BALI UPDATE #327 - 23 December 2002

Time Magazine's Asian Newsmaker of the Year

Bali's Irgen. I Made Pastika Honored by Time Magazine.

Bali's very own native-son and Chief Investigator in the Bali bombings, Irgen. Made Mangku Pastika, has been named Time Magazine's Asian Newsmaker of the Year.

Pastika, praised internationally for his fearless determination as a police investigator, led and coordinated a team of international police officials in unravelling the chain of evidence surrounding the bomb attacks. Less than two months after those attacks, some 15 suspects are now in police custody with their confessions and statements paving the way for an ongoing dismantling of an international terror network that has been operating domestically in Indonesia.

According to Time's Executive editor, Anthony Speath, the Balinese police officer displaced a number of other high-profile Asian newsmakers for the current honor, including Pakistan's General Musharraf, and Chinese leaders Jiang Zemin and Hu Jianto.

A hard-nosed cop with an uncompromising commitment to solving any case assigned to him, Pastika has served as an international law enforcement officer with the United Nations in Namibia. His investigations into the death of the Papua political activist They Hivo Eluay were widely seen as fearless revealing the involvement of military elements in the victim's disappearance and death.

Pastika was the keynote speaker on Monday, December 16^th at the Hotel Asia Security Workshop held in Bali.

More information: Related Story: Security Workshop a Success

Call to Establish a National Convention Bureau

Professional Conference Organizers Seek Government Support.

Leaders from the companies that organize conferences and conventions nationwide have called on the Government to establish a National Convention Bureau to support them in their bidding efforts to bring major conference events to Indonesia.

Iqbal Allan Abdullah, the Chairman of INCAA - The Indonesian Conference and Congress Association, has renewed his long-standing call for government action in establishing a convention bureau in order to help Indonesia recover its share of the lucrative conference and convention business sector.

Some 34 major conference events were cancelled for Jakarta, Bali, and Yogyakarta following the October 12^th bomb blasts. Igbal estimates that it will take a minimum of 2-3 years for the meetings and conference sector to regain its momentum, a process that can be accelerated with government support in the form of an official convention bureau.

Pointing to the example of Thailand which recently established a national convention bureau with a total outlay of Baht 22 million, Iqbal has called for an Indonesian Convention Bureau financed 90% through government funds and 10% from private sector monies. He also emphasized that the amount of money the government is prepared to dedicate to establishing a national convention bureau is of secondary importance to an official commitment to the need for such a body.

Singapore's Thumbs Up to Indonesian Tourism

Singapore Investor Optimistic on Indonesia's Long Term Tourism Potential.

A Singapore Investment Group, Guthrie GTS holding extensive investments in Indonesia, has reaffirmed its faith in the long term viability of Indonesia's economy via a report carried in the Singapore publication, The Business Times.

In a statement by the group printed in the paper, Guthrie GTS stated, "despite the recent setbacks resulting from the bomb attacks in Bali, Guthrie GTS remains confident that such setbacks are temporary and believes in the longer-term viability of the Indonesian economy."

Gurthrie GTS has Indonesian investments in the 190-room Novotel Coralia Benoa Bali Resort, the Hotel President in Jakarta, and the Wisma Nusantara high-rise office building in Jakarta.

The group has recently made a US$ 50.3 million bid for a majority 76% interest in the Wisma Nusantara building.

Life After 10-12

Bali's Foreign Residents Subject to More Scrutiny.

Following the October bombing in Bali, in addition to the well-publicized closer scrutiny of those entering Bali via the island's two major seaports, foreign nationals resident in Bali are also coming under closer observation from the local civil authorities.

While Indonesian nationals are expected to possess local security cards (KTP) and demonstrate gainful employment in Bali in order to be allowed to remain for extended periods on Bali, foreign nationals staying in private residences are also open to closer security checks surrounding their presence here.

According to Dewa Nyoman Oka, the Badung government official in charge of civil registration, foreign nationals residing temporarily in Bali must posses proof of their registration as temporary residents (Surat Keterangan Pendaftaran Penduduk Sementara - SKPPS) as well as a proof of domicile (Surat Keterangan Tempat Tinggal - SKTP).

Marking the commencement of the program of closer enforcement of existing civil registration rules, 12 foreign residents in the Tanjung Benoa area of South Bali were recently audited for proper registration, primarily the possession of Permanent Resident's Permits (KITAP) or Temporary Resident's Permits (KITAS).

Under Bali's Badung Regency's regulations issued in 1998, enforcement teams including members of the local community have been formed to control residency issues.

Garuda Does its Bidding Online

New Procurement Measures Expected to Save US$ 4 Million.

On December 17, 2002, Garuda Indonesia introduced a new online bidding and procurement system that is expected to save the airline some US$ 4 million dollars each year.

