One of Indonesia's former Ambassadors to Argentina and a renowned Son of Bali, A.A. Gede Oka Djelantik passed away on Sunday May 27, 2007 at the Puri Medika Hospital in Jakarta.

Djelantik, who was 82 at the time of his death, had served his Country as a diplomat in a number of countries in Africa, Europe and South America, His diplomatic career began in Switzerland in 1952 when he was offered a staff position in the Indonesian Embassy while visiting that country on an arts mission. A naturally gifted linguist, Djelantik was fluent in at least 8 languages including Dutch, English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Indonesian and Balinese.

In the late 1950s Djelantik moved to Japan where he was assigned an administration post in handling war reparations paid by that government to Indonesia following World War II. After his Japan posting he moved on to serve as an Ambassador to three African nations: Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia. In 1968 he returned to Asia serving as the Indonesian Consul in Hong Kong (1968-1969). He later served as Consul General in Kobe, Japan before moving to South America where he represented Indonesia as an Ambassador to Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.

Among the honors received by Djelantik during his years of dedication to the Republic were the The Great Cross of the Order of May (Argentina), Great Cross of Bernado O'Higgins (Chile), and the Lencana Karya Satya(Indonesia).

Djelantik, the Son of the Raja of Karangasem, is survived by his wife of 50 years, Cokorda Istri of the Puri Agung palace in Ubud. He is also survived by a Son and two grandchildren.

Cremation is scheduled to take place on June 10, 2007 from the Puri Agung Maskerdam Karangasem.

The Indonesian-language BisnisBali reports that meeting and conference bookings to Bali are the cause of record occupancy levels in the hotels found within the Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC) at Nusa Dua.

Speaking to the local press, the Director of Finance for BTDC, Drs. Solichin, said an increase in meeting bookings were having an extraordinary impact on occupancies at BTDC hotels with properties enjoying the best business levels in over 5 years.

In May 2007, according to Solichin, average occupancies at the complex hit 60%.

The Need for More International Events

Saying that international events staged in Bali did much to raise the Island's image, Solichin said Bali needs to cultivate more international events in order to fully restore visitor numbers and grow the tourism economy.

According to the BTDC Financial Director, 75% of the visitors staying in Nusa Dua hotels are foreign nationals. Following the second Bali terrorist attack the demographics of foreign guests at the BTDC underwent a dramatic change. While Japanese guests remained the leading market segment at Nusa Dua hotels, the Australian market which once held the second ranking slipped to number six.

The Nusa Dua complex operated by the Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC) is home to some 4,500 hotel rooms operated by leading accommodation operators on a shared-revenue basis with the government-owned corporation.

Indonesian Vice President M. Jusuf Kalla has ordered the Bali Immigration Office to add more service counters at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport in order to provide better service to the growing number of visitors to Bali.

Speaking to the Indonesian-language newspaper Kompas, Kalla said, "I have ordered that tables be added for tourist to fill out immigration forms and for 10 or 20 more service counters to be added."

The Vice-Presidents comments were made after a surprise inspection of the Bali airport to review facilities and handling capacities in anticipation of the more than 10,000 people expected to visit Bali during a major climate change conference scheduled for Bali in December of 2007.

Changing Demographics May Change Bali's Character

balidiscovery.com's coverage of the long term effects of changing tourism demographics on local culture and society [Changing Demographics May Change Bali's Character] and the resulting call for more-modern-less-cultural attractions in Bali evoked lively responses from a number of readers.

. Stephanie Morrison of Tucson, Arizona wrote to say:

"Thanks for writing your newsletter, helps me stay in touch with the island that has my heart!

The article on Changing Demographics May Change Bali's Character made me disgusted. My husband and I went to Bali in December of 2002. This was our first visit, but will not be our last. I had been wanting to go to Bali since 1997 when I saw a Travel Channel episode on it calling it the last paradise. Well, after finally making it to Bali, it was everything and more than I expected. I immediately fell in love with the island, people and culture. I have been dreaming about going back ever since we arrived back in the U.S..

