving 300 Payangan singers”, said Dharma.

Regent of Gianyar, Anak Agung Bharata, who was present at eth opening of the Payangan Festival said that this festival should be held every year. The splendors presented, and the spirit of togetherness he said is very encouraging. Regent Bharata added that he hopes that more people can learn about the history of art in Payangan. He also added that other unique features of this area should be cultivated and presented at this annual event. I am very proud of Payangan Village and hope tp see this festival taking place every year” said the Regent of Gianyar. (kmb35)

 Founder : K.Nadha,  General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Gugiek Savindra  Editors:Agus Toni, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Sueca, Sugiartha, Yudi Winanto Denpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subrata, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Suasrina, Buleleng: Dewa kusuma, Gianyar: Manik Astajaya, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Dewa Farendra. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto.  Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp. (0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post

International

Activities

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

15

H SOVEREIGN BALINAMED AS “BALI LEADING AIRPORT HOTEL” 2017/2018DURING BALI TOURISM AWARDS EVERY MONDAY Movie Monday19:00-21:00 Genius Cafe- Home to the entrepreneur Beach CLub Mertasari Beach (Next to Mercure), Sanur EVERY TUESDAY Ecstatic contact dance: Transformative journey Paradiso Ubud, Jalan Goutama Selatan, Ubud 100k includes dinner EVERY WEDNESDAY DEep Dive Dance Guided improvised movement 19:00-21:00 Paradiso Ubud Jalan Goutama Selatan, Ubud 100k EVERY THURSDAY African Drums with Catur SAng Klang Wijaya 16:00-18:00 Experience the healing power of drumming, all levels welcome

BY DONATION SUNDAY MARKETS 10AM 1PM Sunday Market at Batu Jimbar Jl. Danau Tablingan , Sanur 10AM-4PM The Sands Beach Club and Restaurant Sunday MArket Jl. Danau Tamblingan, No 27, Sanur 9:30AM-1PM Sunday Market @ Warung Sopa Jl. Sugriwas no36, Padang Tegal, Ubud 9AM-2PM Samadi Sunday Market Jalan. Padang Linjong 39, Canggu, 9AM-2PM Wednesday and Sunday Ubud Organik Market Jl. Raya Pengosekan across from Zens Hotel Tebesaya, Ubud 12PM-10PM Sunday Food Festival & Bazaar Byrdhouse Beach Club, Sanur 10AM-6PM, Mercure,last sunday of every month, jl. ,Mertasari, Sanur, fashion food and and kids activities The Coffee Spot, Jalan Peigenet 888X,Seminyak, last Sunday of every month, garage sale clothing, books, and hand-made jewellery

BY INDONESIA TOURISM & TRAVEL FOUNDATION

H Sovereign Bali has been awarded for 3rdconsecutive year as “Bali Leading Airport Hotel 2017/18 during Bali Tourism Awards at Inaya Putri Bali on Thursday, 3rd August 2017 organized by Indonesia Travel & Tourism Awards Foundation (ITTA). Bali Tourism Awards aim to become prestigious awards for tourism in Bali. The awards given limited to ONLY 40 BEST selected hotel from 120 nominees.

The main purpose of this awards is to celebrate the winner that has been work hard and to improve the quality services. This event also dedicated to enhance the awareness on how to maintain and improve the quality of service continuously within travel and tourism industry in Bali. There are more than 4500 company within hotel industry. The second Bali Tourism Awards this year show significant voterswith total 46,956 from 23 countries around the world.

The award judging process went through very tight screening process by the board of committee such as: 25% from online voting, 50% from independence board of advisor and 25% by BInus Business School through research prior the winner is announced. The award was presented by the President of the ITTA Foundation, Mr.Benny Nainggolanand received by Mr. I Made Ramia Adnyana, S.E., M.M., CHA as a General Manager of H Sovereign Bali during the Gala Award Night.

“It is such a great honor to receive such prestigious

awards for the third consecutive year during this Bali Tourism Awards. This achievement is dedicated to all the voters which is mostly our valued customers, all the staffs and the owning company. Without their valued supports and contribution we are not able to get what we have achieved today.H Sovereign Bali has committed to strive the best quality of service and product to the customer. We always put our guest as the first priority concern. These are two of the most important aspects for the award”, explained Ramia Adnyana during the awards presentation.

As proven on our consistent in providing the quality of the services, we also has awarded the followings: • Bali Leading Airport Hotel 2015/2016 • Bali Leading Airport Hotel 2016/2017 • Winner of World Luxury Hotel Awards 2016 – Southern Asia • Best Restaurant 2016 by Indonesia Tatler • An “Excellent Award” 2015 with mark 8,5 from Booking.com’s • An “Excellent Awards” 2016 with mark 4,3from Hotels.com • Recommended Hotel on Trip Advisor • Certified Hotel Partner from Traveloka At this stage, we also would like to express our gratitude and sincere thanks to all our supporters and stake holder.

