BALI UPDATE #339 - 17 March 2003

Growing Concern Over SARS Epidemic

World Health Organization NOT Recommending Travel Restrictions.

Over 150 suspected cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) - an atypical form of pneumonia of unknown etiology have been recorded across the globe during the first half of March. Suspected cases of the disease including 9 deaths atttributed to the disease have been reported throughout Asia, Europe and the United States with the first confirmed death attributed to the syndrome affecting an American businessman who died in Hong Kong following a trip to Vietnam.

No Travel Restrictions Recommended by WHO

Because the disease appears to spread easily the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued emergency guidance to world travelers and airlines. Although describing SARS as a "worldwide health threat," the WHO has made no recommendation for people to restrict their travel plans.

Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, the Director General of the WHO, in discussing SARS has said, "the world needs to work together to find its cause, cure the sick, and stop its spread."

WHO Travel Guideline

The WHO have issued guidelines for travelers, airlines and airline crews based on the preliminary information available to them regarding the disease.

These guidelines include:

Symptom Awareness- the symptoms and signs of SARS include a high fever exceeding 38 degrees centigrade (100.4 degrees fahrenheit); respiratory symptoms including a cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty in breathing; close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with SARS; and recent travel to areas reporting SARS. Other symptoms potentially linked to the disease include headache, muscular stiffness, loss of appetite, malaise, confusion, rash and diarrhea.

Anyone suffering from symptoms conforming to the above guidelines should seek professional medical attentions and ensure that they inform the attending physician about their recent travel.

In order to stop the spread of the disease, people suffering SARS symptoms should refrain from traveling until they are fully recovered.

The WHO have also issued specific guidance to airlines who suspect their crews or passengers are suffering from SARS.

Scientist Scramble to Find the Cause of the Disease

Scientists are involved in a worldwide effort to identify the specific organism causing the illness as a necessary pre-condition to controlling or eradicating the disease.

The WHO has recommended that those suffering from SARS be isolated and that barrier nursing techniques be used while treating the illness.

More information: WHO Statement on SARS

Batuan Style - An exhibition

A Posthumous Exhibition of the Paintings of Batuan Father & Son Artists, I Made Djata and I Wayan Rajin.

Arguably the first style of Balinese painting to become known outside the island, the Batuan School of painting was championed by early Bali scholar-visitors, such as the American anthropologist Margaret Mead and Gregory Bateson, who spent the late 1930's in Bali and mingled with the artists of the Batuan sub-district of the Gianyar Regency.

A highly energetic form of artistic representation, the Batuan School crams an entire encyclopedia of Balinese daily life onto a single canvas: the activities of an entire village are crowded into a solitary painting, juxtapositioning numerous vignettes within the boundaries of one work of art. And, if dealing with hundreds of characters involved in as many activities manages somehow to bore a Batuan artist, he would simply purchase a larger canvas and create an ambitious satellite-eye view of the island's geography, superimposing every aspect of the island's existence as though viewed by a Balinese god from some distant cloud. Playful and provocative, many Batuan paintings do not shy away from depicting both the spiritual and profane in a single work, in keeping with the Balinese tendency to see "good" and "evil" as variations on a common theme.

Two of the Batuan Shool's most outstanding exponents were I Wayan Djata and I Wayan Rajin, father and son painters of Batuan, who both died during the past half-decade. Their vibrant depictions of ritual, myth and daily life are now prized parts of private collections around the world.

An Exhibition – Batuan Style: March 18 – April 18

Bali's Ganesha Gallery at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay will be exhibiting the works of I Made Djata and his son, I Wayan Rajin, from March 18 until April 18, 2003.

The Gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m..

For more information contact the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay telephone ++62-361-701010 or facsimile ++62-361-701020.

General Elections Set for April 05, 2004

Not Clear if Presidential Elections to be Scheduled for Later Date.

Indonesian voters will go to the polls on Monday, April 5, 2004, to elect members to the House of Representatives (DPR), the Regional Representative Councils (DPD), and the District Legislative Assemblies (DPRD).

