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Governor Bestows Honors on 7 for Life-Long Service, Dedication and Pioneering Efforts on Behalf of Bali Tourism.
The Governor of Bali recently acknowledged the outstanding contribution and dedication of 7 people in the development and advancement of the island's tourism. In accordance with an official decree issued by the Governor, the following individuals, or their heirs, received trophies, certificates, medals and cash awards:
I Made Wiranatha - for his
pioneering service to Bali in founding Bali's
first international airline Air Paradise.
Established in 2002, in courageous defiance of
the negative business climate of the times surrounding
the Bali bombing, Pak Kadek established
scheduled air services between Bali and Perth,
when many other major airlines were canceling
their Bali-bound flights. In the three intervening
years, the Airline has grown to also include regular
flights from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide
carrying an estimated 130,000 Australian tourist
to Bali over the past year.
Born in Singaraja, North Bali, in 1959, Pak Kadek also operates a number of popular hotels and restaurants in his multi-faceted and fast-growing tourism empire.
Nicholas James Peter Blackbeard
- for his pioneering service to Bali in establishing
Bali's white-water rafting industry via his company
Sobek Bina Utama. After personally exploring
Indonesia's many jungle rafting adventures in
Sulawesi, Java and Sumatra in the 1980s, Nick
came to Bali with Dave Heckman and established
Sobek in the early 1990s. Over the years,
the rafting business has grown with rafting trips
of varying levels of excitements now offered by
Sobek and other Bali rafting companies
on the Ayung, Telaga Waja, Unda and Bakas rivers.
Born in London in 1959, Nick Blackbeard has adopted Indonesia as his home and his nation, a man eager to share the beauty of Bali with the many thousands of guests who join one of Sobek's memorable river trips each year.
Ida Bagus Oka Diwangkara -
for his pioneering service to Bali in creating
a local hotel industry. Born in Denpasar in 1924,
Ida Bagus Oka Diwangkara had already embarked
on his career as a hotelier when, at the age of
only 31 in 1955, he established the Hotel Wisma
Pulau Bali. A visionery, already able to see
the great future of Bali tourism in the politically
and economically uncertain era of the 1950s, Ida
Bagus Oka Diwangkara went on to create the
Hotel Diwangkara Beach & Bungalows on Sanur
Beach in 1966 while at the same time maintaining
an active role in Bali's political life. He has
also served in a number of professional capacities,
including the Chairmanship of the Bali Chapter
of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association
(PHRI).
John Ketut Panca - for his
service to tourism development in creating and
managing leading tourism companies in Bali. Born
in Mengwi in 1941, John Panca originally
aspired to be a pilot, spending the first part
of his working life as a member of the Indonesian
Air Force. Learning the travel trade from the
ground up, John Panca started his travel
career as a freelance guide working with Pacto
Bali. Appointed the Bali Branch Manager for
Pacto from 1968-1978, he established his
own tour company Dewi Tours which he operated
until the early 1980s. After a stint working abroad
as a tourism advisor in Vanuatu, John Panca
returned to Bali in 1985 to found Delta Tours
in 1985, Tour East in 1990 and, later,
Sapta Mawar Tours.
Eager to make a lasting contribution to his island and nation, John Panca has served as Chairman of the Bali Chapter of the Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agents (ASITA) and the Bali Chapter of the Society of Indonesia Professional Convention Organizers (SIPCO).
Ida Bagus Tjethana Putra -
for his service to tourism development in the
training of Balinese to become professional hoteliers,
as well as his pioneering work in establishing
the Santrian Beach Cottages in Sanur in
1971. Born in Sanur in 1934, Ida Bagus Tjethana
Putra established the first modern hotel training
program for Balinese prior to the formal opening
of the Grand Bali Beach Hotel in 1965,
serving a Assistant Human Resources Director at
the Hotel from 1966-1972.
Prompted by the success of the Santrian Beach Cottages, he went on to later establish the Santrian Beach Resort, bringing his hotel holdings to include a total of 278 rooms.
Committed to the Sanur Commuity and the island, Ida Bagus Tjethana Putra has served the PHRI, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and played key roles in the Foundation of Sanur Village Development.
Ida Bagus Ketut Beratha - for
his service to tourism development earned during
long service as the Administrative Head of Sanur
from 1959 until his death in 1986. A pioneer in
the field of community-based tourism development,
he served in a wide range of community organizations
dedicated to creating a sustainable tourism industry
for Sanur, the place of his birth in 1929. During
Ida Bagus Ketut Beratha's many years of
service to Sanur he was instrumental in helping
to establish numerous community businesses, schools
and financial institutions.
