Organized by Bali Discovery on behalf of the Bali Hotels Association (BHA) two meeting and conference showcase and reception will be held in Jakarta and Surabaya in the month of April 2008.

Targeted at top decision-makers from leading corporations and organizations, the showcase and reception will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Jakarta On Tuesday, April 15th and the Shangri-La Hotel in Surabaya on Thursday, April 17th.

Each event gets underway at 4:30 p.m. with a table top exhibition-cum-reception running until 7:30 p.m.. Delicious Balinese food, attractive door prizes from Bali's leading hotels and companies, air tickets to Bali sponsored by Mandala Airlines and a special guest appearance by Balinese music sensation Balawan are just some of the highlights of the event in both cities

Among the Balinese companies visiting Jakarta and Surabaya are:

• Hyatt Resorts Bali

• Melia Bali Villas & Spa Resort

• The Ritz-Carlton Bali, Resort & Spa

• The Westin Resort, Nusa Dua

• Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa,

• InterContinental Bali Resort

• Ayodya Resort Bali

• Karma Resorts Bali

• Hard Rock Hotel Bali

• Maya Ubud Resort & Spa

• Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel

• Bali Dynasty Resort

• Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel & Suites

• Bali Hai Cruises

• BIMC Hospital

• Mandala Airlines

The MICE Showcase to Jakarta and Surabaya is organized under the auspices of the Bali Hotels Association - a professional group of star-rated hotels and resorts in Bali. Members include general managers from more than 74 hotels and resorts, representing more than 13,887 hotel rooms and nearly 21,998 employees in the Bali hotel sector.

Admission to both events is strictly by invitation. Those wishing more information can email ifah[at]balidiscovery.com

The Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah, Ubud have appointed Dutchman Bjorn Jozefus van Veggel as the Resort's new Chef de Cuisine.

Family folklore says Bjorn already cherished dreams of becoming a chef from the age of 4, Chef Bjorn eventually studied at Baronie College, SVH, Breda. After graduation he worked his way through some of the Michelin starred Gourmet Restaurants, including the well-known Restaurant De Swaen in Oisterwijk. Before moving to Bali, his most recent position was as Chef de Partie at the 1-star Michelin-rated Relais & Chateaux Restaurant De Nederlanden in Vreeland.

Chef Bjorn's culinary journey has now brought him to Bali. Enchanted by the Island's reputation and its beauty, he jumped at the opportunity to work in such a sunny part of the world and is quickly embracing the culture, the landscape, the nature and food of the Balinese people.

Classically trained, Bjorn specializes in bringing together Asian and European cuisines. This is perhaps best exemplified by his new creation of Citrus Duck Breast Salad, with garden fresh leaves and soya citrus dressing.

Another tempting creation - a warm symphony of chocolate cake filled with a sauce made from strawberries harvested from the Chedi Club's organic gardens. "The taste," he said, "is fantastic, and I can handpick them from just outside the kitchen."

The Chedi Club sits at the Tanah Gajah Estate, the Hadiprana family home for over two decades before being entrusted to the care of General Hotel Management (GHM).

To celebrate arrival at his new home, Chef Bjorn is to featuring some of the Hadiprana family recipes. He explains, "these dishes are part of the history of Tanah Gajah as well as being absolutely delicious; I think our guests will really enjoy them." He adds, "it's a great feeling when guests leave the restaurant satisfied and happy."

Book a Stay at [The Chedi Club - Ubud]

Luca Tettoni was born in Turin, Northern Italy, and worked at an Italian publishing company before coming to Asia. Now at home in his adopted Asian home, he has become a world-renowned photographer whose work has been featured in numerous coffee-table books featuring South East Asia's finest hotels and resorts, spas, homes, tropical gardens, cooking and archeological sites.

Two Exhibitions in Bali

The first of these two exhibitions, Asian Travels – Black and White Images of Asia feature works from Tettoni's travels in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, including Bali. The second exhibition - "Seeking Serenity" showcases the images the Italian he has taken documenting the "Wellness Movement" that is sweeping the world.

Over the years, Luca Tettoni has photographed many of the most exclusive hotels, resorts and spas in the Asia-Pacific region. His keen sense of composition, combined with his technical expertise, captures the desired ambience and brings out the best aspects of interior architecture and design. In his photography of resorts and spas, Luca strives to find imaginative and visually appealing ways to emphasize natural beauty and modern wellness trends.

While residing in Bangkok in the mid-1980s, Luca's interest in architecture led him to begin photographing Thai-style houses. This work was published in a 1989 book "Thai Style" which became the first of a series of books (Rizzoli International Publications) on building exteriors and interiors featuring traditional Asian construction and decorative arts and crafts.

