BALI UPDATE #269 - 12 November 2001

Shuttle Diplomacy Bali Style

Delegation of Bali Tourism Leaders Call on America's New Envoy in Jakarta.

A delegation of seven representatives from Bali's tourism industry traveled to Jakarta on Tuesday, November 6, to pay their respects on the newly installed U.S. Ambassador, Mr. Ralph L. "Skip" Boyce and discuss the effects of the current U.S. travel advisories on the island's tourism sector.

Welcoming Ambassador Boyce to Indonesia, the delegation made a presentation underlining the dominating role played by tourism on Bali's economy, where nearly two-thirds of its inhabitants' lives depend on tourism revenues. Because of the multiplier effect of foreign exchange, every US$ 1,000 spent by foreign tourists in Bali creates employment for one household head and, conversely, a similar decline results in the loss of income for an entire family in Bali.

Bali is Safe; Bali is Different

In reviewing the security situation in Bali, the delegation of Bali-based tourism managers pointed to Bali's unique cultural composition; unblemished record of safety for foreign tourists over the past several unsettled years in Indonesia's history; and the unanimous agreement among all religious and political groups in Bali rejecting any actions that might detract from visitors' enjoyment of their stay.

Travel Advisories

The delegation urged the U.S. Government, through its new Ambassador to Jakarta, to consider following the example of other nations in rewarding Bali's continuing state of peace and calm by treating the popular tourist destination as a "separate case" when issuing travel advisories and warnings. The U.S.A. currently issues only "blanket advisory" for all of Indonesia, while a large group of other nations have seen fit to acknowledge Bali's unquestioned safety for tourists even when advising caution in other areas of the country. Some of the nations that single out Bali's safety for special mention in issuing their travel advisories are Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Japan, The Netherlands, France, Canada and Germany.

The delegation also delivered to the Ambassador a letter from the Bali Manager of Continental Micronesia, Bali's only U.S. flag carrier, citing the excellent cooperation that airline has received from Bali authorities in introducing newly mandated safety procedures from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Acknowledging the group's offer to work together with Embassy representatives in reviewing any aspect of Bali's security situation, the Ambassador explained the background and development of the present advisory, promising to fully consider Bali's position and input in formulating future advisories.

The delegation representing Bali was composed of U.S. Citizens and representatives of U.S. tourism products operating in Bali. The delegation calling on Ambassador Boyce included Mr. Christopher Norton, of Four Seasons Resorts in Bali; Mr. Peter Stettler Regional Manager for Hyatt Hotels in Indonesia; Mr. Craig Senior, Director of Marketing for the Ritz Carlton, Bali; Mr. Rolf Hübner, Regional Manager for Six Continent Hotels in Indonesia; Mr. Richard Bussiere, Regional Manager for Starwood Hotels in Indonesia; and Mr. John Daniels, President Director of Bali Discovery Tours.

More information: Related Story: New U.S. Ambassador appointed

Child Prodigy to Perform in Bali

11-Year-Old Alina Elena Bercu to Perform, Wednesday, November 14.

Romanian eleven year-old Alina Elena Bercu will present a piano recital on Wednesday, 14 November 2001, in the ballroom of the Bali Inter-Continental Resort.

Alina Elenawas born in Brasov, Romania in 1990 and only began studying piano in 1998 under the guidance of Mrs. Magdalena Toma. Within months the child's extraordinary talents were obvious, causing her to come under the tutelage of the renowned Professor Stela Dragulin, Ph. D..

With only several years of piano training behind her, "little" Alina was performing recitals both in Romania and abroad. Recently returned from her second tour of Germany, where she performed at the famous Townhall of Dusseldorf, the diminuitive maestro has also played with the philharmonic orchestras of Bucharest, Ploiesu, Ramnicu Valcea, and Brasov. The highlight in her young career occured in October 2000 when she performed at the final evening of the International Festival Constantin Silvestri in Targu Mures.

The 2000-2001 season included performances of the challenging Concerto No. 2 for piano and orchestra by Dimitri Shostakovich and a recital performance at the Romanian Radio Society broadcast on national television. The current 2001-2002 season will see Alina accepting invitations to play recitals in the United States, Israel and Italy.

The sole appearance of this remarkable young artists in Bali will be held at Puri Kencana Ballroom of the Bali Inter-Continental Resort on Jimbaran Beach. The concert begins at 7:30 pm. An 80-minute program will be split into two sections, separated by an cocktail intermission and will feature the works of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Ravel and Liszt.

Tickets are Rp. 150,000 each and are available from the Rotary Club Bali Nusa Dua. Contact Ms. Mimi telephone ++62-(0)361-730000, facsimile ++62-(0)361-731717.