I Gusti Bagus Astawa Raka -
for his service to tourism development via his
leadership role in the Bali Chapter of the Indonesian
Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI). More
popularly known as Tommy Raka, he served
PHRI for 14 years, first as it Secretary
General and later as the Chairman of the Bali
Chapter from 1988 until 1996.
Born in Denpasar in 1953 and educated both in Bali and Australia, Tommy Raka pioneered cooperative international marketing efforts on behalf of Bali acting as a coordinator and facilitator between Bali's international 4 and 5 star hotels and locally-owned 2 and 3 star properties. The owner of Rapika Transport and the Hotel Kuta Beach Club, he also operated and invested in a number of other Bali tourism enterprises before his untimely death in 1988.
Australian PM John Howard Says Australians Who Bring Drugs to Bali are 'Stupid.'
In a recent interview with Australia's Nine Network, Prime Minister John Howard indicated that his government may have little sympathy and less patience with its citizens caught in possesion of illegal drugs while traveling abroad. The Prime Minister said, "It's beyond belief that any Australian could be so stupid as to carry drugs into any country in Asia."
The Prime Minister's comments come on the heels of the arrest last week of Michele Lee, an Australian lingerie model, suspected of carrying two ecstasy tablets into a local 'rave" party; the pending prosecution of the "Bali Nine" accused of trying to smuggle over 8 kilograms of heroin out of Bali; and the recent conviction of Shapelle Corby for bringing over 4 kilograms of marijuana in her personal baggage upon landing at Bali's airport.
Following the recent announcement by Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of a "zero tolerance" policy on the illicit use of narcotics, police across the Nation are suddenly cracking down on drug use, including regular sweeps of night spots and urine testing of those suspected of drug use.
Hoping to reduce the growing number of his countrymen under arrest for drug-related charges, Australia's Ambassador to Jakarta, David Ritchie, last week circulated an e-mail to thousands of Australians registered as living in Indonesia to heed seriously the current drug crackdown and abstain from any behavior that could result in penalties that potentially include capital punishment for convicted drug dealers. The e-mail warning contained the admonition "to urge you not to take chances: purchasing, carrying or taking any drugs into Indonesia is simply not worth the risk."
Some observers in Australia have interpreted the most recent pronouncements by Australia's Prime Minister as signaling a "swing away" from the government's and the Australian people's support for Shapelle Corby, presently awaiting the results of her appeal against a 20-year prison sentence for drug trafficking.
Fuel and Higher Operating Costs Cited as Cause for Red Ink Report.
Indonesia's national carrier Garuda Indonesia posted its first net loss in three years in 2004, losing Rp. 811.3 billion (approximately US$83 million). The Airline managed to post a modest net income of Rp. 2.81 billion (approximately US$287,000) in 2003.
As reported by Bloomberg News, the national carrier posted its loss for 2004 despite managing to significantly improve its overall sales figures for the year by nearly 21%.
Fuel costs reportedly rose in 2004 from 30% to 35% of total operating expenses for the Airline with total operating costs increasing 25% over 2003.
According to Bloomberg, the Indonesian national carrier may suffer operating losses of between US$10 - $20 million as the result of surging fuel costs, despite recent increases in fares and fuel surcharges applied on most domestic and international routes flown by the Airline.
Bali to Host Community Broadcasting Conference
AMARC - World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters to Meet in Bali November 24-27, 2005.
The World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC) have chose Bali for their next international summit November 24-27, 2005. A non-governmental association comprised of 3,000 broadcasters from 106 countries, AMARC supports the development of community broadcasting as a means of cultural expression as well as for the dissemination of news and information. Working to bring broadcasting capabilities to marginalized groups, AMARC's programs supports "democracy, human rights, good governance, empowerment of women, respect for diversity and the rights of vulnerable groups."
Conference Objectives
According to the AMARC web site, the main objectives of the group's first Asia-Pacific Conference in Bali are:
To evaluate the situation of community radio in Asia and the Pacific and to explore how best practices elsewhere can be adopted or replicated in the region.
To define the main challenges and develop concrete strategies to create an enabling environment for community radio growth in the region.
To develop a plan of action for the Asia-Pacific section of the AMARC Womens International Network.
To develop a Strategic Plan of Action taking into account how community radio can help in achieving development objectives for the Asia-Pacific region.
To adopt the statutes of AMARC Asia-Pacific as a regional entity, to elect a Regional Board and to organize the region and sub-regional entities as needed.