Luca's sensitive approach to recording Asian style opened has influenced numerous architects and interior designers around the world via ideas captured by his camera in hotels, resorts and private homes. "The Tropical Garden" was among the first books produced on tropical gardens.

Seeking Serenity

April 16, 2008 - May 30, 2008

Quidzy at the Fashion Point - Jalan Raya Seminyak 63

Seminyak, Kuta

(In front of the Circle K and Warung Made)

Telephone ++62 – (0)361-738 631

“Asian Travels: Black and White Images of Asia”

April 18, 2008 - May 30, 2008

Quidzy @ Kunti Plaza - Jalan Kunti II No 20 (at junction of Jl Kunti and Sunset Road Seminyak)

Kuta

Telephone ++62-(0)361-738 631

Two Exhibitions of Luca Tettoni's

click image to enlarge

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay has opened its new, multi-function meeting room, Jepun Sari, boasted by the Resort as "the largest private room in Bali with an ocean view."

Built in a traditional Balinese architectural style that blends seamlessly with the grace and ambience of the Resort, Jepun Sari is characterized by a soaring, alang alang thatched roof, a wrap-around terrace, and an emphasis on space and light. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls maximize spectacular views across Jimbaran Bay. Windows are equipped with specially designed blinds that can be dropped to provide a blackout facility.

Completely air-conditioned to host business incentives, executive gatherings, and social events such as Bali weddings. With a capacity for up to 150 business guests for a corporate meeting or small conference, or up to 90 guests for sit down meals - Jepun Sari is the ideal venue for receptions, reunion celebrations, parties, theme dinners, corporate functions, seminars, conventions, product launches and social events.

Available in a number of layout configurations the Jepun Sari can accommodate classroom, theatre or boardroom layouts. The venue includes a full range of audio-visual, business, presentation and PA equipment, including a hi-tech built-in screen.

The opening of the Jepun Sari reflects the growing importance of meetings, conferences and incentives to all segments of Bali’s tourism industry. The Island’s unequalled collection of top-end boutique properties have become increasingly the preferred choice for small, exclusive business meetings, board meetings, team building trips and ultimate incentives.

Bali as a Meeting and Conference Destination

[Learn More About Meetings in Bali]

Jepun Sari Room at Four Seasons Resort at Jimbarn Bay

click image to enlarge

Tempo Interaktif writes that the State Power Board (PLN) recorded a Rp. 3 billion (US$326,000) drop in power usage during Bali’s traditional day of silence or Nyepi on March 7, 2008.

Bali's transformation for 24 hours into a virtual ghost town with all streets empty, places of business closed and airport shut down allowed PLN officials to cease operations at the 80-megawatt Steam Generation Station at Pemaron and the 130-megawatt gas generating station at Gilimanuk.

Experts also estimate that Bali's 24 hour shut down reduced by 20-30,000 tons of amount of hydrocarbon emissions from the 200,000 vehicles and 80 airplanes that went silent in Bali on March 7, 2008.

Related Articles

[ Bali Makes a Peaceful New Year Transition]

[Pause and Consider in Bali on March 7, 2008]

Bisnis Bali reports that the Indonesian Department of Culture and Tourism is in the process of gathering input from tourism stakeholders prior to the establishment of a formal Crisis Center.

While tourism officials admit funding for the proposed Crisis Center remains elusive, the Secretary General for the Department of Culture and Tourism, Wardiatmo, said a meeting held in Bali on April 1, 2008 represented the embryonic steps necessary to the final creation of a fully-fledged Center.

Explaining further, Wardiatmo said a Crisis Center was needed to face the challenges of the unexpected, such as Bali's past terrorist attacks. The media center established following the October 2002 and October 2005 bombing attacks can serve as the framework for the proposed Crisis Center needed to face future unexpected eventualities.

While remaining uncommitted as to when the proposed Crisis Center will come into operation, Wardiatmo, said that input from the entire tourism industry needs to be collected and funding for the project identified before it can go ahead.

The Bali Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agents (ASITA), Al Purwa, told the Secretary General that without the proper funding securely in place it would be better if no Crisis Center was established. But, were the necessary funds secured, such a Center should have at its core an established communications and action plan for Bali to face the next "crisis" that befalls the Island.

Kompas reports that Bali's improving tourism fortunes are having a positive impact on unemployment levels in Bali. Total unemployment in Bali reduced from 120,020 in 2006 to "just" 77,600 in 2007.

According to figures provided from the Denpasar office of Bank Indonesia, Bali's employment levels have increased to 77,4% which translates into 1.9 million active employment slots island-wide.

Bali's tourism sector - which includes hotels and restaurants, remains the top source of employment in Bali followed by the island's agricultural sector.

The highest levels of unemployment in Bali are found in the urban areas of Klungkung (6.84%) followed by Denpasar (5.4%) and Badung (4.58%). The lowest level of unemployment in Bali occurs in the agriculturally-oriented areas of Bangli (1.37%) and Tabanan (2.11%).

Related Story

[Strong Start to 2008]

The Chief of the Bali Meteorological and Geophysics Office for Denpasar, Drs. Widada Sulistya, predicts that Bali's current rainy season will be extended in duration, delaying the start of the Island's dry season for 2008.

Sulistya said that current atmospheric and sea conditions in the ocean's surrounding Bali made it likely that regular rains would continue to fall in Bali until mid-May. Traditionally, Bali's rainy season ends by mid April.

In comments to the Bali Post, Bali’s chief weather forecaster also cautioned Bali residents to beware of severe weather conditions that often accompany the change of season. Such severe weather phenomenon can include sudden heavy downfalls of rain, lighting storms and local water spouts that come ashore causing significant wind damage.

Sulistya offered practical advice to Bali residents, suggesting they turn off televisions and Internet networks when heavy rains storms are passing through the area.

Indonesia's National Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) will act as hosts for the International Conference on Reproductive Health Management (ICHRM) scheduled to be held in Bali May 6-8, 2008 at the Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel in South Kuta.

Conference Goals

The ICHRM seeks to contribute to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) through the convening of an international conference that will:

1. Highlight current and emergent practices in managing reproductive health among developing nations.

2. Identify gaps, gains, lessons, insights, challenges and opportunities in pursuing multiple priorities in the area of reproductive health and development; and

3. Reach a consensus on future actions to advance reproductive health management in accelerating the achievement of MDGs.

The first ICHRM held in the Philippines in 2006 attracted 625 participants from 11 countries. This year's conference in Bali is expected to attract a similar number.

The Indonesian Statistics Bureau (BPS) estimates that in 2006 there were 691,955 couples living in Bali within the reproductive age span grouping. Of that total, 445,109 couples (64%) use some sort of contraceptive device.

The Conference, also supported by the United Nations Population Fund will be opened by Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Social Welfare, Aburizal Bakrie.

Related Website

[International Conference on Reproductive Health Management Website]

An epidemic of severe gastrointestinal infections has sent over 600 people to local hospital and clinics, and been blamed for 7 deaths in Bali. The disease – known locally as ”Muntaber," is characterized by vomiting, dehydration and acute diarrhea - is now entering its third week with little sign that the number of new cases is abating since its initial appearance on March 19th. The Bali Post reports that the epidemic, transmitted via E coli bacteria, has crowded area hospitals and health centers with patient coming from local villages and now including medical personnel who treated the first wave of patients. Overwhelmed with patients, medical providers in community health centers in Karangasem have been forced to accommodate patients on make-shift beds lining hallways and public areas of the clinics.

Worrying reports from Karangasem's health officials show the footprint of the disease may be widening, with cases now reported across the regency including the communities of Selat, Bedandem, Duda, Sibetan, Abang. Manggis and Rendang.

To curve the further onslaught of the disease military, police and local health officials have been sent to help chemically sterilize local water supplies while local officials are urging local residents to practice good hygiene by taking care in washing hands and boiling all un-bottled drinking water for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, supplies of chemical cleaners sent earlier to treat water supplies have often time remained unused in many villages, with residents complaining that they have no understanding on how to introduce the treatments to their local water supplies.

Denpasar's General Hospital Extends Assistance

Denpasar's Sanglah General Hospital has dispatched a medical team to Karangasem to help local officials to bring the epidemic under control.

Sanglah officials told the Bali Post that the medical response to the current outbreak has been sufficient but has been thwarted by the lack of good hygiene practice among the local population.

Bali's main hospital has sent a team of 60 health professionals comprised of internists, pediatricians, pathologists, paramedics and medical interns to help Karangasem officials handle patients and distribute printed material to educate locals on better hygiene practice.

Bali Post reports that uniformed police officers have been deployed to stand duty since Thursday, April 3, 2008, at gas stations across Bali to deal with possible unrest as long lines of consumers wait to buy scarce petrol supplies.

With shortages blamed on the late delivery of fuel by tankers destined for the Island's main depot at Sanggaran, near Padang Bai, the current shortage is most acutely felt by those seeking premium gas. During the course of the shortage, stations that finished their gas stocks simply closed, while those still able to pump gas remained opened before lines stretching as much as one kilometer in length formed outside their entrances.

As the fuel crisis worsened and more gas stations closed their pumps, officials of the State oil company Pertamina promised the shortage would soon end with 6,000 kiloliters of new fuel landing on April 4th and additional stocks of 2,000 kiloliters expected on April 5th. With a daily fuel requirement of 16,000 kiloliters substantially larger shipments of fuel will be required before local gas supplies become sufficient.

Officials cite numerous causes for the current late delivery of fuel, including repairs on the fuel pier recently damaged by a tanker and the breakdown in a delivery ship as all playing contributory roles in delaying fuel shipments destined for Bali. Meanwhile, local press reports suggest that fuel may continue to be hard-to-come-by for as long as the entire month of April.

Pertamina Says Fuel Shortage to End Within One Week

Tempo Interaktif quotes a sales representative for Pertamina in Bali, Putut Adriatno, who denies a prolonged shortage and says the current fuel shortage would be over within one week, with gas stations receiving extra allotments of fuel until demand profiles return to normal levels. Adrianto also blamed the current shortage on panic buying by Bali consumers.

The Chairman of Commission II of Bali's House of Representatives (DPRD), I Nengah Usdek Maharipa, criticized the State Oil Company for the present shortage, saying it violated existing agreements with Provincial government assuring that Pertamina would always prioritize the delivery of fuel supplies for Bali. Blaming the current shortage on a lack of coordination by the distribution team comprised of representatives from the Departments of Trade, Industry, Natural Resource Management Department and Pertamina,

Maharipa told Tempo Interaktif that if the current fuel shortage persists for more than one week it is likely have the ripple effect of causing the cost of basic commodities to increase across the Island.

Legal Action Ahead?

With the public becoming increasingly unhappy with long lines and delays at Bali gas stations, a group calling itself the "People's Alliance of Fuel Users" is threatening to file a class action suit against Pertamina, if the Sate Oil Company continues to lack transparency in its dealings with public and if the fuel shortage persists beyond the second week of April.

While not strictly a Bali tourism story, news last week from the popular resort area surrounding Malang in nearby East Java, was just too bizarre not to share.

Detik.com reports that the municipal government in the East Java resort area of Batu are preparing to "clamp down" on suspected prostitution practices taking place at many of the area's panti pijat or traditional massage parlors.

Iman Suryono, a municipal police official (pamong praja) in Batu, is dedicated to eliminating the "plus-plus" and "happy ending" element from the local spa business. To achieve this "end," local authorities are considering making "chastity belts" part of the required uniform for masseuses in the cool hill-side resort close best known for its local inns and delicious apple crop.

Officials in Batu are said to be busily reviewing research done by an Indonesian technician from the West Java textile center of Bandung, Simon Y Sanjaya, who developed a "loyalty corset" designed to foil both rape and prevent spousal infidelity. Sanjaya's design is being viewed favorably by Batu officials who feel that a stainless steel version of the "knicker nixers", may be unsuitable for Indonesia's tropical climate.

Chastity belts have a long, if somewhat undistinguished, history enjoying their peak popularity in the Middle Ages when they were used to keep a maiden's virginity intact or, at least, to enforce sexual abstinence by one's mate while you were off crusading in the Middle East.

Officials in Batu admit that the idea of mandatory chastity belts is still only at the discussion stage, awaiting local policy-makers as they ponder issues of enforcement, penalties for non-compliance and whether they will opt for an ultra-modern Kelvar model or the more cumbersome traditional plate-metal version. Also under discussion are more mundane issues, such as procedures for the safekeeping of keys to allow the wearers to quickly remove the device for periodic "calls of nature."

While Batu officials decide how best to preserve the chastity of local masseuses, two local massage parlors in Batu are said to have already introduced the new measures, requiring their female staff to don the undergarment that serve as a "barriers to illicit practice."

The Batu officials who will decide the matter, believed to be comprised entirely of men, have apparently dismissed out of hand alternative suggestions that male customers be required to wear the male version of a chastity belt before undergoing a traditional massage treatment.

Given the area's reputation for its delicious apple crop, it may be only a matter of time before Old Testament scholars introduce regulations to outlaw Batu women from selling the local apple crop to any male customers. After all, we all know the trouble that precipitated for Adam and Eve.

And finally, before the suggestion of morally-sound undergarments dreamed up by Batu's officials is too quickly dismissed as absurd, please note press reports that Jakarta officials are praising the Batu proposal, insisting they, too, wish to explore the viability of introducing similar measures in massage parlors in Indonesia's capital city of Jakarta.