More information: E-mail Rotary Club Nusa Dua for Tickets

Chinese PM on 2 Day Visit

Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji Visits Bali.

On Friday afternoon, November 09, the Peoples Republic of China's Prime Minister, Mr. Zhu Rongji arrived at Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport for a two-day visit. Originally scheduled to arrive in the late afternoon, the delegation arrived earlier, at noon local time, as the result of the cancellation of a previously planned stop in Yogyakarta.

Publicized as an "informal visit," the Chinese Premier arrived on a China Airlines 747 accompanied by a 140-person entourage that was formally welcomed by Indonesia's Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. I Gde Ardika; Bali's Governor, Mr. Dewa Made Beratha; and a host of Balinese legislative, military and police dignitaries.

Escorting Premier Zhu on his Indonesian visit were the Indonesian Ambassador to China, Mr. A.A. Kustia, and the PRC's Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr. Chen Shiqui.

Slated as a holiday rest for Prime Minister Zhu, the schedule during the brief stay was kept necessarily light including only a visit to the Garuda Wisnu Kencana site and a private dinner hosted by Bali's Governor on Saturday evening. Following that dinner the group will depart for Beijing on Saturday evening (10 November).

The Chinese delegation stayed at the five-star Ritz Carlton Bali in Jimbaran where the Prime Minister occupied the Presidential suite and the rest of his delegation utilized 120 rooms of the 388 room property.

ATF Targets 400 Buyers

Yogyakarta ASEAN Tourism Fair Aims for 400 Buyers at January Event.

According to the organizers of the ASEAN Tourism Fair (ATF), some 224 buyers of international travel and 375 Asian travel suppliers have already registered to participate in the Yogyakarta, Central Java, travel exhibition scheduled for January 21-28, 2002.

In order to counteract the negative impact of recent "sweeping" activities in the adjacent community of Surakarta (Solo), Yogyakarta's Governor Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X has used his prerogative as the Sultan of Yogyakarta to proclaim the event as the Royal ATF 2002. Additionally, both the Governor of Yogyakarta and Solo, together with all local police and military authorities, have guaranteed the absolute security of all visitors to the region including the ATF participants. Indicative of local organizer's buoyant optimism regarding this year's event is their projection that some 400 buyers will eventually register for ATF.

The Yogyakarta Government, hoping to restore tourism numbers to Central Java, have invested heavily in the ATF, building a new conference facility covering 10 hectare and costing Rp. 42.5 billion (approximately US$ 4.2 million) capable of handling the expected 1,500 - 1,800 participants. ATF sellers of travel will all originate form the ten member countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations which is comprised of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

More information: Visit the ATF Website

'Splish Splash' at the Radisson

Camp Splash Now Open at Sanur's Radisson Suites.

Described as a parent's escape and a child's fantasy, the Sanur's Radisson Suites Camp Splash is now open for the public providing a fun day out for kid's and their accompanying mom and dad.

Camp Splash facilities include water slides, playgrounds, mini-soccer and basketball courts, a children's restaurant, movie theatre, a kid's beauty salon offering hair braiding, manicures, pedicures, face painting and temporary tattoos. An activity center designed for small children is complemented by a separate "Teen Zone" offering darts, table tennis and billiards.

A full day visitor's pass to Camp Splash costs only Rp. 40,000 for kids and parents aged 16 and above (entry only), and Rp. 30,000 for children between 4-16 years. This price includes a lunch at Sharkie's Restaurant.

Camp Splash is fully supervised allowing parents time to relax, enjoy a massage and partake of the extensive range of refreshments available at the adjacent Hotel Pool. As an added inducement, the Radisson Suites are also offering special day use rates on 2 and 3 bedroom suites at Rp. 200,000 and Rp. 400,000, respectively.

For more information telephone ++62-(0)361-281481.

More information: Contact The Radisson for More Details

SIA Loads to Bali Remain Stable

Bali Manager of Singapore International Airlines (SIA) Says Loads to Bali Remain Strong.

Despite a reported drop of 8.1% in Asian-Pacific passenger loads for September when compared to the same month one year ago, the Bali Manager of Singapore International Airlines says his airline's pasenger loads to Bali remain strong despite an overall drop in arrivals to the island.

Mr. Ang Beng Siong, SIA's Bali Manager, reports that the load factor on their four daily flights to Bali remain between 70-80%.

Prior to the events of September 11, Bali was on track for a record year with strong increases in visitor arrivals via Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport. According to airport authorities, the number of passengers flowing through the airport is down some 33% in the wake of the terrorist attacks in the United States.

SIA's ability to buck the trend and maintain good passenger loads may be due, in part, to that airline's proactive and aggressive role in promoting Bali tourism. An ongoing program of promotion support via travel industry and press familiarization trips have played a significant role in persuading the world that indeed "Bali is safe; Bali is Different" - helping to stem the flow of potential cancellations that might have otherwise occurred following September 11.

