A growing number of complaints from the general public over uncontrolled development, violations of zoning codes and construction taking place without the required permits appear to be moving local officials to take an increasingly tougher stand with violators.

Green Zones

Those areas of Bali designated official "green zones" where permanent structures of any kind are prohibited are being reviewed with local officials promising to knock down any illegal construction. Wayan Masajana of Denpasar's City Government told the Indonesian-language Bisnis Bali: "We will show no toleration to illegal structures found to infringe on the 'green zone.' If it is demonstrated that violations have taken place, we will take the appropriate action in accordance with the law."

In charge of the department for enforcing violations of 'green zone' building prohibitions and general building permit violations, Masajana complained that the work of his team is often frustrated by interference from other municipal departments also charged with enforcing building codes.

In late February, Masajana's team leveled a number of buildings on Jalan Tukad Banyusari Panjer and Jalan Dekomaria in Denpasar found to be infringing on a 'green zone.'

To avoid the future confrontation entailed in having a building dismantled by city officials, Masajana urged the public to always seek a building permit (IMB) before commencing construction and never attempt to erect buildings in areas designated as a 'green zone.'

The Crackdown on Villas in North Bali

The Head of the Culture and Tourism Service in Bulelang, North Bali, Ida Bagus Puja Erawan has promised that he will be discussing ways with local lawmakers to handle illegal villa operations in his area.

Explained Erawan: "If the villas are operated exactly like hotels then the governments is required to supervise and request completed permits. From these permits the government will obtain cash contributions, similar to those made by hotels."

Erawan is seeking a formal decision from the Regent of Bulling that will permit control of villa development in the area.

Meanwhile the Head of Public Works for Buleleng, Ida Bagus Suarjana, admitted that many villas being built in Buleleng are being built under the guise of private residences when, in fact, they are being used as rental units.

The Island-Wide Perspective

Quoted in the Indonesian-language Kompas, the Chief of the Bali Tourism Authority, Gede Nurjaya, called for a cross-sector approach to the problem of the explosion in villa construction in Bali. The building of villas without proper business licenses that eventually become rental units is estimated to cost local hotels at least 10% of their occupancy and an equivalent amount in taxes that would otherwise accrue to the provincial government.

What do you do with a sassy and spirited 10 year old?

If that 10 year-old is one of Sanur's most successful hotels the answers simple: you throw a party!

That's exactly what the management and staff of the Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel and Suites did on March 16, 2006 to mark the 329 room hotel and nearby all-suite property's completion of ten years of operations.

Originally opened in 1996 under the Radisson Hotel & Resorts brand, the hotels separated from Radisson and launched their own Paradise Plaza brand in 2003.

On Sunday, March 19th a party at which all 420 of the hotels' staff and their families were feted was held at the Sanur Paradise Plaza's main ballroom. During a happy evening filled with music, drink and excellent food 120 staff representing nearly 30% of the entire payroll were recognized for long service dating from the first day of operation of the properties. Each of the veteran hoteliers were also presented with a watch at a special luncheon held in their honor.

Keith Bell, the popular General Manger of the two properties, said: "Employing good people, empowering them with the right training and skills, will always generate good will, loyalty and ultimately success for all. We have experienced this for the past 10 years, and look forward to many more years of success ahead."

More information: Book a Stay at the Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel

The Antara News Agency reports that Bali's Sanur Beach is the proposed location of major public aquarium project being championed by an international group headed by Newman Bio Marine Pte Ltd. Helen Newman, the leader of the project, is an acknowledged expert in the field of marine biology and Aquaria management. Past involvements have included management and consultancy roles in Aquarium projects in China, Singapore, and Taiwan.

Quoted from Antara, Newman said, "We wish to build a major aquarium in Bali reflecting the wide range of interesting sea-life found near the island."

In a meeting last week with the Vice-Mayor for Denpasar, IB Rai Dharma Wijaya Mantra, Newman explained that there approximately 200 species of endangered sea life living in close proximity to Bali that need to be preserved. Through the establishment of the proposed aquarium facility, Newman hopes that by establishing the facility these species will be protected while at the same time presenting a world-class tourist attraction open to the public.