The thing most important thing that captured my heart in Bali was the culture and people. I think that if they set up amusement parks, such as a Disneyland, this would just help to destroy the amazing culture of the island. This is not something that should be modernized. The people of Bali honor their culture and if you want to visit the island you should also honor and cherish that culture.

Please let the people know that they do not need to modernize themselves to get tourist."

. Chris Davis in Australia offered the following succinctly put comment"

"Please don't let these 'mega' fun parks ruin the beauty of Bali, you don't need a Disneyland or indoor snow slide in Bali."

. Barry Hyland of Crows Nest, N.S.W., Australia told us:

"I'm horrified by the suggestion that Bali needs a crass tourist facility like Disneyland. My family and I have holidayed in Bali around nine times from Sydney, and believe it is near perfect. What could be improved is the cleanliness of the beaches, with rubbish collected from the sand and the shoreline. Also, the open drains and state of the footpaths, which are dangerous."

. Diah, a Balinese reader was most upset at the suggestion that Bali culture might take a back seat to more modern cultural attractions:

"I'm Balinese and I realize so many things happen in Bali, but 'dunia fantasi' - what a stupid idea! If you want a family tourism objects like that just go to Jakarta or somewhere else - don't come to Bali if you what that kind of 'modernity.' We, the Balinese people, need more support to keep our traditional culture and the holy spiritual value of our land."

. Carole Ste-Marie had this to say:

"My question is: if we are to find in Bali what we can find elsewhere, why bother going to Bali? It has to remain distinct. Although amusement parks are fun, people seem to have forgotten that they can live without all trivialities."

Has Anyone Seen Our Tourists?

Our examination of the effect of growing tourist numbers in the face of declining length of stays and lower spending [Has Anyone Seen Our Tourists?] brought the following responses:

. Sue Rodger asked the following question:

"Could it also be that the number of shops and restaurants has grown and now there are so many there are actually too many? If tourists are spending shorter time here then there are only so many shops and restaurants you can visit in that time!"

. Bob from Australia offered an alternative suggestion as to the cause of seeming anomaly of "missing tourists" in Bali:

"I am a regular traveler to Bali and am often told from locals that business is still very quiet. So it is hard to believe Bali is booming with tourists.

Friends of mine traveled recently and were so disappointed in Bali. They said it isn't the bargain place to buy things, not the way it used to be! We must remember this was one of the reasons people once flocked to Bali.

I, too, have experienced over the last few years that things have gone up a lot in price at all levels, especially at markets. It's like vendors having sold so little over the bad years are now trying to catch up on past losses. Maybe understandable but it's not going to get tourists spending up.

Apart from inflation running high, some businesses are trying too hard to recover their past loses. In the past, things were cheap but a lot of things were sold. My friends were amazed to find markets were not much cheaper than shops but without the quality.

This is what I think we call in the west, Hyper Inflation, the worst sort of inflation.

I fear Bali's 'inflation' is actually this 'hyper inflation,' where a sick economy is trying to recover but instead of reducing prices to encourage demand, you start increasing prices to recover your business losses but sadly this only decreases demand, discouraging people to buy.

Bali needs people returning and to reduce prices to make it the buying holiday it has always been. It will be very hard at first, but in the long run prices will naturally increase, as the demand increases and outstrips supply. At the moment there is a lot of everything at too high a price and it seems without many big spenders."

. Leenie took another perspective:

"Seems that the $25 on arrival is having an effect on people staying any length of time. It's quite costly if there is a family of 4 to 5, this all adds to the cost of a stay in Bali. I don't understand why the government doesn't understand this? Or, if it does, it doesn't take any notice that the locals are suffering big time. This saddens me. Also if you don't have $25 when you arrive and us your credit card you are charged for a cash advance. This is not good either, many of my friends have been very upset by this."

More information: Tell Us What You Think!

The Bali chapter of Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs - the world's oldest society dedicated to fine dining and kitchen arts, will hold a Dinner Amical at The Samaya Villas on Saturday, June 9, 2007.

Hosted by active Chaîne members, General Manager Ray Clark and Chef Thorston Schubert, members and guests will be invited to a memorable beach side fete at the Samaya's new beachside terrace. Teamed with carefully matched premium wines, the menu for the evening reflects traditional European fare commingled with the flavors of the Americas.