For More Information
200 participants are expected at the Bali AMARC conference. Registration costs US$125 for AMARC members and US$175 for non-members.
Value of Indonesian Rupiah Plummets to More than Rp. 10,000 to the US$ as Oil Prices Soar.
The exchange rate for the Indonesian Rupiah to the U.S. Greenback passed the critical psychological barrier of Rp. 10,000 on August 24, 2005 trading at Rp. 10,330 to the dollar, marking the most dramatic decline in the Rupiah's value in three year.
Diminishing faith in the Rupiah was fueled by record prices being paid for crude oil of US$68 a barrel and growing concern that the fundamental assumptions underlying Indonesia's State budget were becoming increasingly unrealistic.
Meanwhile, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is promising closer coordination with Bank Indonesia who have raised interest rates in order to head off a free-fall in the value of the Rupiah.
The President is under growing pressure to reduce or completely remove burdensome government subsidies on retail fuel prices to restore faith in the National currency. Based on fuel prices of US$66 per barrel, experts predict that Indonesia will incur US$10.6 billion in fuel subsidies for the current year unless currents subsideis are addressed.
The last fuel increase by the government took place on March 1, 2005.
Tourist Experiencing a Windfall
Meanwhile, tourist visitors to Bali are enjoying an added bonus in their spending power as local shopping, dining and transportation costs generally all priced in Rupiahs have became a bargain against the declining value of the Rupiah. The same cannot be said, however, for hotels and villa prices which are overwhelmingly based in U.S. dollars, making them immune from the recent shift in the Rupiah's value for tourists spending foreign currencies.
Reading & Writing in Bali's Hill
Between Worlds: Ubud Writers & Readers Festival Bali, October 6 -11, 2005
The lush Balinese mountain village of Ubud - the artistic heartland of one of the world's richest and most hospitable cultures, will host the Ubud Writers & Readers Festivall October 6-11, 2005.
The Festival is produced under the auspices of the non-profit Saraswati Foundation for the Arts - a Bali-based organization devoted to literacy education and the cultivation of artistic and cultural collaboration between east and west.
Between World
The 2005 festival theme "Between Worlds" emerged from discussions at the inaugural 2004 event, where issues of cross-cultural identity, inter-faith experience, and global-local interface were repeatedly raised by authors juggling modern versus traditional ways, caught between religious or geographical borders or simply straddling two or more cultures.
This year's diverse and exciting program will
bring together over 100 speakers: novelists, poets,
cultural observers and journalists, along with
filmmakers and photographers from all over the
globe.
Poetry and prose readings by some of the worlds most renowned authors will be complemented by public discussions, debates on literary and political topics, long literary lunches, challenging workshops, informative panels, world-class theatre, astonishing traditional dance and cool jazz improvisations.
Michael Ondaatje, Booker Prize-winning author of The English Patient, will share the secrets of his magical prose and poetry in a discussion of his life and work.
Amitav Ghosh, Indira Ghoswami and Chetan Bhagat will converse to the gentle chords of the Sarod in a session focusing on three generations of Indian writers.
Australian-born Kirsty Sword Gusmao, Timor Lestes First Lady, will discuss her best-selling memoir, A Woman of Independence, and life in the world's youngest nation. Together with husband, President Xanana Gusmao, Madame Sword-Gusmao will read excerpts from her book about their blossoming love and the President's romantic poetry.
Award-winning Australian travel writer, Susan Kurosawa will discuss her new novel, Coronation Talkies, while partner Graeme Blundell - whose career has spanned many art worlds, including his iconic status as an actor, film producer and author of King: The Life and Comedy of Graham Kennedy will regale participants with tales from a life richly lived.
Ayu Utami, who created a literary sensation in Indonesia with her novel, Saman, will launch the English translation of this acclaimed and controversial story touching on female sexuality and the struggle between personal faith and political action.
Putu Oka Sukanta, an extraordinary mix of activist, writer, newspaper founder, acupuncturist and healer, will describe his latest work about the lives of prostitutes and his work with AIDS and drug abuse throughout Indonesia.
Nury Vittachi, one of the stars of last year's festival and creator of the world's favorite Feng Shui detective, will return from Hong Kong armed with fresh humor to discuss The Da Vinci Code from a Feng Shui perspective.
These are just a few of the many talented guests that the festival will host.
Beyond Reading and Writing
Beyond writers, the festival will also host Nusantara Berkisah (the archipelago tells), a set of panels, live performance and film sessions on Indonesia's lively literature traditions, and the dynamic collaborations between artists, scholars and local communities that are keeping them alive.