A number of proposed location are being reviewed for the aquarium that meet the requirements of easy access for the public near a seaside location.

While endorsing the project, Rai Mantra reminded Newman of the need to adequately socialize the project to the people of Bali before proceeding. Mantra offered his office's assistance in presenting the project to local communities.

Last week's extensive photo coverage of attractive Indonesian models parading the very latest in high-fashion beachwear from MarediModa [ Bali: Definitely Not the No Bikini Atoll] resulted in a record-setting number of "hits" on our web site and a surprising number of emails from female visitors to balidiscovery.com demanding "equal time" in the form of an article dedicated to masculine beauty.

Happy to oblige, a solution was close at hand with Bali's very own Komang Arnawa granting balidiscovery.com permission to publish photos demonstrating his reputation as one of the world's leading professional body builders.

Mr. Natural Olympia

In November 2005, Komang added to a growing list of international honors and, once again, did Bali proud when he traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada to participate in the Mr. Natural Olympia 2005 contest.

Reflecting Komang's own deeply-held commitment to drug-free athletic development, the Mr. Natural Olympia competition held each year emphasizes "natural bodybuilding" through strict screening against performance-enhancing drugs and blacklisting for life any bodybuilder proven to have violated that dictum.

Gathering up his limited funds and limitless determination, Komang decided at the last minute to enter the Nevada event where he went bicep-to-bicep with some of the most legendary names in body builder, not least of which was the remarkable ‘Big Ron Williams” of South Africa who won the title in 2004 and whose intimidating physique formed a 7-meter high backdrop to the competition platform.

Competing among the 15 finalists, Komang was perhaps the shortest contestant snapping pose after pose in a grueling routine before an exacting panel of judges and an ecstatic crowd of appreciative bodybuilding aficionados. In the end, the judges huddled and conferred, deciding that the young Balinese athlete reigned supreme in the critical areas of muscle hardness, symmetry and body definition declaring Komang the overall professional champion and the formidable, but now former-champ, "Big Ron" the runner up.

With his victory, Komang Arnawa of Bali became the first Indonesian to win the prestigious Mr. Natural Olympia crown.

Born in 1976, the 168-centimeter tall Komang Arnnawa follows an exacting exercise and dietary regimen that sees him weigh in at 82 kilogram (176 pounds) when competing and 92 kilogram (198 pounds) during off-season periods. Such is Komang's unwavering commitment to winning that with the Mr. Natural Olympia award safely in hand he decided to "splurge" at one of Las Vegas' famous buffets by indulging in a bowl of fat-free sorbet.

Obviously, this Bali boy intends to bring more future honors home to his paradise isle.

A Long List of Honors

Currently in search of a cabinet maker able to build a larger storage facility for growing collection of trophies, Komang Arnawa's impressive list of recognitions include:

• 2002 Indonesian Pesta Raga Championship First place among a competitive field of Indonesia's best 14 body builders.

• 2003 Western Australia State Championship - Competing for the first time internationally, Komang won best overall champion in the International Federation of Body Builders West Australia State Body Building Championship and additional medals for best chest, arms and legs.

• 2003 Australian National Championships Representing Western Australia in the National finals for bodybuilding, Komang was named Australia's under 80 kilogram champion and the "best body" from among 15 competitors representing Australia's best bodybuilding athletes.

• 2004 World Championships - Traveling to the U.S.A. at the Musclemania Pro World Championships, Komang defended his nickname as "Bali's Gentle Giant" winning the overall professional title just weeks before his 28th birthday, making him one of the youngest champions in history.

• 2005 Mr. Natural Olympia - Overall professional champion in the event held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

What's Next for Komang

Focused and committed to excel in all he does and leave a lasting legacy for his island and his sport, Komang fits his own program of relentless training in with a busy schedule of private personal training for his Bali clients wishing to improve their fitness and benefit from the Balinese champion's comprehensive knowledge of nutrition and physical training.