The Menu

Selection of Canapées - Champagne Laurent Perrier Brut N.V

+ + +

Périgord Foie Gras with Diced Sauternes Jelly

Chateau de La Roulerie Chenin Blanc 2005 -Loire Valley France

+ + +

Pan Fried Calves Sweetbread, Ragout of White Asparagus and Morels

Chateau La Tour de By 2001 Medoc Cru Bourgeois Superieur Bordeaux , France

+ + +

Texas Dry Rubbed Monkfish with Orange Butter Sauce and Avocado Relish

Caledonia Australis 2003 Pinot Noir Gippsland, Victoria Australia

+ + +

Pitahaya Sorbet

+ + +

Poached Lamb Loin in Pasta Dough on Sautéed Chanterelles, Thyme Reduction and Goat Cheese Salsa

Finca Abadia Retuerta 2003 Selecion Especial Ribera del Duero, Spain

+ + +

Valrhona Chocolate Ganache with Wild Raspberry Coulis

Gravitas Hugo's Delight Riesling late Harvest Marlborough N.Z

Mignardises

Coffee and Tea

The Details

Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs - Dinner Amical

Saturday, June 9, 2007

The Samaya Villas (next to The Legian Hotel)

Cocktails commence at 7:00 p.m. on the beach. Dinner at 8:00 p.m.

Dress: Resort Elegant

Cost including all wines and gourmet menu Rp. 900,000 for members and spouse (approximately US$102) and Rp. 1,100,000 for non members (approximately US$125).

Seating is strictly limited. Bookings to Mark Savage at ++62-(0)361-733031

The two Harris Hotels in Bali - the Harris Resort Kuta and Harris Hotel Tuban, recently named their best employees of 2006, recognizing exceptional excellence among their already talented team.

Harris Resort Kuta Bali - Komang Agus Arya Wirawan

Born in the city of Negara in Bali 30 years ago, Komang Arya is a graduate of the Bali Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (Sekolah Tinggi Pariwisata Bali). He worked at several villas and hotels in Singapore and Bali before joining as the Front Office Supervisor at the Harris Resort Kuta Bali in February 2005. Based on his excellent performance he was quickly promoted to the role of a Sales Executive in October 2006.

Admired and loved by the entire team at the resort for his tireless dedication, Komang Arya was elected as the "best employee" of the resort in 2006.

Harris Hotel Tuban - Ni Made Padmiani

Ni Made Padmiani was born 28 years ago in Talibeng, Sidemen in Karangasem. After completely high school Made majored in Hotel Management at the Triatmajaya Tourism Academy, graduating in 2002. She grounded her skills at several local hotels before being accepted as a waitress at the Harris Hotel Tuban in 2004.

A dedicated team player, Made has been elected as "best employee" in quarterly contests at her hotel in both 2006 and the first quarter of 2007.

In acknowledging the honor of being the named the "best" at their respective hotels, both Komang and Made were adamant that they only do what every other fellow employee does at Harris Hotels: look after guests like they are part of our family.

Related Site

[Harris Resort Kuta Bali]

Although Darwis Triadi is best known as one of Indonesia's top fashion photographers, his latest exhibition "Terra Incognita" at the Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay demonstrates that he is also a talented artist.

Originally trained as a commercial pilot, Triadi's career begin in the early 1980s when he burst onto Jakarta's budding fashion scene. A convinced autodidact, his stubborn self assurance and new ideas, unfettered by experience, combined with an indomitable personal energy that quickly saw him rise to the top of fashion photography in the space of a few years.

Unwilling to wallow in the success of being considered a leader in fashion photography, Triadi was goaded by a need to constantly explore new creative avenues. This creative compulsion brought him to portraiture where, once again, he quickly became a name in demand as one of the most talented portraitists of his generation, leading to the founding of his own school of photography in 2002.

Back in the early 1990s, Triadi 'discovered' the black and white photography of early photo artists, such as Edward Steichen. He was mesmerized by the stark beauty of the female portraits which stood out in contrast against the glamour and artifice of fashion work. Inspired, Triadi began shooting images of female nudes with only the basics - the subject, the camera, the photographer and light. The results were powerful but lyrical images honoring female beauty not as ethereal goddesses but human beings.

