BALI UPDATE #292 - 22 April 2002

We Get Mail -Visa Concerns Continue

Spirited Reactions to the Proposed Changes in Visa Policies Occupied the Time of Readers who Recently Wrote to balidisocvery.com.

CHANGES WILL BE DEVASTATING

Geordie, geordie@mindless.com, had the following reaction to our editorial urging any new visa fee should be included in airline ticket prices:

If Indonesia implements the visa fees, and the shorter visa periods, it will have devastating effects to the tourism industry.

Maybe they are trying to reduce the "backpacker" tourists, but these people provide income too. How many losmen and restaurants will go under from that alone?

... Disguising the visa fee in the ticket won't solve the problem. If I am traveling with an Indonesian, and their ticket is a different price than mine, this is an issue. Travel agents would have to issue different ticket prices based on nationality.

Getting a ticket to a destination is hard enough without throwing in these exceptional factors. I don't agree with the fiscal policy of exiting Indonesians either, but it seems to me that any visa fee in a time when you want all the income and good notoriety possible is ludicrous.

PROPOSED CHANGES A MAJOR MISTAKE

Roger Coburn, DARRCHEM@aol.com, from the United Kingdom, wrote to add:

A visa fee and the proposed shortening of the permitted stay to 30 days would a major mistake and making the visa fee payable on arrival would be a recipe for disaster (and would lead some into temptation).

Our first visit to Bali was in 1990 and since then we have been back 8 times. It is simply our favourite place on the planet and we miss it greatly when we don't go.

At the same time we are very well aware of all the other fantastic places around the Far East and elsewhere. For example, last year we visited Malaysia and had a great time driving around the country. We shall certainly return there. Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong are competing for the same tourists. India too is getting more and more tourism.

Most of those destinations already have more developed tourism infrastructure and are chasing the business.

... Any perceived gain would be outweighed by an inevitable drop of tourist numbers. I hear that even the Aussies are giving Bali a miss. When you are in a competitive market you don't put your price up!!

By all means, if they really need more revenue, increase the Airport/Departure Tax, but make that ticket inclusive. Most tourist will also experience various "unofficial" taxes and levies when visiting Bali, surely everyone is already making a great deal of money out of us tourists. don't kill the golden goose.

FEE MAY MEAN SHORTER STAYS AND LESS BUSINESS FOR REMOTE REGIONS

Elizabeth House, elizabeth.house@lycos.com, had the following comments regarding our article "Minister Ardika Hints at Visa Changes":

I have been coming to Indonesia since 1973 and have formed many friendships over this time. I look forward every year to take 6 weeks away from my extremely stressful job to come to visit friends and delight in what my beloved Indonesia has to offer.

During my many visits I have visited Java, Sumatra, Bali, Flores, Sumba, and West Timor where I have studied weaving. While I am in a position to afford to pay for the visa, I plead with the Minister to still allow the possibility to stay for the full 60 days. This is not only for myself but for those citizens of Indonesia who live outside the main tourist islands, and whose lives are considerably enhanced by the income derived from foreign tourists who venture their way.

I would also like to say that I am wanting to book my holiday for this year starting the second week in July, and am worried that if I do the visa period will be shortened and I will only be able to visit for 15 days. I would not be able to justify the expense of coming to Indonesia for such a short stay.

LOOK AT OTHER TAXES, TOO

A Dutch reader, Ir. R. Kemner, r.kemner@hccnet.nl, suggests the Government should even consider reducing some visa fees:

I do agree with the view that making the visa more expensive will not contribute tourism and will produce several negative effects.

Indonesia however is still in need of money. A better solution to improve the money situation and increase employment at the same time might be a cheaper long stay visa (Wisatawan Lanjut Usia) in combination with levying of tax.

Here a win-win situation may occur. Indonesia has tax treaties with many countries. A fixed point in those treaties is that a country may levy tax upon a citizen that stay more then 180 days in that country (and the other country is then not allowed to levy tax). As, in general, the tax to be paid is lower in Indonesia then in (most) western countries this may attract (richer) retired people. Besides the extra tax income Indonesia benefit also from creating employment home building, servants) and the purchasing power of the retired people.

A LARGE SUCKING SOUND

Matthew Mendelsohn, matthew@backpackasia.com, had this to add to our "ticket inclusive" editorial:

Your point on the visa fees is well-taken but is not harsh enough on the lawmakers.