Elizabeth D. Inandiak will share her passion for Serat Centhini - the masterwork of mystic poetry of the courts of 19th century Java, which she has translated into French and Indonesian, and perform excerpts from it with musician, Alex Dea.
Joining from South Sulawesi will be some of the keepers of Sureq Galigo - the Bugis epic that inspired the recent Robert Wilson theatre piece, I La Galigo - including Puang Matoa Saidi, head Bissu of Segeri, a "fifth gender" priest who embodies, more than most, the very essence of a being between worlds. They will offer insider views of the sacred text and its place in their hearts, and their pivotal roles in the Wilson production, followed by a sounding of the text.
In short, there's something for lovers of every style and genre of writing -from novels and poetry to zines, plays, film and song lyrics to teen lit. In sessions covering hot topics in publishing, translation, erotica, food and travel, activism, spirituality, indigenous cultures and languages and much more.
Beyond words, festival-goers will be treated to exquisite dances from Bali and West Papua, fine cuisine, an exhibition by two of the region's most courageous photojournalists, and, above all, the warmth and generosity of the people of Ubud.
Hard Rock Stages 5th Annual 5 Km Fun Run September 25, 2005.
There's refreshments, free t-shirts, prizes and that warm fuzzy feeling you get from helping your fellow human being all waiting when you sign up to participate in the 5 kilometer Rock n' Run: High 5 event scheduled to be held on the morning of Sunday, September 25, 2005 at Hard Rock Hotel Bali.
Take Time to Be Kind
To join the fun and the estimated 500 runners expected to participate depart from the front of the Hard Rock Hotel at 7:30 a.m., all you have to do is donate Rp. 60,000 (approximately US$5.80) to get your number and a special limited-edition Hard Rock T-shirt. Last year's Rock n' Run 4: Quadropenia event raised more than Rp. 30 million (approximately US$3,060) for local charities. Proceeds from this year's run will be donated to a local Rotary Club to assist children waiting for cleft palate surgery.
Run for Someone Else's Life
For more information or to register, use the e-mail link provided or call Dewi or Eva at ++62-(0)361-761869 extensions #8161 or #8164.
Royal Tourism Indonesia Mart & Expo Set for Yogyakarta September 23-26, 2005.
Tourism Indonesia Mart & Expo (TIME) will return to the Royal Central Java city of Yogyakarta September 23-26, 2005 marking the 11th time the professional travel fair has been held by the Indonesia Tourism Promotion Board (ITPB).
Headquartered at the Joga Expo Center (JEC), the event offers an outstanding "one-stop" networking experience for professional buyers of travel products to meet with hotels, attractions and tour operators gathered together from all of Indonesia's 33 provinces spread across more than 17,000 islands.
Scheduled purposefully to precede the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart in Kuala Lumpur September 27-30, 2005, the organizers are hoping that world-wide travel buyers will make the short pre-PATA detour to Royal Sultanate of Yogyakarta to participate in TIME-2005.
The Jewel of Central Java
Yogyakarta – one of Indonesia's most culturally rich cities – is quickly becoming a favorite destination for international travelers. With a large number of connecting domestic flights from major Indonesian gateway cities, Yogyakarta's Adisucipto Airport is also now internationally connected with direct flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Once on the ground, visitors will find a wide range of styles and prices in local accommodation - ranging from traditional home stays, guest houses, international brand hotels to world-renowned boutique properties.
TIME-2005 has been designed to attract buyers from overseas and Indonesian sellers from various travel and tourism sectors, including hotels, resorts, spas, airlines, National Tourism Offices (NTO), tour operators, travel agencies, cruise liner operators, golf operators, and many more.
Organizers are optimistic that this year’s event will continue to grow exceeding the 102 buyers from 28 countries and 130 Indonesian sellers who attended last year’s event.
Fully supported by the Provincial Government of Yogyakarta, which is headed by the Governor and reigning Royal Sultan of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, participants – both buyers and sellers – can be certain of a most royal welcome to Central Java.
Leading Traditional Bali Performing Arts Group to Tour Italy, Spain and Austria October 10 – November 8, 2005.
A talented group of 8 musicians and 6 dancers from the Pantai Budaya Pusaka Arta Balinese performing arts group will tour 3 countries in Europe for one month from October 10 – November 8, 2005.
Scheduled to perform in Italy, Spain and Austria - the group will be led by legendary Balinese choreographer and dance master I Made Djimat, with dancers and musicians performing solo and ensemble presentation of the Balinese classical dance repertoire, including the Topeng Pajegan, Baris, Jauk, Taruna Jaya, Legong Kraton and Baris.
