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BALI UPDATE #157 - 20 September 1999
IN THIS UPDATE
- Stop the Madness, Mr. Brooks
- Statement from the Indonesia-Australia Business Council
- East Timor Aid Appeal
- Minister Usman Resigns
- Oktoberfest '99
- Farewell, Good King
- Australia; They're Just "Neighbours"
- Victoria Cattoni - At the Seniwati Gallery
- 5th Annual Bali International Rugby Tens
- New Hospital under Construction
- The Lighter Side: Make A Baby in Bali Year
- A Final Word
STOP THE MADNESS, MR.
BROOKS
Last week's Bali Update #156 covered the wrong-minded
efforts of Melbourne-based public relations professional, Mr. Geoff Brooks,
and his active and ongoing campaign to punish the Balinese people in order
to express his indignation with developments in East Timor. Mr. Brooks
lobbied Australian travel wholesalers to boycott Bali and has gone so
far as to offer incentives to any travel company who would launch a South
Pacific package called "Bali Busting' specials.
Through this newsletter and by direct contact (e-mail
to gbrooks@medianet.com.au),
members of the Bali tourism community have called on Mr. Brooks and like-minded
Australians to regain a modicum of good sense. The Balinese are a peaceful
people and no one seems to be defending the senseless bloodshed and great
tragedy that has transpired in East Timor. The Balinese are not the enemy
nor, for that matter, are the Indonesian people. Boycotts against the
Balinese only widen the circle of misery, limit ongoing efforts by people
in Bali to provide humanitarian relief to the Timorese who have sought
refuge here, and broaden nationalistic fervor from a people who increasingly
feel themselves under siege from outside forces. In such an atmosphere, those calling for moderation
on both sides of an increasingly jingoistic two-way spitting match are
finding it difficult to be heard. Fortunately, protests in Bali against
Australia has been limited to peaceful demonstrations in front of the
Australian consulate in Denpasar with Australian visitors to the island
continuing to enjoy the same civility, security and hospitality that are
the island's trademarks.
Still, peace is a most delicate commodity and should
never be taken for granted. In partial response to Mr. Brooks' call for
a Bali boycott, several community local leaders have publicly called for
retaliatory actions against Australia, including a threatened boycott
of flights from Bali to Australia during Sydney's Olympic week. Borrowing
a page from Mr. Brooks book, these local leaders propose to retaliate
where they can cause the most damage, regardless if those affected have
any part and parcel with the conflict at hand. If this is the desired
outcome of Mr. Brooks' "tactical" campaign, then the Sydney Olympic Committee
should enter this man in an Olympic event - performing as the aft most
section of the four-legged jumpers in the steeplechase.
Let's stop the madness. Is it too bold to suggest
the righteously indignant to cool down and look for more positive outlets
for their talents and energies? Perhaps Mr. Brooks could concentrate on
reducing the personal animosity his actions has earned in Bali and do
the "right thing" by expressing his legitimate concern over developments
in East Timor without holding the welfare of more than 2 million Balinese
to ransom? Better yet, why not utilize the resources of his PR Company
to collect aid for the thousand of Timorese refugees? Or, is this just
too constructive?
Do that, Mr. Brooks, and you'll find yourself not
only standing taller but shoulder to shoulder with the peace-loving people
who call this island home. Given the chance, the Balinese very much want
to remain the best of friends with our Australian neighbors, including
even Mr. Brooks.
STATEMENT FROM THE INDONESIA-AUSTRALIA
BUSINESS COUNCIL
On September 17 the President of the Indonesian Australian
Business Council (IABC), Mr. Sabam Siagian published an open letter in
the Jakarta Post calling for rational thought and responsible rhetoric
from both the Indonesian and Australian side to the current polemic.
As Indonesia's former Ambassador to Canberra, Mr.
Siagian's words are wise and well worth heeding. BALI update has posted
his statement in its entirety at our web site at http://www.patabali.com
then click media center Well worth the read.