In "Terra Incognita" Triadi has gone one step further by casting his subjects amidst the natural splendor of Central Java's nature and its ancient Hindu-Buddhist monuments, adding a new twist by using digital infrared camera. The unique aspect of black and white infrared photography is that while most of the image appears normal, all greens - especially foliage, attain a brilliant luminosity, as if glowing from within. In "Terra Incognita" Triadi experiments with this new world by posing his models among ruins and the impressive roots of banyan trees. Extraordinarily, all elements of his photos, the models, the landscapes and the ancient monuments appear together in a perfect ease and harmony. The juxtaposition of real and unreal is thought provoking and meditative. The results also show yet another side of dynamic artist known for taking chances and winning.

"Terra Incogntia" an exhibition of photography by Darwis Triadi at the Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay - Ganesha Gallery July 2 - 29, 2007.

Open daily. For more information call the gallery at ++62-(0)361-701010.

Photos by Darwis Triadi, Click to enlarge

Bali International Triathlon LLC and Zoot Sports - a global leader in multisport race day and training apparel and wetsuits, have formed a partnership for the upcoming 2007 Bali International Triathlon.

"We are excited to partner with Generic Events for the inaugural Bali International Triathlon. This luxurious event is great for the growth of our sport and we look forward to growing our brand in this part of the world," said Eli Carlson, Director of Marketing at Zoot Sports.

Specializing in apparel for triathletes, Zoot Sports along with Bali International Triathlon create a perfect fusion combining exercise with comfort and style. Together they will mark the inaugural event with custom swim caps for the athletes participating in the Bali event.

Registration is still open for this unique destination race combining swimming, cycling and running. [See: Bali International Triathlon Web Site]

While in Bali, athletes they can take advantage of the wide range of activities available, including scuba diving, elephant riding, white water river rafting, parasailing, and jet skiing. Bali is famous for its spa properties, and athletes will be treated to post race massages by local Balinese therapists. Special hotel and tour packages for athletes and their families can be arranged by contacting Bali Discovery Tours. [www.balidiscovery.com]

Four Seasons at Jimbaran Bay, one of the leading race sponsors, is offering a first prize package consisting of a three day, two night stay in one of their world famous luxury villas. Awards presented by leading hotels and companies in Bali will also be given to the first three finishers in each age group category. All athletes will also be provided with high quality race T-shirts made by Sport Science, entrance to a pre-race party, and unique finisher's award handcrafted by local Balinese artists.

Registration

. US$125 for non-Indonesian residents

. US$75 for Indonesian residents

. US$275 for Relay Division Teams (teams of 3)

. US$225 for Relay Division (teams of 3) - Indonesian residents

. 5k Run Entry Fees - $21 US (approximately Rp. 200,000).

Related Stories and Sites

[Zoot Sports]

[Generic Events]

[Bali International Triathlon 2007]

[Four Seasons to Host 1st Bali International Triathlon]

[Team Up to Conquer Bali]

[Bali Triathlon Corporate Team Challenge Announced]

[Aman Aman Saja!]

[Bali International Triathlon 2007 Website]

The Indonesian-language BisnisBali warns that the tolerance of the Badung Regency's authorities when it comes to granting licenses to Villas in Bali will have its limits. The Chief of Tourism for the Badung Regency, Made Subawa, told the press that the special team established for the registration of tourism accommodation will not process permits for villas built in Bali's "green zones" or "jalur hijau" where permanent construction of any kind is strictly prohibited.

Promising to accelerate current efforts to register all commercial villas in Bali before August 29, 2007, Subawa's team has simplified the permit process. Providing a "one stop" approach, applicants can now simultaneously present their principal permission (izin prinsip), environmental impact study (Amdal), building permit (IMB), and work place permit/no disturbance permit (SITU/HO). The Regency team will then immediately process the permit, targeting the completion of at least two applications each working day.

While villas built in certain restricted areas will be given some degree of tolerance, Subawa warned that no leeway will be given to villas built in "green zones."