The holder of a black-belt in martial arts acquired before he embarked on his current body-building career, the mild-mannered Komang inspires Bali visitors familiar with his reputation to think twice before kicking sand at the next local lad they encounter sunbathing on Kuta beach.

Komang Arnawa: a name to watch for in the years to come.

More information: Visit Komang Arnawa's Web Site

In Bali on Monday, March 20, 2006, to attend an top-level investment conference being held on the Island, Indonesia's Vice President Jusuf Kalla; the Coordinating Minister for the Economy Boediono; the Minister for Culture and Tourism Jero Wacik; Bali's Governor Dewa Bertha; and the Head of the National Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Muhammad Lutfi held a rapidly-convened "town meeting" with 120 leading business players drawn from Bali's tourism industry at The Westin Resort, Nusa Dua, Bali.

The Vice President Speaks

In addressing Bali's tourism industry, Vice President Jusuf Kalla assured the people of Bali that their interests were never far from the heart of the nation's leaders.

Among the points made by Indonesia's VP to his audience included :

• The freedom enjoyed by the Press should not be used to damage Indonesia's image abroad or the attractiveness of Bali as a world tourism destination. News of unrest, violence and demonstrations should be presented in a proportional way that will encourage a more conducive atmosphere for business and tourism.

• The Central Government and the provinces must cooperate with the media in overseas promotional efforts.

• Media communication plans must be developed that are designed to fit current market mixes.

• The Middle East has strong potential as an inbound market for Indonesia and, in light of that fact, flight capacity from the market needs to be increased.

• Bali needs to unify its promotional efforts, presenting a single voice for the entire island in seeking tourism visitors.

• The Minister of Culture and Tourism must be tireless in promoting Bali because of the Island's acknowledged position as a national tourism icon.

• Indonesia must emulate Singapore Airlines' role as a leading player in national tourism promotion, giving Garuda a lead role in selling Indonesia to the world.

Bali Tourism Board

During a question and answer session, Bagus Sudibya, Chairman of the Bali Tourism Board (BTB), called on the Central Government to make a rapid disbursement of the Rp. 67 billion (approximately US$7.3 million) already allocated for the recovery of Bali's tourism industry. In the future, according to Sudibya, Bali needs an annual minimum of Rp. 150 billion (approximately US$16.3 million) for tourism promotion activities suggesting one-third should be funded from the State Budget, one-third from the Provincial budget via Hotel and Restaurant taxes; and one-third from private sector initiatives in Bali. Sudibya also called for all tourism promotional activities to be coordinated between the Department of Tourism and the private-sector Bali Tourism Board.

Representing the 9 stake holding organization of the BTB, Sudibya called for the revision of the current one-month validity for the visa-on-arrival to be extended to 3 months. He also called on the Government to recommence European flight service by Garuda Indonesia, completely suspended over the past few years; for the government to review the 1983 tourism law now seen as out of step with the needs of the Industry; for steps to be taken to stamp out the destructive practice of "auctioning tourists" practiced in the inbound Chinese market to Bali; and for the nation's leaders to urgently review the controversial anti-pornography bill now being considered in Jakarta.

The leader of the BTB also underlined to the top-ranking visitors from Jakarta the need for more professional management of tourist attractions, with more involvement by tourism stakeholders in the management of such objects, and firm sanctions to be imposed whenever a tourism object's management was found to be performing poorly.

Complaining that Bali's airport continues to fall below International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, Sudibya called for an urgent repair and upgrade of Bali's air gateway in order to anticipate the demands of the new Airbus 380 aircraft.

Sudibya also used the forum to repeat his call for a crackdown on Bali's villa sector. Complaining that there are an estimated 4,000 unregistered villas operating in Bali, with the BTB Chairman saying this results in a loss of 10% in hotel occupancy and a corresponding amount in tax revenues. He called for a tighter control on permits, operation and the taxation of villa operations in Bali with an eye to their eventual integration into the Island's hotel system.

Jusuf Kalla Responds

After a lively exchange of comments with the BTB Chairman and other key tourism leaders attending the meeting, the Vice President responded:

• The Vice President instructed the Minister of Culture and Tourism to accelerate the disbursement of the Rp. 67 billion allocated for Bali tourism recovery in order that hasten the Island's comeback.