Using an online e-auction approach to purchasing supplies necessary for the carrier's operation, the latest change in procurement procedures will eventually cover everything from the Airline's fuel supplies to guest amenities offered to passengers.

Garuda claims the new procurement system will put them in immediate contact with over 150,000 general suppliers and some 30,000 suppliers selling services and goods for the airline industry and provide a system that is efficient and transparent.

Paris Calling

Tourism Teleconference Links Bali and France.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Paris Chapter and its counterpart in Bali established a telecommunication link between Bali and Paris on Thursday, December 19 permitting a direct teleconference dialogue between the travel industries of the two nations.

Indonesian industry participants in the dialogue included the Minister for Culture and Tourism, Mr. I Gde Ardika; the Chief of the Bali Tourism Authority, Dr. Professor I Gde Pitana Ph.D.; and the spokesman for the Bali Provincial Police, Brigadier General Edward Aritonang. Also participating in the teleconference discussions were members of France's travel industry joined in Paris by Indonesia's Ambassador to France.

The live-link commenced at 1715 hours Bali time allowing a relaxed exchange of ideas between travel practitioners in the two countries.

The Indonesian speakers reviewed the success of the police in the investigation of the October bombing and the large number of suspects now slated to be brought to justice. The heightened security precautions in place at Bali gateways and major tourism attractions were also emphasized.

Minister Ardika used the opportunity to underline the role of Bali in Indonesia's total tourism product, describing Bali as the locomotive that drives other tourism regions. Accordingly, the Government has committed some Rp. 100 billion (approximately US$ 113,000) in emergency funds to assist Bali's recovery with US$ 30 million allocated for tourism in the 2003 budget.

The live up-link via satellite was made possible through the support of Indosat.

Security Workshop A Success

Highlights of Hotel Security Workshop.

Some 230 managers from Bali tourism concerns came to the Bali International Convention Center (BICC) to hear experts in the field of security and combating terrorism on December 16.

Sponsored by Hotel Asia Pacific magazine, the event received financial support from Starwood Hotels, Six Continent Hotels, Hyatt International and Shangri-La Hotels.

A welcoming speech from Hotel Asia Pacific's, Mr. Steve Shellum, and an opening address from Bali's Police Chief started the day.

A highlight of the workshop was an address made by Irgen. Polisi Drs. Made Mangku Pastika, lead investigator of the Bali bombing. Providing an overview of the challenges facing those trying to develop a professional police force in Indonesia, he took the audience through a step-by-step pictorial review of the chain of evidence and suspects uncovered by his office and the large team of international investigators working on the Bali bombing.

Tim Dumas, Regional Security Officer based at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, reviewed his country's role in leading the war on terror.

Chester Doty, Chief of Security for Shangri-La Hotels, discussed the latest tools available to enhance hotel security and the need for owners to commit capital to make their properties unattractive targets.

James Filgo of Consolidated Services International Inc. underlined the role of staff training, stressing the need for security awareness and the need to replace "brawn with brains" in the combating potential threats.

James Papineau, from Singapore's SUNTEC Conference Center, described Singapore's response to the 9-11 and offered advice on how Bali can continue to promote their tourism product in the current environment. Citing Bali's undiminished brand equity, he urged the island to develop an integrated marketing plan with specific strategic initiatives to be undertaken by both the private and public sectors.

Craig Foster, the Jakarta-based President Director of Hill & Associates, provided a comprehensive overview of the many potential crisis that might face a tourism destination and of the need for concrete plans of communication.

Leigh Dixon of the Australian Federal Police spoke of the need for international cooperation in fighting terrorism, explaining the success of Operation Alliance - a 5-year cooperative agreement on police cooperation now in place between Australia and Indonesia.

Dr. I Gde Pitana, the Chief of the Bali Tourism Authority, in a rousing closing, assured all that, despite the recent tragedy visited upon the island, Bali remains virtually unchanged in its intrinsic appeal to visitors.

Anti-Terror Squad Demonstration

A break in the afternoon's proceedings was provided by Bali's Mobile Brigade (Brimob) who gave a live demonstration of their skills in handling a mock bomb situation.

Well known Bali tourism personality A.A. Gede Agung served as the Moderator for the entire workshop.

Professional conference management services were provided by Bali Discovery Tours.

Thinking Globally

ICTB Hires Australia Consultant Team to Develop a Global Strategy.

The Indonesia Culture and Tourism Board (ICTB) have appointed one of the world's leading international communications consultancies, Gavin Anderson & Company (GA&Co), to develop a global strategy plan to assist the recovery of national tourism following the October 12^th terror attack.

In announcing the appointment, Mr. Setyanto Santosa, the Executive Chairman of the ICTB revealed that his office was working with the Australian office of the world-wide consultancy group to chart Indonesia's way out of the current crisis. Mr. Santosa said GA&Co "will commission research and analyze its findings; organize events to promote the Indonesian tourism industry to government, business and tourism leaders; offer strategic advice on the international tourism industry and public affairs; and devise other critical strategies to accelerate the Bali recovery and development program."

