BALI UPDATE #328 - 30 December 2002

Silent Night

Warnings of Christmas Terror Prove Unfounded.

Despite widespread predictions of terror attacks during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations, the celebration of those two auspicious days on the Christian calendar passed without incident, both in Bali and across all of Indonesia.

While both the Australian, British and U.S. Embassies warned their citizens of a heightened risk of terror attacks over the Christmas holidays and New Year's Period, the critical first part of the holiday celebrations, that saw thousands of Indonesians and expatriates gather at Christian houses of worship, came and went in a most peaceful manner.

To ensure the peace the Government mobilized thousands of soldiers and police personnel to undertake security audits of local churches and to stand guard during all holiday services.

Some local observers saw the successful quiet celebration of Christmas as further proof that the police are gaining the upper hand in closing down the remnants of a nationwide terror network via arrests of suspected terror network members in Indonesia over the past few weeks.

On the heels of calls by Islamic religious leaders that the sternest possible punishments be meted out to those found guilty of the October bomb attacks in Bali, a number of Islamic youth groups across the country saw their members volunteer to attend Christian religious celebrations as a means to express national solidarity and to underline the need for religious tolerance among all Indonesians.

Bali Rings in the New Year in Style

President Mega and Top Entertainers Converge on Bali to Welcome 2003.

Bali for the World - an association dedicated to Bali's recovery following last October's terrorist attack, have lined up a star-studded list of top Indonesian and international entertainers to celebrate the start of 2003 and betters times for the people of Bali.

GWK Show – Monday, December 30

Dubbed the East West Collaboration in Peace and the People's Party a special evening of entertainment from the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park is set for Monday, December 30^th and will be televised nation-wide by ANTEVE starting at 2130 western Indonesian Time (WIB). Scheduled to appear are Phil Perry, Dave Koz. Jeff Lorber, Brenda Russel, Ruth Sayanaya, Slank, Aning Katamsi, Ari Lasson, Edo Kondologit, Marcel, the Erwin Gutawa Orchestra, Kompyang Raka, Balawan, Dewa Budjana, Edi Kemput, Denny TR, Adit, and Oele P.

People’s Party with Ibu Mega

The following night, the New Year's Eve will be celebrated grandly with a second nation-wide broadcast on ANTEVE of the Pesta Rakyat or People's Party - set to commence at 2000 hours local time on Kuta Beach. Some of Indonesia's leading performers will contribute their talents to the celebration including Iwan Fals, Franky Sahilatua, Ebeit G. Ade, GIGI, Widi Widiana, Edo Kondologit, Doel Sumbang, and poet WS Rendra.

President Mega to Participate

A colossal kecak dance will also be presented with President Megawati Soekarnoputri expected to preside over the final countdown to 2003.

Should anyone ask: "Is Bali back?"

We reply: "With a Vengeance!"

Rolling Stones to Bali?

Reports Indicate Legendary Rock Group May Perform in Bali.

Reports in the Indonesian-language Bisnis Indonesia suggest that Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones may soon be slated for a Bali appearance as part of ongoing plans to put the island back on the world tourism map following the October terrorist attack.

According to the report, a Jakarta impresario, Tommy Pratama of Original Productions, has a formal written endorsement from the office of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) endorsing the idea and a firm offer from the group of musical icons. The promoter estimates the total cost of the concert will approach US$2 million, an amount that will reportedly be underwritten completely by BUMN. Tommy believes that the quickest way to persuade the world's travelers that Bali and Indonesia are truly safe is through holding a major musical event such as The Stone's concert.

Some Local Issues to Answer?

How the local community of Bali will respond to the idea of a major rock "invasion" on their island and what local venue is capable of accommodating such an event remain open questions.

Rock legend Mick Jagger, a frequent visitor to Bali, is thought to have wounded deeply the feelings of many devout Balinese when, during his divorce trial from model Jerry Hall, he argued that despite having lived and sired children together with Ms. Hall the couple were not legally married. Mick's argument: The sacred Hindu marriage ceremony extended to them as a special blessing from the people of Bali had no legal status.

Not unsurprisingly, shortly thereafter formal Hindu wedding ceremonies between non-Hindu's became prohibited on Bali.

The Jakarta promoter claims to have a formal offer valid for one year from The Stones to perform in Bali.