• Indonesia's VP also told the Coordinating Minister for the Economy to reserve an annual US$5 million for Bali tourism promotion commencing with the 2007 budget. As a follow up, Kalla asked that the BTB formally send a letter to the Coordinating Minister of the Economy on this point.

• VP Kalla instructed Bali's Governor to coordinate more closely with municipal and regency governments in Bali to find the best solution for the care and upkeep of tourist attractions, including the repair of roads and streets leading to these objects.

• The VP promised that he would coordinate with the Minister of Communications on how best to increase the capacity and facilities of the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. He also reminded the head of immigration at Bali's Airport to provide polite and friendly service to visitors without jeopardizing the need to maintain security.

• Kalla called for greater attention to be paid to public order, particularly as it affects tourists, and urged the mass media to present the best image of the Country abroad.

• The VP stated his support for moves to improve the training and quality of Indonesia's professional guides.

• The VP voiced his support for calls for financial subsidies in support of overseas promotional efforts on behalf of tourism. He recommended that the Coordinating Minister of the Economy reduce the burden of the fiscal tax for tourism workers traveling on promotional trips.

• The VP assured his Balinese audience that the rights and interests of the Balinese people would not be ignored in the current efforts to pass an anti-pornography law in Jakarta.

Commencing in April 2006, Garuda Indonesia will increase its passenger capacity from Australia to Bali by almost a third from most major Australian ports including Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

Suranto Yitnopawiro, Garuda Indonesia's Regional Manager, South West Pacific, announced last week that the Airline will introduce its latest aircraft to flights to and from Perth commencing March 26, operating its new Boeing 737 NG (New Generation) airliners on the Perth-Denpasar-Jakarta sector while expanding its Airbus A330 schedules from the other Australian centers.

"We are planning very positively for a resurgence of interest in Bali that is occurring worldwide and in Australia. We have no doubt whatsoever that Bali will ultimately resume its place as Australia's number one overseas holiday destination and, as this happens, we want to ensure that we have the capacity in place to meet the demand," Suranto told the press.

More Seats from All Australian Gateways

Garuda Indonesia's new schedules will see overall capacity rise by 28 per cent from the reduced levels introduced in October last year. A total of 22 flights a week will operate from Australia (including departures from Darwin and Auckland, which were not reduced).

Highlights include:

• Sydney: Expansion of capacity by 50 per cent, with two dedicated services Sydney-Denpasar-Sydney per week (Saturdays & Sundays), a flight shared with Brisbane on Mondays and a fourth flight shared with Melbourne on Thursdays.

• Melbourne: Resumption of Melbourne's dedicated, non-shared flight on a Sundays plus the introduction of a Thursday departure via Sydney to Bali. These two moves will provide an overall increase in capacity of 25 per cent, with four flights a week operating from Melbourne.

• Perth: More than 30 per cent additional capacity from the new Boeing 737-800 NGs, which will initially be configured with 180 all economy seats, an increase of 48 seats on the current Boeing 737-400s. In addition to the capacity increase, the addition of a Jakarta to Perth operations will open up new leisure and business markets.

• Adelaide: Reintroduction of a second service to Bali from Adelaide, via Melbourne on Fridays while the Tuesdays flight will become non-stop from Adelaide to Bali. The inbound Friday service from Bali is non-stop to Adelaide.

Suranto says Garuda Indonesia has been "greatly encouraged by the loyalty Australians have shown to destinations in Bali and Indonesia, and we are equipping ourselves to provide our customers with top levels of comfort, safety, and value."

Sometimes controversial, but always interesting, Dutch TV personality Willibrord Frequin recently visited Bali's for 2 entire weeks during the final phase of 7 weeks in Indonesia that covered all the popular destinations in Sumatra, Java and Bali.

Host of the highly-ranked TV program "The Week of Willibrord," Frequin's penetrating interviewing techniques have been deployed in interviews with many of the world's leading personalities of the day, covering the range from Frank Sinatra to pontiffs to politicians.