The ICTB Executive Chairman went on to explain how his department, with the assistance of GA&Co, is focusing on rehabilitation and normalization of the Indonesian tourism industry in 2003 after which, in 2004, they will focus on issues related to growth.

Mr. John King, who runs the Sydney-based consultancy Global Tourism and Leisure has been engaged by GA&Co to provide strategic advice on tourism planning, marketing and strategy. Mr. King is well known in Indonesian tourism circles having helped set up the worldwide marketing network for the former Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board. He was also involved in the recovery of Fiji's tourism industry after two coups and was appointed Chairman of Tourism Tasmania soon after the Port Arthur Tragedy.

The Gavin Anderson & Company team will be led from Australia by Mr. Andrew Woodward. Mr. Woodward was formerly with the Australian Tourist Commission and the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Back to London in March

Garuda Announces London Flights to Resume March 29.

Garuda Indonesia have announced that all flights from London's Gatwick airport will be suspended from January 15, 2003 and will resume operations on March 29, 2003.

Commenting on the strong links that exists between the people of the United Kingdom and Bali, Bruce Watson, Sales Manager for Garuda Indonesia in the U.K. and Ireland said, "having suffered from terrorist action, the people of Bali are now further penalized by Governments advising tourists to stay away from Bali. On an island where over 90% of the population are dependant on tourism, the U.K. Foreign Office action could destroy the fabric of their society. I think we should support rebuilding Bali, which is the victim, rather than magnifying terrorist action by destroying the livelihood of its people." He added, "at Garuda we are spear-heading the campaign to reinstate Bali as a major tourist destination. We are confident that people's love for this beautiful little island will bring them back, and we can look to the future with confidence."

Thrice Weekly Service

When Garuda Indonesia resumes service in March it will offer flights three times a week from London to Bali with a single intermediate stop in Singapore.

Flights will depart London's Gatwick on Monday's, Wednesday's, and Saturday's at leaving at 1645 hours and landing in Bali the next day at 1745 hours. Flights from Bali to London will operate on the same days leaving Bali at 0035 hours and arriving in London on the same day at 1015 hours.

Bali on the Run

Bali Hash House Harriers Run for Bali's Recovery February 14-17.

As their response to the October 12^th terror attack the Bali Hash House Harriers (Bali HHH) have organized a Bali Recovery Run, covering 4 days of activities from February 14-17, 2002.

Four days of hashing in all.

Hashing?

You might well ask.

Hashing is something of a local tradition which sees otherwise normal and sane members of the community don running kit, consume copious quantities of food and beer, and run through local rice terraces and otherwise sleepy villages screaming "onward, onward!"

The Bali Recovery Run

The weekend of games, hashing, bashing and thrashing gets underway with a regular HHH run on Friday, February 14, and winds up with a final run for any survivors on the following Monday, February 17.

The organizers claim the weekend will expose local and visiting runners to breathtaking views of Bali via off the beaten track running routes.

Blessed by the Gods?

The dates for this special event seem especially portentous.

Friday, February 14^th marks both Valentine's Day but also Hari Bhatari Sri - a day dedicated to the Balinese goddess of rice and fertility; February 15^th, the second day of the event, is the Chinese celebration of Cap Go Meh; February 16^th is the third Sunday before lent or Septuagesima and Bulan Purnama the Balinese day of the Full Moon; and February 17^th is the Buddhist celebration of Maghapuia.

What all this has to do with anything, we're not quite sure. The Hashers, however, are a strange lot, deriving strength from any signs and divinations connected with their runs.

For A Very Good Cause

The Headquarters for the HHH event is the Grand Bali Beach Hotel in Sanur where special accommodation packages are on offer for out of town participants. An early registration fee of Rp. 300,000 (approximately US$ 34) is available before December 31, 2002. After that the rate increases to Rp. 500,000. Hashers under the age of 16 can participate for only Rp. 50,000.

A warning to everyone else in Bali on these dates: buy your stocks of Bintang Beer well in advance. Supplies may be under severe strain during the coming HHH Bali Recovery Run.

More information: Register on Line

Inner Reflections at The Four Seasons

Surrealist Art Exhibit Through January 31.

Returning for a triumphant 2^nd solo exhibition at the Four Season's Ganesha Gallery, Balinese artist I Wayan Redika exhibition "Inner Reflection" runs through January 31, 2003.

Considered among Indonesia's most talented surrealist painters, I Wayan Redika's approach to his craft combines well-known Balinese religious and philosophical themes and native symbolism. For example, in one of the works included in the current exhibit, Kaliyuga Phaska, the artist uses elements from the Mahabrata legend in combination with the cycles of life and the social upheaval of modern Indonesian society.

The Ganesha Gallery at the Four Seasons at Jimbaran Bay is open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m..