Hopefully, Tommy has checked the fine print and someone has briefed Mick on the need to seek formal pardon from Bali's Gods for what's seen in some parts as blasphemy.

Scaring Off Investors?

Indonesia to Make Local Language Fluency Mandatory?

Indonesia's Minister of Manpower, Jacob Nuwa Wea, recently declared his intention to make fluency in the Indonesian language a prerequisite for expatriates seeking formal permission to work in Indonesia.

Although still a proposal at this point, the Minister has pledged to soon bring his suggestion for consideration at a Cabinet level meeting with the President. Minister Jacob has said that were a regulation introduced into law, it would improve communications between the Indonesian workforce and management where expatriates are employed.

Some busines circles have publicly expressed the concern that the latest pronouncement by the Country's Labor and Manpower Minister will only worsen Indonesia's already gloomy foreign investment prospects.

A New Sports Arena for Bali?

Efforts Underway to Secure Funding for Multi-Purpose Sports Facility.

In response to criticism from various quarters regarding the inadequacy of Bali's sports arena, the National Sport Committee for Bali(KONI - Bali) have embarked on an intensive lobbying effort to secure public funding for an international standard sports arena to be built in the Tembau area of Denpasar.

Architectural plans are in hand that call for a total investment of Rp. 13 billion (approximately US1.47 million) that includes Rp. 9 billion for a new arena and Rp. 4 billion for the foundation work for a new badminton stadium.

Final plans call for a sport's arena capable of accommodating 4,000 spectators at a combined basketball, badminton, and martial arts facility. Additional facilities planned for the sport complex include 6 tennis courts capable of hosting international tournaments.

Funding for the new facility must be approved by the Provincial Parliament.

One Way to a New Year

Traffic Changes and Extra Personnel Over New Years in Kuta.

To anticipate the massive amounts of additional traffic expected to descend on Bali's Kuta area on December 30^th and 31^st, police authorities will change traffic flows into Bali most popular night spot and shopping area. Those heading for celebrations in Kuta during these periods might wish to consider alternative means of transportation to avoid long delays and the certain lack of parking.

Inbound to Kuta

Traffic inbound to Kuta and surrounding areas will be channeled to enter via the Kerobokan Raya statue following the Sunset Road, Iman Bonjol, Jalan Baru, and past the Dewa Ruci roundabout to the By Pass.

Outbound Traffic from Kuta

Outbound traffic from Kuta will be diverted via Jalan Melasti in the direction of Jalan Sriwijaya, Majapahit, Patih Jelantik and continuing on to Jalan Baru, the Dewa Ruci Statue and Jalan By Pass.

Parking will be prohibited along Jalan Melasti and the entire beach front of Kuta.

Massive Police Presence

A total of 1,165 civil defense (pacalang) and uniformed police authorities will be deployed in Bali over the new year period to assist in the maintenance of traffic flows and public order.

Full Court Press on Bali Bombing Trials

Balidiscovery.com and Sanur Radisson Bali Hotel Set Up Press Support Center for Bali Bombing Trials.

www.balidiscovery.com and the Sanur Radisson Bali Hotel are preparing to welcome the large contingent of international press and diplomatic observers expected to descend on Bali in late January and early February when the trials of the suspects in the October Bali bombings are set to commence.

State Prosecutors and Judges are being assigned from Jakarta to handle the trial of the bombing suspects in these capital offense proceedings. More than 180 people, many of them visiting tourists, were killed in the bomb attack on a Kuta nightspot on October 12, 2002.

In order to facilitate international coverage of the event, balidiscovery.com and the Sanur Radisson Hotel have designed an attractive package of rates and services to facilitate press and official international observers attending the trials.

Sanur Radisson Bali will represent the most strategic location for those attending the trial which will be held in the nearby Renon district of Denpasar.

The Special offer to the press and trial observers offers a low daily rate of US$ 54.00 per night including tax, service and a full buffet breakfast each day. Designed with the needs of the press in mind, the special offer also includes major discounts on food and beverage, transfers between hotel and airport, and a full outfitted press support center for the exclusive use of journalists staying at the hotel.

More information: Register Online!

Advise and Ascent

Start Date of Air Paradise Start-Up Tied to Status of Australian Travel Advisories.