Admitting that his department does not have the legal power to order the demolition of villas built in restricted "green zones," Subawa said violator would be formally reported to the Regent or Bupati who has the authority to order the villa's eventual demolition.

The Indonesian-language Denpost reports that a task force comprised of the Coordinating Team for the Control of Pollution (TKP2LH), members of the Foundation for Sanur Development (YPS-Yayasan Pembangunan Sanur) the Working Secretariat for the Rescue and Safeguarding of the Environment (SKPPLH)and members of the Sanur village community have issued a two-month deadline to three leading hotels in Sanur to get their environmental record-keeping in order and correct deficiencies in their waste management systems and procedures.

Cited for urgent correction at a joint meeting held in Sanur on Thursday, May 31, 2007 were 3 hotels - the Hotel Inna Grand Bali Beach, Bali Hyatt and the Hotel Sanur Beach.

The task force's meeting was chaired by Ir. Yeni Trihandani, accompanied by Ir. Ketut Suandi of the local Environmental Service. Also in attendance were the Chairman of the YPS IB Gede Sidharta Putra, the Chairman of the SKPPLH Made Mangku, members of the TKP2LH task force, representatives of the local Board of Health, and community leaders from Sanur.

Hotel Sanur Beach

According to the Denpost, the Hotel Sanur Beach received the most numerous negative citations from the task force and was ordered to urgently compile and present an environmental management and monitoring plan (UKL/UPL) and to also renew their now-expired Work Place Permit (SITU) and No Disturbance Permit (HO).

The Sanur Beach Hotel was also ordered to close a bypass pipe draining into a local estuary and to re-divert and recycle rain water now being fed into the hotels Waste Management System (IPAL).

The hotel was also reminded that the IPAL must be in continuous operation with results of water samples formally reported to the Government once every six months.

Following the report of the task force, an urgent water quality report is due within 2 months of the latest findings which revealed pollutants present in the Hotel's system in excess of the maximum limits set by a decree from the Governor of Bali.

Bali Hyatt Hotel

The Bali Hyatt was also given two months by the task force to make current its UKL/UPL and SITU/HO documentation and bring the operating parameters of its Waster Management System (IPAL) into line with strict limits set by the Governor.

Inna Grand Bali Beach

While all pollution and environmental documentation were found to be in order at Bali's oldest international hotel, the task force determined that the effluent from the IPAL was outside established limits, with Management given two months to correct the problem.

The hotel's operators were also ordered to re-divert overflow from the swimming pool, now flowing into the ocean, to the IPAL for water treatment.

A Strong Message to Other Hotels

The Denpost quoted the Head of the Local Environmental Agency, Suandi, who said he hoped the work of the task force would serve as a warning to all in Sanur to better manage waste and pollution. Reflecting a widespread feeling among the people working and living in Sanur to get on top of the pollution problem, the Director of Engineering for the Bali Hyatt, I Made Sumantara, told the press, "we are committed to create a cleaner environment for Sanur."

Asian Travel Intentions Survey 2007 - a travel attitude survey conducted among 5,050 respondents from 10 nations has proven revealing on both the perceptions and misperceptions of world travelers towards Indonesia and other Asian destinations. Undertaken in cooperation between the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and VISA, the survey was carried out in February and March 2007 tallying the views of a sample of 500 respondents each from Canada, China, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Sweden, Britain, U.S.A. and Australia.

The 40-page reports provides insights on the perceptions, prejudices, plans and motivating factors among world travelers as regards Pacific Asia travel.

Among the highlights of the report :

. When asked which Asia country they were most likely to choose as a holiday destination Thailand ranked first (21%), followed by Japan (13%), China (12%), Hong Kong (9%) Maldives (8%), Singapore (8%), India (8%), Vietnam (5%), Malaysia (4%), Korea (4%), and Indonesia (3%). Tied with Indonesia at a low 3% preferred holiday destination spot were the Philippines, Chinese Taipei and Sri Lanka.

. 92% of the respondents indicated they travel with a partner, family or friend. Among those traveling on a single basis the Australians were first (11%), followed by Canada (9%), and the U.K. (8%).