Born to one of Bali's most distinguished families of artists, I Made Djimat learned his craft from his father I Nyoman Reneh - a famous dancer, painter and sculptor. Winning his first dance competition at the tender age of 5 years, by the time he was only 24 years of age had founded his own dance and musical group Pantai Pusaka Budaya. He has performed before audiences in Europe, Asia, U.S.A., Brazil and Mexico.
I Made Djimat, serving as Artistic Director for the coming European tour, will also perform the Topeng Pajegan and Baris dances.
Like Father, Like Son
Also joining the coming tour to Europe will be Djimat's Son, I Nyoman Budi Artha who, like his father, was virtually born to the stage performing in public for the first time at the age of 3. Now a young man with a family of his own, he has won numerous national dance competitions and performed around the world. Acting as Managing Director for the coming tour to Italy, Austria and Spain, I Nyoman Budi Artha will also be performing the classic Jauk and Baris dances.
The Group's European Tour is being managed by Anmaro Asia Arts headquartered in Amsterdam. Follow the e-mail link for performance dates and remaining availability for workshops and dance performances.
CNG Compressed Natural Gas Project to Supply Some of Bali's Electrical Needs by 2009.
The Government has announced a pilot project that will see at least a portion of Bali's electrical power requirements produced through the burning of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by the year 2009.
CNG is considered a cleaner alternative to diesel fuels and is made by compressing purified natural gas to be stored in high pressure containers.
The innovative program was announced by Indonesia's Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, Purnomo Yusgiantoro, on Thursday, August 18, 2005, in Jakara at a presentation by Samsung Corporation- the company leading a consortium pioneering the project.
Quoted in the Indonesian-language daily Kompas, Minister Yusgiantoro said, "this technology is very approriate to the alternative energy programs planned by the government. We will try to use this program of gas delivery to help meet Bali's energy needs, which are growing by 40 megawatts each year."
CNG is estimated to cost 70% less than conventional fossil fuels.
Bali's CNG supplies will be delivered from Kalimantan to Bali on board a specially constructed ship capable of carrying the pressurized cargo built by the Samsung-led consortium.
Already a major fuel source for automobile in Pakistan and India, CNG is now the sole source of power for Delhis public transport system.
Bagus Sudibya to Head Bali Tourism Board
Bali Tourism Stakeholders Organizations Pick Well-Known Tourism Professional to Head Bali Tourism Board.
In a hotly-contested election at the first convention of the Bali Tourism Board (BTB) on Thursday, August 25, 2005, held at the Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel, Bagus Sudibya narrowly defeated outgoing Chairman, Putu Agus Antara, for the right to head the organization comprised of 9 tourism stakeholder organizations in Bali.
BTB is an independent private organization comprised of nine stake-holding tourism organizations in Bali:
PHRI (Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association)
ASITA (Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies)
PAWIBA (Association for Tourist Transport in Bali)
HPI (Indonesian Guide Association)
SIPCO (Society of Indonesian Professional Convention Organizers)
PUTRI (Indonesia Tourist Object Association)
GAHAWISRI (Marine Tourism Association)
Bali Village (Tourism Marketing and Promotion Association)
PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Bali and Nusa Tenggara Chapter.
Bagus "Uddy" Sudibya
Bagus "Uddy" Sudibya, together with his family, owns and operates an extensive network of tourism business in Bali involved in hotels, tour and travel, and cruise tourism. He also currently serves as the Chairman of the Bali Chapter of the Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agents (ASITA).
The Roe to Ruin
Fine Caviar and Champagne Form the Central Themes for Fine Dining Experience at The Club at The Legian, Friday, September 9, 2005.
The latest installment in The Legian series of fine wine and dining evenings is set for Friday, September 9, 2005 at The Club, located the luxury villa complex operated by the Resort.
The Legian's highly regarded executive chef, Nam Nguyen will join forces with another leading culinary light in Bali, Marcel of the Amanusa, to prepare 7 memorable courses inspired by and incorporating the finest Caspian caviars.
However, consuming course after course of delicious slightly-salty caviar requires that special care be taken to regularly cleanse the palate, a job left to the fine vintages of Champagnes from Moλt & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot that have been specially selected to compliment each course and pre-dinner cocktails for the evening.
Immediate Reservations Recommended
Seating is strictly limited for this event priced at Rp. 1,500,000 (approximately US$145) per person which includes pre-dinner cocktails, canapιs, a 7-course dinner, all wines, and 21% tax and service.