The announcement regarding the timing for the nation-wide polls was made by the Chairman of the General Elections Commission, Nazaruddin Sjamsuddin, who forecasted that weather conditions should be favorable in early April for voters throughout most areas of the nation.

In setting the April 2004 date, the Government has also set for itself am earlier deadline of July 2003, by which time the rolls of eligible voters should be completed and in hand.

Date for Presidential Election Still Unclear

It is not clear at this point if voters will also elect the individual to serve as the Republic's next President on the April 5^th date or if the Presidential election will be scheduled for a later period. Recent changes in Indonesia's election laws will see the first direct election of a President at the 2004 polls.

Cathay Pacific Donates to Bali Relief

Hong Kong Airline Supports Ongoing Medical Treatment for Local Blast Victims.

The Casa Grande Association of Star-Rated Hotels received a generous donation of Rp. 93 million (approximately US$ 10,700) from Cathay Pacific Airways to assist with the ongoing medical care of the local victims of the Bali Bomb blast of October 12^th.

The donation in the form of a check was handed over to Casa Grande during its regular meeting held in the second week of March 2003.

According to Christopher MacLean, Chairman of the Casa Grande, "these funds will go a long way helping alleviate the financial burden being experienced by the Indonesian victims of the Bali bomb blast."

The funds will be jointly administered by Casa Grande and the Rotary Club Nusa Dua.

Garuda Indonesia Considers War Route Revamp

Hints European Routes May be Axed if Iraqi War Breaks Out.

Garuda Indonesia's (GA) President Director, Indra Setiawan has hinted that his airline may be forced to cancel their European services and concentrate on maintaining flight service on Asian and Oceania routes in the event of the outbreak of hostilities in Iraq.

Should war break out in the Middle East bringing with it an expected dramatic decrease in air passenger totals worldwide, GA could declare its European routes economically non-viable for the short to medium term. Setiawan's comments were made in Jakarta on March 13, 2003, during a "synergy audit" of state-owned enterprises carried out by the Indonesian government.

According to Garuda's CEO, the airline's commercial department carries out a continual review of all routes they operate and are prepared to do whatever's necessary to keep the airline operating in the black.

Turn Your Radio On

Perth, Australia Talk Radio Pay a Visit to Bali.

Perth's leading talk-radio station, 882m 6PR, sent a group of its reporters and promotional staff to Bali in early March 2003 to see first-hand how safe Bali is for Australian visitors.

The trip was organized by the Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel and Bali's newest airline Air Paradise International.

Gary Rendall, Promotions Director of Perth's Talk Leader 882, 6PR, "our experience in Bali was terrific. We found Bali to be a great holiday destination and things well exceeded our dreams."

Clearly, something to talk about.

The photograph shows members of the staff of the Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel and the Talk Leader 882, 6PR team.

Minister Reviews Preparation for PATA Conference

Minister Ardika Visits Bali to Review Preparation for PATA Conference April 13-17.

Indonesia's Minister of Culture and Tourism, I Gede Ardika, accompanied by the Executive Chairman of the Indonesian Culture & Tourism Promotion Board, Setyanto P. Santosa, paid a visit to Bali on Friday, March 14, 2003, to review ongoing preparations for the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Conference to be held on the island April 13-17, 2003.

In a meeting with members of the local and national organizing committee, the Minister reviewed the detailed agenda for the prestigious gathering of world-wide tourism leaders, calling for all members of the local community to spare no efforts in providing a safe and enjoyable stay on the island. The Minister also saluted the decision of local hoteliers who have extended a bonus night to PATA Conference delegates, saying he hope the additional night's stay at the end of the conference would permit the participants a chance to further help the local economy by fitting in additional shopping.

Bombing Trials to be Delayed

Also present at the conference planning sessions was Bali Chief of Police, Irjen Budi Setyawan, who reported that some 3,000 police officers will deployed during the conference to ensure security.

Bali's Police Chief also indicated that an informal understanding with State Prosecutors had been reached scheduling the commencement of trials of the Bali Bombers until after the close of the PATA Conference.