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

16 Pages Number 148 9th year

Price: Rp 3.000,-

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Sleeping in a dog cage, Pattinson pares down for ‘Good Time’ thriller

e-mail: info_ibp@balipost.co.id online: http://www.internationalbalipost.com. http://epaper.internationalbalipost.com.

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

LOS ANGELES- Actor Robert Pattinson, accustomed to luxury trailers and gourmet food, was reduced to taking a catnap in a dog cage on the set of his latest movie “Good Time,” a fast-paced nocturnal crime thriller set in New York City.

“We were setting up lights and I was like, ‘Where’s Rob?’ I look over and there is a dog cage, a huge dog cage and (Pattinson) is in there sleeping,” the film’s co-director Josh Safdie said in an interview.

“The dog was pissed,” an amused Pattinson added. “Just shooting at the pace we were shooting at, you’re kind of always on. We didn’t even have trailers.”

The British actor, best known for playing vampire Edward Cullen in the “Twilight” young adult romance film franchise, portrays a psychopath named Connie in “Good Time,” who is obsessed with breaking his developmentally challenged brother out of prison after a botched robbery attempt.

“Good Time,” out in U.S. theaters on Friday, was shot mostly with handheld cameras on the streets of the New York City borough of Queens, following Connie on an all-night odyssey filled with misadventure.

The actor’s sacrifices for the low budget independent film has paid off in rave reviews for his post”Twilight” performance.

TheWrap.com film critic Sam Fragoso compared Pattinson’s “manic adrenalized performance” to Robert De Niro in 1973’s crime thriller “Mean Streets,” while Emily Yoshido of New York Magazine said the British actor delivered “some of the best work of his post-franchise journeyman career.” (rtr)

REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Cast member Robert Pattinson (L) and directors Joshua (C) and Ben Safdie pose for a portrait while promoting the film “Good Time” in Los Angeles, California, U.S., July 2, 2017.

New “Doctor Who” star hopes fans don’t fear a female time lord

Jodie Whittaker

REUTERS/Fred Prouser/File Photo

LONDON - Jodie Whittaker, the first woman cast as the lead role of the BBC’s iconic sci-fi programme “Doctor Who”, expressed hopes on Monday that fans will embrace her role as a symbol of diversity rather than fear the shift from a man.

Whittaker, 35, breaks a tradition back to the start of the television series in 1963 that the Doctor is a man, travelling the universe as a “time lord” in a telephone box to protect the weak and combat evil aliens.

“I hope, you know, my gender isn’t a fearful thing for the fans,” Whittaker told the BBC, in her first broadcast interview since her casting was announced last month.

“In this world particularly - there aren’t rules and that’s a great thing, you know, so hopefully, hopefully everyone is excited, as excited as I am,” she added.

Her casting was largely viewed positively by fans and commentators but some on social media argued that the role of the Doctor should not be played by a woman.

Whittaker said that she had missed the reactions as she was not a social media user.

Ultimately, Whittaker hopes that her casting will help fans of the programme to embrace diversity.

“Now we can say to young boys and young girls that the people

that you potentially look up to or the characters that you love don’t necessarily have to look the same as before - you know, we can celebrate the fact of differences.”

She told the BBC that she believed getting the role would be “a blessing and a curse”, and expressed the hope that media interest in her personal life would die down: “It’s not very exciting”, she said.

“Doctor Who” is one of the BBC’s most popular scripted programmes, and has inspired a devoted fanbase in several countries, with clubs, conventions and fan publications. She will be the 13th Doctor. (rtr)

You can find International Bali Post at: 1 Kuta Beach Club Jl. Bakung Sari Kuta 2 Wen Dys Kuta the Coffe Bear Jl. Pantai Kuta 3 Seminyak Paradiso Bali Hotel Jl. Camplung Tanduk 4 Ramayana Resort&Spa Jl. Bakung Sari Kuta 5 The Lokha Legian Resort&Spa Jl. Padma Legian Kuta 6 66 Corner Live Sport Emtertaiment Jl. Doble Six/Werkudara 23 7 Leghawa Grill Jl. D.Tamblingan No. 51 8 Retno Barr dan Restoran Jl. D.Tamblingan No.126 A Sanur 9 Elkomedor Jl. D.Tamblingan 140