In reality, the travel industry should fight tooth and nail against this proposal as it is downright dangerous to the Indonesian travel industry. Quite frankly, the reason a lot of people come to Indonesia now rather than to Vietnam, Cambodia or a host of other countries is because at present, it is pretty easy as there is no visa requirement. Even for many, there are a lot of complaints at the present time because having to go in and out of the country every 60 days is an unnecessary hassle. However, should the fee be implemented, I can guarantee a large sucking sound of tourists heading to Indochina and bypassing Indonesia.

Worse still, if the fee is imposed on regional visitors like Australians, Singaporeans or Malaysians, the results will be worse still. Imagine for an Australian having to add 25% to the price of their transport to Indonesia thanks to a $50 visa charge. It's crazy.

I just don't believe that the top guys in the government can actually go through with this kind of thing. Even during the Suharto years there were not any measures taken that would so directly and negatively impact the industry in the country.

More information: Tell Us What's On Your Mind

More to Timor

Merpati Increases Flights Between Bali and Timor Lorosae.

Merpati Nusantara Airlines (MZ) is increasing its flight frequency between Denpasar, Bali and the world's first new country of the this millennia - Timor Lorosae.

MZ, effective April 11, increased to eight the number of flights operating every week between Denpasar and Dili. Because of growing demand, MZ has declared its intention to operate another service - increasing the total to nine flights per week - starting from May, 01, 2002.

Setiawan Djody to Acquire Merpati?

Flamboyant Indonesian Businessman Reported in a Move to Purchase 90% Share of Ailing Carrier.

Shipping and telecommunications magnate and sometimes concert rock musician, 53-year-old Djody Setiawan is reported to be lobbying the Indonesian Government for permission to acquire a 90% share in government-owned Merpati Nusantara Airline (MZ).

Setiawan, the owner of the Setdco Business Group, has proposed a direct cash and non-direct cash deal that will inject US$ 1 billion into the debt burdened airline resulting in his control of 90% of the airline's shares. Under a debt to equity swap Setdco will reduce some of MZ's staggering Rp. 1,7 trillion debt that currently reside on a balance sheet showing only Rp. 800 billion in company assets. MZ operates an aging fleet of equipment operated by some 4,000 workers on its payroll.

According to local news sources, Setdco's takeover, if approved by the Government will allow the new majority owner to introduce badly needed new equipment on MZ's domestic route as well as fulfill its declared intention to spread its wing on selected international routes.

Fondue, You Do?

Bali's Swiss Restaurant Turns 25.

The Swiss Restaurant a landmark within Bali's restaurant community, recently turned 25.

Opened in the 1970's by a young Balinese businesswoman, Ni Made Suci, and her Swiss-born husband, John P. Zurcher, The Swiss Restaurant has been serving home-sick yodelers fondue and roesti potatoes for more than a quarter century from several locations in Kuta and Legian.

Located on Jalan Werkudara in Legian (telephone 0361 - 761511) this popular local dining spot serves up delicious food and friendly atmosphere. As an added bonus, local and visiting musicians, often led by John on the violin, provide musical accompaniment for local diners.

While John's not giving up his day job as the honorary counsel for Switzerland and Austria in Bali, The Swiss Restaurants long list of loyal regulars indicate people continue to enjoy both the music and the food.

Don't forget to bring your "Lederhosen".

Entry #16 - Bali Dream Holiday Contest

This Week's Entry from an Update Reader in Massachusetts in the U.S.A..

The world must be populated by fellow procrastinators. That has to be the reason for the sudden flood of excellent entries in the final weeks of the Bali Dream Holiday Contest.

In fact, we've received so many great submissions that we'll continue to include them in coming issues of Bali Update even after the contest ends and a winner is finally announced in early May.

Stay tuned to balidiscovery.com to find out who's going to win 2 tickets on Singapore Airlines, 7 nights at the Four Seasons Private Estates Bali at Jimbaran Bay, tours and transfers from Bali Discovery Tours, rafting and cycling excursions from Sobek, luxurious spa treatments from Mandara Spa, a helicopter tour from Air Bali, and Cooking Lessons from Bumbu Bali/Rumah Bali.

Marsha L. Browner, mbrowne@110.net, from Winchester, Massachusetts (U.S.A.), sent this week's entry.

My Dream Holiday in Bali

When we dream, our memories come alive. My dream holiday in Bali encompasses all my senses, enriches my spirit, and carries me to the Navel of the World.

I see Ibu's glorious smile as we arrive unannounced at her home. I see the colors shift subtly following dawn, the sacred mountain Agung revealing itself in the clearing mists, shy as a new lover. I watch the clouds catch fire as the sun sets into the ocean, beyond the fishing boats dotting the lagoon.