EAST TIMOR AID APPEAL
The Bali International Women's Association and Bali
Hati are coordinating an effort to provide assistance to displaced families
and individuals who are arriving in Bali and need immediate help. Dedicated
volunteers staff both of these organizations and donators can be assured
that all funds will be publicly accounted.
Food donations; used clothing and toys; firs aid
medical supplies including Oralite; cash; volunteer medical assistance,
cars and drivers; language skills, and organizational skills to help find
employment opportunities for refugees are all being sought.
Relief items can be dropped off at the following
collection points:
UBUD:
Seniwati Studio
Jalan Sriwedari 2b, Banjar Taman Kelod, Ubud
Telephone: 62 - (0)361 - 975485
DENPASAR:
Bali Hati Student House
Jalan Tukad Melangit 46, Panjer-Denpasar
Those wishing to volunteers should contact:
Margaret at telephone 62 - (0) 361 - 281781 extension 3443
Lisa at telephone 62 - (0) 361 - 287005
Richa at Bali Hati at telephone 62 - (0) 361- 977576
For Money:
Bali Timor Refugee Fund
BANK CENTRAL ASIA: BCA account # 135-003-6403
MINISTER USMAN RESIGNS
Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture, Mr. Marzuki
Usman offered his resignation to President Habibie last week in order
to assume a seat in the Indonesian Parliament (MPR) on October 01, effective
with the first seating of the newly elected House of Representatives.
Indonesian regulations do not allow a Minister of
the Government to simultaneously serve as a member of the legislature.
OCTOBERFEST '99
OOM-PAH-OOM-PAH . . . 1 2 3 G'SUFFA!!!
Hard Rock Hotel, Bali in cooperation with German
Honorary Consulate in Bali and Lufthansa Airlines will sponsor an "Oktoberfest"
at the Hard Rock Hotel Ballrooms on October 8, 1999.
Free flowing beer, fun games, Bavarian specialties
on the buffet and the "Goassber Musi" Oktoberfest band from Bad-Kohlburg,
Germany who will be flown in for the evening all combine to promise an
evening to remember.
Invitations are available at Rp.350.000 including
a free limited edition Hard Rock Hotel Oktoberfest giant beer mug & T-shirt.
For more information and reservations call 62- (0)
361- 761869 extension # 1234, during Bali office hours.
DANKEN!
FAREWELL, GOOD KING
Today marks the beginning of a final weeklong ritual
surrounding the cremation of the Raja of Gianyar's, Ide Anak Agung. The
Raja, who died at the age of 78 last April, has laid in state at the Gianyar
Palace ever since, awaiting the portentous date of September 23 when his
soul will be released from it earthly bonds.
The King of Gianyar, who served the Republic with
disctinctionin a variety of ministerial and diplomatic posts, was much
loved in Bali. His cremation on Thursday will see ancient text taken from
their safe keeping and read; dancers and orchestra's perform; special
night-long vigils kept; a huge funeral tower, and an expected 10 kilometer
long processions of offerings and celebrants to accompany the king to
the appointed place of cremation.
Yes, that's right, celebrants. Moreover, you're invited.
Quoted in last Thursday's Jakarta Post, the son of the late King, Anak
Agung Gde Agung saw his father's funeral as a moment of needed rejoicing
amidst the recent months of unrest or political fervor that have recently
affected Indonesia. Inviting one an all to join him at his Father's cremation
and farewell, he said, "After all, we are not just a nation of gun toting
soldiers."
AUSTRALIA: THEY'RE JUST
"NEIGHBOURS"
On a sunny Sunday afternoon last month, 2 celebrities
from the world-famous Australian TV serial "Neighbours" were seen posing
for photographers at the Hard Rock's swimming pool for Australia's Dolly
Magazine. Daniel Macphearson, Elle Macphearson's kid brother, and Brooke
Satchwell were modeling Levi's collection.