On an extended Indonesian trip sponsored by the Dutch travel company OAD, Frequin's visit to Bali included stays at the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa, Maya Ubud and Bali Hyatt. Accompanied by his fiancé, Susan Rastin, the Dutch celebrity's Indonesian sojourn will be featured in Privé Magazine and form the nucleus of a TV program to be aired soon in Holland.

With the kind help of Julita Chandra of the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel, and Ayu Martiasih of the Maya Ubud, balidiscovery.com caught up with Willibrord and Susan before they departed on a Saturday flight back home to Holland.

The Indonesian Trip

Although 7 weeks may seem like a long time to spend in one country, the hyper-active TV host crowded an exhausting list of activities and stops into his schedule. When asked what his trip included, Frequin rattled off a rapid-fire list that detailed a swim in volcanic Lake Toba in North Sumatra; feeding orangutans at a remote jungle game reserve; walking through a dense tropical rain forest; exploring the inspiring Borobudur temple in Central Java; cycling around Bali; enjoying fish dinners on Jimbaran Beach (5 times); indulging in pampering sessions at local spas; attending traditional dance performances; stopping at at least every other Balinese temple for a closer look; and visiting as many Bali hotels as time would permit to understand why the island's has its well-deserved reputation for outstanding accommodation. Apparently the only thing Wallboard Frequin didn't do much of during his Indonesian holiday was put his feet up and relax.

Personal Favorites

With 7 weeks of Indonesian touring to his credit, we were eager to find out what most impressed the well-traveled Frequin about his recent visit to Indonesia. Without the need to pause and reflect, Willibrord shot back that while the wide beaches, delicious food, outstanding hotels, and unforgettable landscapes will form memories to last a lifetime; he and his fiancé will always be left with recollections of the generosity and warmth of the many Indonesian people they encountered on their travels. Wherever they stopped, regardless of whether or not they made a local purchase, people seemed eager to greet them with a smile and wish them a good stay.

The State of Dutch Travel to Indonesia

Although showing signs of gradual recovery, Dutch tourism to Indonesia is still down when compared to levels achieved just 4 or 5 years ago. When pressed to share how the Dutch currently view Indonesia as a holiday destination, Frequin admitted that media reports on recent terrorist incidents, public demonstrations and corruption do little to stimulate outbound travel to a country that is held close to the heart of many Hollanders. Based on his country-wide travel experience, however, Frequin unhesitatingly suggested that his fellow countrymen should perhaps ignore what they hear in the press, urging the Dutch to "come to Indonesia, it's a beautiful country and the people are so friendly, you feel in heaven."

Pledging to "spread the good news" on Indonesia via his coming TV coverage, Frequin urged Indonesia to do all it can to seek more overseas publicity highlighting its excellent beaches, wonderful cuisine and welcoming locals.

Bali: The Romantic Destination

As final proof that Bali managed to work its charms on Willibrord Frequin and Susan Rastin, both indicated that plans are well underway for a return trip to Bali during which their visit will include their own wedding in Paradise.

Following the refusal of Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Indonesia's Finance Minister, to issue to issue a Letter of undertaking that would guarantee Garuda Indonesia and Merpati Nusantara's debt, the fate of the two state-owned airlines now rests with the Presidential Cabinet expected to meet and discuss the matter in the closing days of March.

According to the Indonesian-language Bisnis Indonesia, the decision to leave the matter for the final disposition of the Cabinet was arrived at following a meeting held on Wednesday, March 22, 2006, between the Minister of Finance, the Minister for State-Owned Enterprises Sugiharto, and Commission XI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR).

According to the Chairman of Commission XI, Awal Kusumah, "Commission XI of the House of Representatives have agreed to turn the problem of Garuda and Merpati's rescues to the Minister of Finance and the Minister for State-Owned Enterprises to be discussed and decided in a coming cabinet meeting."

Garuda is in desperate need of short-term funds totaling US$105 million while Merpati is reported to need Rp. 450 billion (approximately US$48.9 million) before the end of March in order to stay in operations.

