Bali Post reports, the growing number of illegal tour operators in Bali threaten the good image of the Island's tourism. This topic formed one of the themes of a recent panel discussion held by the Association of Travel Agents Who Love Bali (Paguyuban Travel Agent Cinta Bali) held in downtown Denpasar on Thursday, May 8, 2008.

According to the forum's participants, illegal travel agents operate by contacting tourists in Bali directly or via guides. Such agents typically have no formal office with many having sites on the Internet. With no licensing, no clear business address and no membership in profession tourism organization these "illegal travel agents," according to the forum's participants, lack responsibility and accountability.

The association's members called on the Provincial Tourism Authority (Diparda) and related government agencies to crack down on illegal travel operators.

As a further step, the Association plans to call a coordinating meeting in the near future with 27 hotels in Kuta and South Kuta in order to help eliminate the illegal tour operators.

When purchasing travel in Bali on the Internet check for:

• A clear business address in Bali with a local telephone number you can call when a problem arises.

• Names of actual persons in the "contact us" or "who we are" section who can be called upon to keep promises and honor business pledges.

• Logos displayed on the site from the Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agents (ASITA) and other professional travel organizations signifying a commitment to a code industry ethics.

The debate on illegal villas and hotels built within a 5 km radius of Bali's sacred temple of Pura Uluwatu continues to intensify. The controversy encapsulates a multitude of topical issues including protecting Bali's religious and cultural heritage, the rule of law, and determining how the Island wishes to address development issues.

Here are some of the latest developments.

Class Action Suit Threatened

Local press reports in Bali suggest the Council of Hindu Affairs (PHDI) is preparing expert witnesses and religious leaders to participate in a possible class action suit against Badung's Bupati, A.A. Gde Agung, whose administration issued the permits and licenses for the private villas and resorts standing within the 5 km "no-build" zone around the temple.

In a public meeting between the Chairman of the PHDI, I Gusti Ngurah Sudiana, and a member of Commission I of the Regional House of Representatives, Si Ketut Mandira Natha, Sudiana who heads Bali's most prominent Hindu organization declared the 5km "no build" zone represented a "battle to the death issue" ("harga mati bagi kami") for Hindu followers.

Sudiana said that if is proven that the building and villas violate existing rules they must be demolished. Sudiana warned that his flock would not allow themselves to be swept aside and would respond resolutely if calls for dialogue and accountability are ignored by Badung's regional officials.

Natha, an elected legislator for Badung Regency, was no less adamant in his statements, threatening to mobilize the masses in Bali if the Executive fails to take stern action against the illegal villas. "Don't fault us if we demonstrate; this is to protect the purity of Bali," warned Natha.

Bupati Prepared to Meet all Legal Challenges

Quoted in Nusa Bali, Badung’s Bupati A.A. Gde Agung said he is prepared to meet all legal challenges to his administration's decision to grant permits and licenses for buildings and businesses within the 5 km radius of Pura Uluwatu. Saying he respects the legal process, Agung insisted that any permits issued by the Regency conformed to the zoning laws of 2005.

A Demonstration in Support of Buildings Within the 'No-Build' Zone

Radar Bali and Bali Post both report that some 150 demonstrators marched on the Badung House of Representatives (DPRD) on Thursday, May 8, 2008, demanding changes be made to zoning rules to allow buildings within 5 km of Pura Uluwatu. The demonstrators, largely comprised of property owners with land within the 5 km radius, criticized the leaders of the PHDI, insisting that "purity" in Bali is not a mere matter of distance from a major temple.

The Demonstrators carried posters and placards demanding justice; saying the current rules punished the people; and asked why the 5 km "no-build" zone was also not being enforced in other areas near public temples in Bali, such as Tanah Lot, Pura Batur, Pura Besakih and Pura Sakenan.

The demonstrators delivered a letter to the local legislators asking for the 5 km rule to be abolished and for people owning land within the zone to be allowed to build villas, hotels and restaurants. According the reports in Radar Bali, when Sudiana in his capacity as Chairman of the PHDI acceded to demands and came to the site of the demonstration, some of the demonstrators threatened the religious leader with physical violence.

Land Owners within the 5 km radius of Pura Uluwatu have complained bitterly that they hold certificates on land rendered largely useless due to the "no build" rule while at the same time being compelled to pay high property taxes on these "non-productive" lands.

Related Articles

[A Bali Demolition Derby]

[Crackdown on Construction oNear Uluwatu]

[Editorial: Cry, the Beloved Country]

To celebrate the opening of its new "Mirage Chapel by the Sea" and further stimulate its growing wedding market, the Mirage Resorts & Thalasso Bali hosted a wedding workshop, dinner and chic fashion show on Thursday, May 1, 2008.

Kebaya for the World

The highlight of the evening was fashion show employing 60 leading models who paraded kebaya fashions by Indonesian designer Raden Sirait down a massive 45 meter catwalk.

Sirait, a former banker who has successfully turned his attentions to fashion since 2001, is the owner of the popular Luire label and a tireless champion of revitalizing the use of the traditional Indonesian kebaya in feminine fashion.

As the pictures shown on Balidiscovery.com demonstrate, Raden Sirait creates exquisite fashion statements certain to earn the kebaya its rightful place in high fashion and at the sophisticated weddings.

Raden Sirait Kebaya Fashions

click image to enlarge

The authoritative Conde Nast Traveler (USA) have published their "Hot List" of exciting hotels and spas world-wide with a number of Bali companies featuring prominently in this prestigious grouping.