I hear the music of a gamelan drifting across the fields, beyond the Monkey Forest. I hear the bell in the priest's uplifted hand ringing as he prays, calling down blessings to the worshippers in the temple. My ears fill with the clamor of children who run up the road shrieking, "Hallo! Hallo!" Their friendly little arms wave furiously as we drive by. I fall asleep to the lullaby of croaking frogs, barking dogs, and the hollow knocking of the kulkul, reassuring me that all is well in the village.

I touch a butterfly's brilliant wing as it lights on my arm. The boy who leads the ducks to the rice fields, singing softly to himself as he sways the beribboned staff, has cheeks as soft as feathers. The sun's heat warms my bones, and when it rains, the gentle slide of raindrops sluice down my face as I make my way to the bungalow.

I smell wood fires, coconut oil, and cooking herbs; clove cigarettes, mixed with flowers and sea breezes. The flowers, a riot and profusion of aroma and color, grow in every available inch of ground that does not already produce rice, vegetables, coconuts, bananas, or other delicious fruit.

I hunger for the tastes of babi guling, lawar, and brem, spicy and rich upon my tongue.

Everything is golden on Bali. The golden beach at Kuta, where waves crest and break like a shower of coins. The golden carp, lazing in the lotus ponds. The golden umbrellas lining the climb to Pura Besakih, where gods rest upon gilt thrones. The golden-skinned Balinese, whose natural beauty and grace leaves me breathless with admiration.

In my dream holiday, there is a midnight sky. The Southern Cross hovers above the horizon, the star clusters glinting silver, red, and gold, like jewels at the throats of deities. They pulse at the galaxy's heart, shining down on Pulau Dewata, Bali, Island of the Gods.

My senses tell me what my heart already knows -- when I dream of Bali, I dream of paradise.

More information: How to Enter the Bali Dream Holiday Contest

Wooing Investors

Government Promises Dramatic New Steps to Lure Investors to Indonesia.

Acknowledging a lack of interest by overseas businesses in investing in Indonesia and the currently non-conducive environment in comparison to other countries in the region, Indonesia's Chief of the Investment Coordination Board (BKPM), Theo F. Tomion, recently signaled aggressive policy changes to soon be announced by the Government designed to make the country more attractive to foreign investors.

Among the measures now under serious consideration include:

+ Eliminating all discriminative policies between foreign and domestic investors according "equal treatment" for both domestic (PMDN) and foreign (PMA) capitalists.

+ The elimination of local and regional regulations at odds with central government decrees and seen as inimical to the investment process.

+ Enhanced transparency, better coordination with regional governments, and "one-roof" service for new investors needing numerous permits to commence an investment project.

+ Tax Holiday incentives for new investors.

+ Elimination of the current negative investment list opening areas previously closed to foreign investors such as broadcasting, publishing and hospitals, among others.

On The Heritage Trail

Bali Government Proposes 4 Sites for U.N. World Heritage Status.

Despite widespread criticism from many groups in Bali last year at a proposal to bestow world heritage status on Bali's primordial temple of Besakih, the provincial government of the island is urging the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to add four local sites to the prestigious list of World Heritage Sites.

The proposal was made on April 15, 2002, by Bali's Deputy Governor, Alit Putra, during a visit by a an executive group from UNESCO's headquarters.

The Deputy Governor pointed our how many people misunderstood the earlier proposal for world heritage status for Bali's mother temple of Bekasih assuming that this would equate with a loss of local control over one of Bali's most important religious sites.

The new four sites submitted to UNESCO for consideration by a Paris-based committee that determines suitability as world heritage sites are: the Bali Barat National Park in West Bali; the Jatiluwuh traditional irrigation district or subak near Tabanan; the Pakerisan ancient archeological site in Gianyar; and the Taman Ayun Water Park at Mengwi.

Currently there are 721 sites enshrined by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Indonesia currently has only 6 locations on the UNESCO list. (Jakarta Post)

More information: List of All World Heritage Sites

Alps! We Need Some Business

Bali MICE Initiative Travels to Switzerland.

6 members of the Bali MICE Initiative are bound for Geneva in late May to participate at EIBTM, - one of the world's leading exhibitions for meetings, conferences and exhibitions.

Now in its 15^th year, EIBTM will be held at Geneva's Palexpo Exhibition Centre, May 21-23, 2003. Major purchasers of global exhibition space have gathered in Geneva each year since 1987 to meet with their counterparts - the sellers of accommodation, exhibition space and event management services.

The Bali MICE Initiative is a group of Bali-based meeting and conference suppliers who publish the Bali MICE Guide - Bali's only comprehensive guide to meetings and exhibitions distributed to buyers around the world.