Members of the House of Representative (DPR) have openly questioned if Sate-Owned Enterprises Minister Sugiharto has the legal authority to issue the undertaking letter that would allow other profitable state-owned enterprises to purchases some of Garuda's debt. Legislators' reluctance to back such a move was further complicated when the Minister of Finance refused to issue the subject letter of undertaking, citing Presidential controls limiting increases in Indonesia's foreign debt.

More information: Garuda Posts US$70.7 Million Loss for 2005

In anticipation of the traditional wild revelry that precede Bali's official day of quiet or Nyepi on March 30, 2006, the Bali police force have announced that approximately 7,000 personnel will be deployed to supervise the street celebrations set to take place across the island on the evening of March 29th.

Preliminary police estimates are that in excess of 2,600 ogoh-ogoh floats will be launched by local banjars or community centers in connection with the celebration of New Year's on the Balinese calendar. Ogoh-ogoh are brightly decorated floats depicting either mythical characters or, increasingly, pop celebrities that are carried through the streets on the shoulders of local youth often fueled on by the intoxicating effects of arak.

Operasi Ogoh-Ogoh Agung

Working closely with pecalang - civilian peace officers drawn from local banjars - the police have dubbed their peace-keeping effort Operasi Ogoh-Ogoh Agung, a name based on the large Papier Mâchè effigies that will be paraded through Bali's streets and villages on March 29, 2006.

The Indonesian-language Bisnis Indonesia reports that officers from the National Police Headquarters (MABES) have formally arrested the pilot and co-pilots of the Adam Air flight that went missing on February 11, 2006 only to have its 145 passengers and crew turn up on a remote Indonesian island, hundreds of miles off course, four hours later.

As reported on balidiscovery.com [ See: Government Penalizes Adam Air] the case of the missing Adam Air flight happened amidst a nation-wide crackdown on safety standards for Indonesia's rapidly expanding airline industry.

Placed under arrest by the police were Adam Air pilot Tru Nusiyogo and co-pilot Ahmad Deny Syaidfuddin who have been charged with a criminal breach of air safety regulations. The pilots who lost navigational and radio contact on a scheduled Jakarta to Makassar flight before making an emergency landing 4 hours later in a remote area of Sumba island face penalties of up to 5 years in prison for the careless endangerment of the public.

In an earlier move, the Government compelled the Airline to fire a number of its operational directors in connection with the incident.

Swedish tourists have now been added to the list of foreigners who can obtain a visa-on-arrival when visiting Bali and Indonesia commencing from March 15, 2006.

Swedish visitors now join the list of 37 foreign nationals eligible to purchase either a 7 or 30 day visa on arrival upon landing at one of Indonesia's international gateway cities. A 30-day visa is obtained upon paying US$30 and a 7-day visa for US$10.

The introduction of the new visa policy is the resuly of a recent thawing in bi-lateral relations between Stockholm and Jakarta following the announcement of a peace accord in Aceh, North Sumatra.

More information: Visa Practicalities from balidiscovery.com

As reported on balidiscovery.com, on Thursday, March 30, 2006, Bali will again mark the official day of silence or "Nyepi." [ See: A Day of Silence Sealed with a Kiss]

Unique to the people of Bali, this is the one day each 210 days when every one on the Island more or less disappears for 24 hours into a darkened world free of noise, light and other distractions.

Thomas Hogue, writing in the March 24th edition of the International Herald Tribune, does an admirable job of describing this special day on the Bali-Hindu calendar and how he, like many who have adopted Bali as their spiritual home, revels in the solitude and silence of the a 24-hour period in which the Balinese tell the rest of the world to "hush-up."

A Lesson the Bali Could Teach the World

Wondering if the Balinese celebration of silence shouldn't be celebrated on a world wide basis, Hogue focuses on how the world might benefit from a 24-hour respite from honking automobile horns, elevator music, and cell phones playing the latest cantopop hit.

"In Bali, a Holiday for the Ears" – available via the link below from the International Herald Tribune.

Find a quiet "Bali-moment" in your day and have a fun read.

More information: In Bali, a Holiday for the Ears

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