Air Paradise International, Bali's first international airline owned by local tourism entrepreneur - Kadek Wiranatha is slated to commence a flight schedule from Perth, Western Australia, and Melbourne, Victoria, on February 16, 2003, providing the current negative Australian travel advisory for Bali is lifted.

The orignal October 2002 launch of the new airline was suddenly abandoned following the October 12^th terrorist attack on a Bali night spot. At that time, the airline was scheduled to commence scheduled services just some two weeks after the bombings occured and was said to have over 10,000 confirmed and paid tickets already in hand.

Air Paradise International plans to operate four flight each week from Perth and three flights from Melbourne using leased Airbus A310-300's, formerly operated by Singapore Airlines.

Riana Resigns

BaliHai Resort and Spa’s Director of Sales Steps Down.

In a surprise announcement, Ms. D. Riana Bismarak has advised that she has decided to resign her post as Director of Sales for the BaliHai Resort and Spa, effective December 19, 2002.

No formal explanation for the resignation was made by Ms. Bismarak who has been with the 200-key South Kuta Resort for the past two years.

In Riana's absence, sales enquiries should now be directed to Mr. Arjana at arjana@balihai-resort.com or Ms. Karidewi at karidewi@balihai-resort.com

More information: Book a Stay at BaliHai Resort & Spa

Clearer Sailing for Yachts in Bali

Less Bureaucracy Promised for Visiting Yachtsmen.

The Royal Bali Yacht Club (RYBC) has received the formal endorsement from the Benoa Harbor Administrator, Pieter Nababan, of a decision by Indonesia's Minister of Sea Communications that should clear the way for a more hassle-free access to Bali's main port for visiting private yachts.

Under the terms of the new policy, private pleasure vessels weighing under 18 gross tons or less than 50 cubic meters in volume carrying less than 12 crew are required to undergo a formal clearance only at their first and last seaport call in-country. Foreign-flagged private vessels visiting Indonesia are required to obtain a Clearance Approval for Indonesian Territories (CAIT) that lists the proposed ports and dates of their visits in Indonesia. In the past, yachts have had to undergo a time-consuming in-and-out clearance at each port they visit. The new guidelines remove that requirement, requiring ships to undergo formal clearance at only the beginning and end of their Indonesian voyages.

Under the terms of the new understanding with Bali's Port Administrator, RBYC member yachts departing and returning to Bali's Benoa Harbor may sail with RBYC members on day-sails and club events without formal registration with his office.

It should be noted. however, that yachts involved in carrying paying customers on local cruises are still required to make formal clearance in and out with the Port Administrator's office.

More information: Royal Bali Yacht Club Website

Pala for The Palate

Sanur Debuts its Newest Restaurant.

The Sanur area of Bali's long standing need for a stylish dining venue was in large part addressed with the recent opening of Pala.

Located on Sanur's Bypass Highway, Pala derives its name from the Indonesian term for nutmeg, the fragrant spice that attracted early traders and colonialists to Indonesia's Spice Islands.

Sporting a modern, minimalist décor - Pala's approach to service, menu, and price are also equally delightful in their understatement. Proving that "less is often more," the restaurant's modern brasserie-style interior seats only 42 diners, with an intimate adjoining wine bar offering refuge for up to 30 guests comprised of those choosing to linger after dinner, others waiting for their guests to arrive, and those reservation-less diners waiting for a table to clear.

Priced to Please

Chef Geert Vermeulen has designed a menu reflecting the pan-European readiness to cross culinary borders and preserve value that epitomize the very best of dining in his native Belgium. Coming to Bali via the 1-star Michelin restaurant Le Passage in Brussels, Geert's kitchen offers canard a'l'orange, salmon tartar, and tenderloin aux poivres. Fortunately, Pala's strategic positioning alongside Sanur's only 4 lane divided boulevard means hearty diners can close their repast with a course of mousse au chocolat and still be able to navigate the road back home.

Appetizer prices range from Rp. 18,000 – 40,000 and entrees Rp. 75,000 – 110,000. A surprisingly generous wine list, offering a selection of Australian, New Zealand, Chilean, Italian and French vintages, runs the price gamut from very drinkable table wines selling at Rp. 110,000 per bottle to premium vintages for Rp. 500,000.

Both the restaurant and the wine bar are open 6 days a week from 1830 – 2300 hours.