The 6 companies traveling to Geneva and exhibiting together are:

Bali Discovery Tours

Bali Inter-Continental Resort

Holiday Inn Resort Bali Hai

Kelana DMC

Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort

Pacific World

If you'd like more information on any of these companies or would like to set an appointment at EIBTM, contact the Bali MICE Initiative via the E-mail link below:

More information: Bali MICE Initiative

We're the Tops!

Parigata Resort & Spa and Balidiscovery.com a Winning Combination. Bali Discovery Tours named a Top Producer for Sanur Boutique Property.

Bali's Parigata Resort & Spa located in the very heart of Sanur Village, has formally presented Bali Discovery Tours with an award for being a top producer of room nights.

A strong favorite with Bali Discovery Tour's clients for its gentle hospitality and exceptional value-for-money, the 42-room Parigata Resort and Spa sits in the historic Batu Jimbar area of Sanur, just a few minutes away from excellent local restaurants and shops.

balidiscovery.com offers prices starting from just US$41.00 per night, single or double, including 21% tax and service and a full buffet breakfast.

Savings of over 64% from from published tariff.

With only 42 rooms, best to book early to avoid disappointment.

More information: Book a room at the Parigata Resort & Spa

The Sounds of Silence

Bali Hilton Stages 'Ogoh Ogoh' Procession for Guests.

Bali was an island "closed for business" on Saturday, April 13, 2002, in accordance with the strict local rules observed island-wide to mark the start of a New Year on the Bali Hindu calendar. 'Nyepi' - A day of absolute silence must be spent fasting in quiet meditation during which, according to tradition, no flames should be lit, no work performed and the streets of the island - including its normally busy airport - should come to an absolute standstill.

The day before Nyepi, known as Pengerupukan, stands in stark contrast to what follows. The night before the day of silence is consumed with massive parades of giant paper mache monsters or Ogoh Ogoh - lovingly built by each community in the weeks prior to the celebration. On this night, everyone takes to the island's roadways in festive block parties during which copious amounts of arak rice wine are consumed.

In order to share some of the excitement of the holiday, the Bali Hilton International invited their guests to join the Ogoh Ogoh procession, highlighted by noise makers, bamboo bells and a torch light parade. The Ogoh-Ogoh monsters are made to chase away evil spirit before the commencement of the New Year. Following the burning of the Ogoh-Ogoh at the end of the procession at the beach, the hotel's guests enjoyed a Kecak trance dance at the Balinese Theatre.

Like other international hotels on the island, local authorities allow the Bali Hilton to serve its guests on Nyepi Day, but required guests to stay on the hotel's grounds for the entire day.

More information: Book a Stay at the Bali Hilton

Riva Joins the BICC

Veteran Conference Professional Joins Bali's Convention Center.

Mr. Alex Riva has been named the Director of the Bali International Convention Center (BICC) in Nusa Dua.

Riva, a Swiss national and a graduate of the Lausanne Hotel School has held positions in the meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition industry for the past 9 years working with the Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket, Royal Orchid Sheraton Bangkok and most recently with Diethelm Events/Travel in Thailand.

Well equipped to work in the international market place, Alex Riva speaks fluent English, Italian, French with a strong working knowledge of German and Thai.

The BICC is Bali's largest and most sophisticated conference and meeting venues with a main hall that can seat 2,500; 5,000 square meters of exhibition space; a dedicated auditorium; and numerous break out and syndicate rooms.

More information: Drop Alex a Word of Welcome

Remember Where You Read it First

ICTP's E-Turbo News Flatters Bali Update or Do They?

If plagiarization is journalism's sincerest form of flattery, then we should probably feel most honored.

The April 15 edition of ETurbo News, sent from Hawaii to a claimed readership of 110,000 travel professionals worldwide, copied an article word-for-word that appeared the day before on balidiscovery.com and last week's edition of Bali Update.

The Article "Minister Ardika Hints at Visa Changes" was an original, copyrighted story by balidiscovery.com and Bali Update including our original translations of attributed material from the Indonesian press. And, if our Hawaiian colleagues would care to check the international treaties on copyright, protection is specifically extended to translated materials as well as original writing - our story contained both.

In fact, balidiscovery.com is fairly liberal in granting permission to other media to use our material. All we require is the courtesy of a simple request beforehand and an attribution to balidiscovery.com.

Both the request for permission and any attribution to balidiscovery for originating the story ETurbo News printed word-for-word were lacking.

So the next time you're reading ETurbo News you might well wonder where you read the story first.

Now here's an article you'll probably not read on ETurbo News.