. In citing the type of experience that were considered most important during travel some 35% listed local culture followed by relaxation (33%), outdoor adventure (12%), family friendly (11%), shopping (6%) and nightlife (5%).

. Showing the increasingly smaller role played by international wholesalers in arranging travel, a somewhat surprising 46% of those surveyed said they "self-planned" their holidays, while 26% used the services of a travel agent and only 23% opted for a packaged tour.

. Reflecting the new trend towards "self-planned" holidays, 81% told the surveyors that use the Internet to plan their holiday, followed by advice from on-line travel agents (62%), books/travel guides (50%), the advice of family and friends (48%) and store front travel agencies (45%).

. When asked what represented the main barriers to travel, the respondents listed the following factors in descending order of importance: terrorism and its consequences; political unrest; travel warnings; safety and security concerns (other than terrorism); bird flu; general cost of travel; language difficulties and overcrowding.

. When asked to ranked the "greatest benefit" of travel to Asia - 22% cited the opportunity to experience other cultures, followed by the natural beauty of the region (18%), relaxation (13%) and the relatively low cost of goods and services (11%).

. A growing cultural consciousness among travelers was reflected by 89% of the respondents saying they would be more likely to choose tourism products (e.g. flights or hotels) that were sensitive to local culture. Supporting this new social awareness was the finding that 70% of those responding would be prepared to pay between 10% and 50% more for culturally-sensitive tourism products.

. Environmental friendliness also ranked high in the survey with 87% saying they would be more inclined to choose an environmentally friendly tourism product. Putting their money where their heart is, 70% said they were prepared to pay more to use environmentally-friendly tourism products.

. When asked their opinions regarding enhanced security measures at airports - 23% complained that the procedures are "too much," while 66% said that such procedures were "about right" and 10% thought current security measures were inadequate. 13% of the respondents felt security measures at airport were of little or no effect.

. When asked which countries they felt were still severely affected by the 2004 tsunami, 56% of those responding listed Indonesia followed by Thailand (40%), Sri Lanka (39%), and Malaysia (23%). The survey also showed a lack of sophistication in both current events and geography when 23% of those responding incorrectly cited the Philippines as still being severely affected by the 2004 tsunami when, in fact, that country was completely unscathed by that 2004 disaster.

3 ministries of the Indonesian Government have officially decreed the schedule of public holidays for 2008. Jointly agreed between the Minister of Religion, the Minister of Manpower and Transmigration, and the State Minister for Administrative Reform - the schedule covers both traditional religious and political holidays in addition to "shared holidays" creating extended holidays.

Public Holidays and Shared Holidays for 2008

. 01 January 2008 - New Years Day

. 10 January 2008 - Islamic New Year 1429 H

. 11 January 2008 - "Shared Holiday" by Government Decree

. 07 February 2008 - Imlek Chinese New Year 2559

. 08 February 2008 - "Shared Holiday" by Government Decree

. 07 March 2008 - Nyepi Bali's traditional day of Silence and Hindu New Year 1930 Saka

. 20 March 2008 - Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

. 21 March 2008 - Good Friday

. 23 March 2008 - Easter Sunday

. 01 May 2008 - Ascension day of Jesus Christ

. 02 May 2009 - "Shared Holiday" by Government Decree

. 19 May 2008 - "Shared Holiday" by Government Decree

. 20 May 2008 - Hari Raya Waisak

. 30 July 2008 - Isra Mi'raj Prophet Mohammad SAW, Celebrating the Ascension of The Prophet Muhammad

. 17 August 2008 - Indonesian Independence Day

. 18 August 2008 - "Shared Holiday" for Independence Day (Officially celebrated on 17 August 2008)

. 29-30 September 2008 - "Shared Holiday" by Government Decree

. 1 - 2 October 2008 - Hari Raya Idul Fitri 1429H

. 03 October 2008 - "Shared Holiday" by Government Decree

. 08 December 2008 - Idul Adha 1429H

. 25 December 2008 - Christmas Day

. 26 December 2008 - "Shared Holiday" by Government Decree

. 29 December 2008 - Islamic New Year 1430H.

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