10 Malaika Scret 11 Snack Shack 12 Warung Lokal 13 Cokro Cafee 14 T.J.Bar 15 J & N Kebab 16 Goanna Bar 17 Batu Jimbar 18 Ramayana Cafee

Jl. D.Poso No 68 Jl. D.Poso No. 50D Jl. D.Poso No. 39 Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur Jl. D.Tamblingan

19 Smirnof Cafee Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 20 Legwa Hotel Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 21 Nu Laser Cafee Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 22 Ganesa Book Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 23 All For Daiving Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 24 Barocca Jl.Petitenget 17 DKerobokan 25 Lantern Jl.Petitenget 17E Kerobokan 26 Shearlock Jl.Petitenget 17C Kerobokan Klod 27 Cafe Degan Jl.Petitenget 9 Kerobokan Klod

28 Kopi Made Jl. Raya Puputan No. 106 Dps 29 Dimsum Manan Jl. Raya Niti Mandala Renon No 148 30 Furama Jl. Raya Niti Mandala No. 148 Renon 31 Warung Subah Renon Jl. Mohamad Yamin No.18 32 Ayam Betutu khas Gilimanuk Jl. Merdeka No.88 Renon 33 Bali Bakery Jl. Hayam Wuruk 184 Denpasar

KCNA/via REUTERS

A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful test launch of the “Hwasong-14” intercontinental ballistic missile is seen in this undated photo released by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang on August 8, 2017.

Tillerson in Thailand presses for more action on North Korea

BANGKOK - U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Tuesday pressed Thai leaders for more action on North Korea during the highest level visit to Thailand by a U.S. official since a military coup in 2014 soured relations with the United States. Tillerson’s top priority has been urging Southeast Asian countries to do more to cut funding streams for North Korea.

The United States believes North Korean front companies are active in Thailand and is trying to encourage the Thais to shut them down, Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Susan Thornton told reporters aboard Tillerson’s plane. The companies are using Bangkok as a regional hub and change their names frequently, she said.

Before meeting Tillerson, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said Thailand would support a U.N. resolution on new sanctions on Pyongyang over its missile tests.

But he made no mention of specific action.

The United States was encouraging Thailand to take as many North Korean refugees as it can handle, Thornton said. Reuters

reported exclusively last week that the number of North Koreans slipping illegally into Thailand has surged in recent months.

Thailand’s own politics and human rights record were also in focus, as Washington strengthens relations with its oldest ally in the region after they were downgraded following the coup. “We want Thailand to emerge as a strengthened democracy that respects and guarantees human rights and fundamental freedoms at home and plays a leading role in advancing regional security and prosperity,” a US embassy spokesman said.

“UPS AND DOWNS” Tillerson offered no specific message on human rights when he

spoke to the American community at the ambassador’s residence and highlighted the 200-year-old relationship. “We want to continue to grow that relationship, even in its ups and downs,” he said. Tillerson met Thailand’s foreign minister, Don Pramudwinai, before junta chief Prayuth. Don also emphasised support for the U.N. resolution on North Korea.

Following his meeting with Tillerson, Don told reporters in Bangkok that trade between Thailand and North Korea had dropped by as much as 94 percent over the past year.”Thailand will act as a good member of the United Nations ... one result is trade which dropped significantly.

It dropped 94 percent,” Don told reporters. U.S. President Donald

Trump has spoken to Prayuth by telephone and invited him to the White House, but no date has been set yet.

Human rights groups have voiced concern about the re-establishment of normal relations while Thailand’s junta continues to crack down on critics. “It would be a practical mistake for Tillerson to not condition positive diplomatic relations on improvements in the protection of human rights,” Matthew Smith, of the Fortify Rights group, told Reuters.

Thailand’s military seized power in May 2014 after months of street protests with a promise to eventually restore democracy, but elections will not happen before next year and a new constitution retains a powerful political say for the army.

Since the coup, Thailand has aligned itself more closely with Beijing, and this year approved purchases of more than $500 mil-

lion worth of Chinese submarines, tanks and helicopters, besides construction of a new rail link.

Another source of friction is Thailand’s trade surplus over the United States. It was the 11th largest last year, at nearly $19 billion, although Thai officials expect a sharp rise in U.S. imports to reduce it.

During his five-hour visit to Bangkok, Tillerson signed a condolence book for the revered late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose death after seven decades on the throne was felt deeply in Thailand. Tillerson’s visit follows his attendance at a regional security forum in Manila at the weekend. (rtr) News can also be heard in “Bali Image” at Global Radio FM 96.5 from 9.30 until 10.00 am. Listen to Global Radio FM at http:// globalfmbali.listen2myradio.com or live video streaming at http:// radioglobalfmbali.com and http:// ustream.tv/channel/global-fm-bali.