Check out the fashion pages in Dolly magazine Australia's
November's edition.
Did you know that reruns of "Neighbours" are shown
twice daily in the U.K.?
Nobody quite believes it the first time.
VICTORIA CATTONI - AT
THE SENIWATI GALLERY
"Interlace - an installation" an exhibition by Australian
artist Victoria Cattoni will take place at the Seniwati Showspace on Ubud'd
Main Street October 3 - 28.
Victoria Cattoni is an Australian painter and installation
artist, who has recently spent a year living in Bali, painting and doing
research for her current exhibition. Victoria has exhibited extensively
throughout Australia and this is her sixth solo exhibition.
The work Victoria will produce for the exhibition
at Seniwati is a creative response to her experiences here in Bali. Over
the period of the exhibition, she will produce an installation designed
for the gallery. She will use materials which are in different ways culturally
specific - lace, rice and petals.
Interlace opens on Sunday October 3rd at 11 am. Gallery
hours 0900 - 1700 daily. For further information contact Seniwati Gallery
of Art by Women, at telephone 62-(0) 361- 975485. E-mail to: seniwati@dps.mega.net.id
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BALI INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL
CENTRE (BIMC)
Bali's first western standard medical center has
just celebrated its first year anniversary. Recently,BIMC brought out
two Emergency Specialists from UCLA Los Angeles to further train their
medical staff in dealing with Emergency & Trauma cases.
For further information contact BIMC at
62-(0)361-761263, facsimile 62-(0)361-764345.
E-mail to: bimc@dps.mega.net.id
Website : www.bali-paradise.com/bimc
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5TH ANNUAL BALI INTERNATIONAL RUGBY TENS
The 5th Bali International Rugby Tens will be held
at the football field at the Grand Bali Beach Hotel in Sanur on Saturday
and Sunday, September 25-26, 1999.
16 teams from around Asia will compete in the 10-a-side
Rugby play with teams from Darwin Australia, Taipei, Hong Kong, Manila,
Kuala Lumpur, Guam, Saipan, Brunei, Irian Jaya, Sumbawa, and Jakarta.
Play is from sunrise to sundown. Refreshments and
souvenirs will be available and admission to the event is free of charge.
This is the 3rd year that Bali has been chosen for
this event.
NEW HOSPITAL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Construction is now underway for a 120-bed international
standard hospital in the Sanur area of Bali. Initially rooms for 50 patients
will be built with patient bed rates ranging from Rp. 50,000 ($US 6.25)
to Rp. 400,000 ($US 56.50) per night for a VIP room.
The Hospital Sanur International will initially employ
96 staff including 10 doctors with operations - oops! I mean service,
scheduled to start in April of 2000.
The hospital will meet an important need for international-standard
medical care among visitors and residents of Bali.
THE LIGHTER SIDE: MAKE
A BABY IN BALI YEAR
We've had Visit Indonesia Year, Visit Thailand Year,
Visit ASEAN year, but nothing surely to compare with 'Make A Baby in Bali
Year'. Anyway, that was the suggestion from Indonesia's Tourism Minister
Marzuki Usman, speaking in June at the Bali Travel Mart.
"We're inviting all honeymooners to come to Bali
to welcome in the third millennium," said Usman. "Those who conceive a
baby in Bali will get my blessing - together with a certificate from the
Ministry of Tourism, Art and culture."
The Minister did not announce the verification method
for ascertaining if the baby was actually conceived in Bali, and I, for
one, felt it better not to ask.
Following such an official announcement can there
be any doubters left that Bali is an "island of love?"
A FINAL WORD
Last week, speaking at a tourism seminar in Jakarta,
former Minister of Tourism for Indonesia and Presidential Advisor, Mr.
Joop Ave, reminded us that "tourism is a people to people industry" and
as such, should act beyond politics.
In the words of Mr. Ave, "Tourism for Peace."
Well said, Mr. Ave.
Are you listening, Mr. Brooks?
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