More information: SIA's Website

Choral Festival in April 2002

Gianyar Regency to Stage Sacred Choral Festival.

An international sacred choral festival is scheduled for April 2002 in the Gianyar Regency of Bali. The Pesta Paduan Suara Gerejawi , the first sacred Choral Festival to be held in Bali, will include expected participants from Australia, Germany, France, Holland and the U.S.A..

In appointing the organizing committee for the event last Friday (November 9), the Regent (Bupati) of Gianyar, Mr. Tjok Suryawan, said that he hoped such an event would help introduce the Gianyar region to the world and restore normal tourism flows disrupted by the sudden drop in international travel in the wake of the events of September 11.

Next year's festival is being held in response to a personal invitation made last Christmas by Gianyar's Regent to the area's Christian suggesting a sacred choral festival be held.

A local Christian Minister, the Reverend Drs. Nicolaas Kailola will serve as Chairman for the event.

New Domestic Connection to Bali

Pelita Air's AirVenture Operates Daily Service Between Bandung - Surabaya - Denpasar - Kupang.

Pelita Air's newly launched scheduled carrier AirVenture now offers a daily service connection between West Java and the capital of West Timor, Kupang, via the island of Bali.

Schedule Eastbound

Bandung  Depart 06:15

Surabaya  Arrive 07:25 / Depart 08:00

Denpasar(Bali)  Arrive 09:45 / Depart 10:30

Kupang  Arrive 12:05

Schedule Westbound

Kupang  Depart 12:50

Denpasar (Bali)  Arrive 14:25 / Depart 15:10

Surabaya  Arrive 14:55 / Depart 15:30

Bandung  Arrive 16:35

More information: AirVenture Website

Made Wianta at Ganesha

Calligraphic Works by Wianta at Ganesha, November 20 - January 5.

Ganesha Gallery at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay presents the works of internationally renowned Balinese artists Made Wianta in an exhibition called the "Soul of Calligraphy." This exhibition features Wianta's latest works from his calligraphic period.

Wianta is a distinguished multidimensional artist with extensive international recognition not only as a painter, but also as a committed Balinese artist who has developed themes on social and humanitarian issues through his installation art, poetry and musical presentations. For example, a work staged by Wianta to mark the start of the new millennium involved over 2,000 performers and a huge banner of white cloth bearing the word peace written in all the world's languages carried across the island by helicopter.

Wianta's current exhibition at the Ganesha Gallery may be somewhat less dramatic, but no less memorable. See Wianta's "Soul of Calligraphy," November 20, 2001 through January 5, 2002.

For more information contact Ms. Maya Sujatmiko, at the Ganesha Gallery, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran.

More information: E-mail the Ganesha Gallery

Nusa Dua Beach Travel Industry Rates

Attractive Offer to Travel Industry Valid Until 31 March 2002.

The Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa is offering both low rates and bonus nights to members of the international travel industry now through 31 March 2002.

Available only to individuals employed full time with airlines, travel agencies or hotels, deluxe rooms are on offer at US$ 85.00 per night and Palace Club Rooms at US$ 120.00 per night, single or double. These rates include 21% government tax and service and a daily American buffet breakfast.

Extra Nights Bonus

As an added incentive to travel industry friends, those staying 3 nights will receive the 4th night free; stay 7 nights for the price of 5 nights; 10 nights for the price of 7; or, 12 nights for the cost of only 8.

There's More ...

Also included in this special travel industry offer are return airport transfers; use of the Spa facilities; Palace Club amenities for those selecting the Palace Club Rooms including separate breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktail, and 24-hour butler service. A 25% discount on all spa treatments and a 20% discount on food and beverage in any outlet (except Room Service) is also a part of this extraordinary offer.

Please note this special offer is not available between December 25, 2001, and 10 January, 2002.

For bookings contact the Nusa Dua Beach Resort & Spa at telephone ++62-(0)361-771210, facsimile ++62-(0)361-771228.

More information: E-mail Sales Department at Nusa Dua Beach Resort

Ganesha Appoints Curator

Maya Sujatmiko to Oversee Four Season's Ganesha Gallery.

The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay has appointed Ms. Maya Sujatmiko as its new Curator for the Ganesha Gallery. Prior to her latest appointment, Mr. Sujatmiko held positions with a number of leading five-star properties and resorts in Jakarta and Bali.

A graduate of Pine Manor College, Boston, USA, majoring in Art History she also holds an MBA from the University of New Hampshire.

Located at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, Ganesha Gallery was established in 1995 and has held over 70 prestigious exhibitions of work by local and international artists.