Disappointing Attendance Figures

While efforts are underway to increase last-minute registrations for the conference, current attendance figures stand at approximately 600 delegates, including 250 invited press. Initial estimates were that between 1,000-1,500 would attend the PATA Conference. In the remaining days leading up to the Conference a campaign is underway to increase the number of Indonesian participants, currently standing at only 12 delegates.

In order to increase Indonesian participation, generous discounts are available on local registration and domestic air fares from Garuda and Merpati Nusantara. A special registration of $40 is also available for local academics and students wishing to attend the PATA Conference.

More information: Pata Conference Website

JAL Slashes Half of its Indonesian Flights

Low Loads Cited for 50% Reduction in Capacity to Indonesia.

Japan Airlines Systems (JAL) will reduce the numbers of flights from Narita Airport to Indonesia by half, effective April 01, 2003.

Due to reduced loads blamed on a reluctance of the public to fly in an international atmosphere of impending war and worldwide recession, JAL will reduce from 14 to 7 its flights from Tokyo to Indonesia. The 7 flights flown each week to Jakarta and another 7 flown to Denpasar (Bali) will be consolidated into 7 flights operating Tokyo-Jakarta-Denpasar.

At the same time, JAL announced that their Tokyo to Paris flights are also being reduced from 10 to 7 times each week.

Japanese residents consistently rank among the top 2 source markets for Bali tourism visitors, vying for first place with Australia.

The Wearin' of the Green

Gracie Kelly's - Bali's Only Authentic Irish Pub Honors Saint Pat on March 17th.

If you're in Bali on Monday, March 17^th and yearnin' the milk of human kindness whilst longin' for the sound and taste of dear olde Erin to while away St. Patrick's Day – you'll need go no further than Gracie Kelly's Pub in South Kuta (Tuban).

Located in the Bali Dynasty Resort and Spa, the Pub offers interiors inspired by a traditional Irish cottage pub. The 290 square meter facility recreates a bit of Ireland in tropical Bali via the use of wood paneling, rough wooden flooring, wooden church pews, stained-glass, an operating fireplace and authentic bric-a-brac imported from the old country. The pub also offers a games room that includes pool tables and darts.

Celebrating St. Patrick's in Bali

To mark the anniversary of the death of the man who rid Ireland of its snakes, introduced Christianity to the Isle, and along the way became the national patron saint of Irishmen everywhere, Gracie Kelly's will open its doors at 7 p.m. on St. Patrick's Day (March 17^th) with a special evening of Irish inspired music, food and drink on offer until the wee hours of the next day.

If you've a hankering for a hearty plate of Beef & Guinness, Dublin Coddle or a bowl of Irish Stew - you'll find yourself in good company at Gracie Kelly's. Serving both domestic beers as well as Kilkenny and Guinness, Gracie Kelly's have prepared a whole range of green drinks for the occasion – including green beer - available at happy hour discounts throughout the evening. Incidentally, anyone wearing green on that evening will receive a special gift from the Bar's patron.

A word to the wise: say nothing to the Bartender at Gracie Kelley's about the wee green fella hangin' about the place beggin' a pint or two, claiming he's been caught "a bit short."

At this pub, bad Irish jokes and leprechaun sightings could get you cut off from further libations for the evening.

More information: Don't Drink & Drive: Stay at the Bali Dynasty

Kahar's in Nirwana

Well-Known Local Hotelier – Kahar Salamun – Moves to Le Meridien Nirwana.

Kahar Salamun has resigned as the General Manager of the Intan Village Resort to accept a new position as Resident Manager of the Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort, effective April 1, 2003.

A talented hospitality executive, "Kahar" started his career in the mid-1980's in Central Java working his way through the ranks of food and beverage, housekeeping, front office and sales until assuming senior general management roles with the Intan Group in 2001.

Kahar describes his latest change as a "career shift" and the opportunity to resume working with a large international hotel chain.

More information: Book a stay at Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa