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

Homepage: http://www.seniwatigallery.com

*******************Advertisement*************************

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

*******************Advertisement*************************

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?