Hot List of Bali Hotels

Two Bali resorts were singled out for honors:

• Bamboo Indah, Sayan, Ubud – "Four hand-carved wooden houses transported from Java, each more than 100 years old, are set amid rice fields on the Sayan Ridge, an ethereal Eden near Ubud."

• Calyx, Uluwatu, Bali – "Hugging the craggy southwestern coastline of the Bukit Peninsula, this group of four whitewashed two-bedroom cliff top villas maximizes the view with floor-to-ceiling glass walls in minimalist, high-ceilinged bedrooms."

Hot List of Hotel Spas

These Bali Spas were listed as "Hot" and worthy of closer examination by Conde Nast Traveler;

• Luxe Lounge – Sentosa Private Villas - "Couples should book the VIP suite, with its enticing volcanic-rock bathtub for two. Cocoa addicts, as well as those seeking seduction, will enjoy the Chocolate Fondue Body Indulgence ($70), a full-body mask intended to release endorphins that mimic love. And busy travelers can just hop on a reflexology table downstairs. Tropical practicalities round out the menu, from sunless tanning to inexpensive bikini waxes, and all can be followed by a bubbly from the spa's fully stocked champagne bar. Lush goods on sale include milk chocolate body butter and vanilla bath powder (massages, $30)."

• Kriya at Bali Grand Hyatt Resort - "stunning 24-treatment-villa wellness sanctuary adds a multitude of adult pleasures. Balinese water palaces inspired the indoor-outdoor architecture, designed by the Japanese firm Super Potato, which even included a modern take on the traditional Ayurvedic droni table. The latter is used in the 75-minute Shirodhara head massage ($103), administered here with intoxicating sesame-lavender oil. Hand-cut white Palimananstone walls and fish ponds cool this lush compound whose name means 'Ritual' in Sanskrit; polished teak floors warm the high-ceilinged double treatment rooms (massages, $70–$110)."

• Bali Safari Wellness Spa at the Elephant Safari Park Lodge - "...try something completely different in Ubud—namely, one with 27 roaming elephants. The small granite-and-glass facility sits on the grounds of Aussie expatriate Nigel Mason's Elephant Safari Park Lodge, a 25-room Ubud property inside a Sumatran pachyderm sanctuary. With picture windows framing the herd's lush 'living quarters,' two modern suites are set up with treatment tables, massaging armchairs, showers, and soaking tubs. The full menu ranges from waxing and manicure-pedicure to aromatic Yon-Ka Paris facials ($58) and Balinese massages ($30). The Wild Yam Skin Nourishing Signature Ritual ($60) incorporates skin-firming local wild yam (as well as lemongrass, ginger, cinnamon, and mint) into a two-and-a-half-hour super-softening massage, scrub, body mask, and hot-bath medley (massages, $30)."

Kriya Spa at Grand Hyatt Resort, Bali

click image to enlarge

Nikko Bali Resort & Spa will host its 3rd Open Golf Tournament on Saturday June 7, 2008, at the Bali Golf & Country Club, Nusa Dua. Play will be based on a Callaway scoring system with three hole-in-one prizes of a Ford Ranger, Nissan Livina and Samsung LCD 52 inch A-650 television on offer.

Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with tee-off commencing at 01:00 p.m.. Joining fee for the tournament is Rp.1.400.000 (US$152) for the public. Registration covers all playing charges, a light luncheon and drinks during tournament, an official tournament golf shoe bag, polo shirt and an end-of-the-day cocktail reception and awards dinner at the Nikko Bali Hotel.

Even the less skilled golfers have the opportunity to win prizes with lucky draw, including round-trip tickets to Surabaya and Jakarta and accommodation packages.

For more information and registration contact Ms. Iva or Mr. Taufik on telephone: +62-(0)361-773377.

As reported on Balidiscovery.com, Bali's new luxury Anantara Resort has run afoul of local zoning regulations by building a structure that exceeds the 15 meter maximum height restriction set forth in the Island's building code [See: Up on the Roof at the Anantara Resort].

Regional lawmakers (DPRD), angered at reports that the new hotel was guilty of a number of local violations, formed a special team of investigators to look into the height violation; complaints of disturbing the peace with amplified sound; insufficient parking; facilities that limit the economic opportunities of local residents; and a failure to obtain the required easements from adjoining properties.

A member of the legislative team, I Wayan Sudiana, told the Bali Post that the Governor should not hesitate to withdraw the operating license of the hotel in the face of numerous ongoing violations.

Following three formal warnings from zoning authorities and in the face of growing scrutiny from the local community and politicians, DenPost reports that the owners of the Anantara have finally relented and agree to remove its roof-top bar and restaurant whose roof measures 17.20 meters above the ground, a clear violation of the 15 meter height restriction. Following a visit by an enforcement team representing various government departments the owners of the Resort have asked for 30 days to bring their building into compliance with height restrictions.

Still to be addressed are complaints of sound pollution, insufficient parking facilities, suggestions that the building does not meet the 100 meter set back rule from the high-water mark and the owners failure to secure a "non-disturbance" waiver from its nearest neighbor the Sofitel Resort.

Indonesia's Minister of State Owned Enterprises, Sofyan Djalil, has confirmed that the Government will not inject more funds into the National Carrier Garuda Indonesia, particularly given the improving business performance of the National Carrier.

The Minister made his pronouncement at a signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding between the Airline and Jasindo one of the Company's insurers.

Pointing to the Rp. 250 billion (US$27.2 million) profit booked by Garuda in 2007, Minister Djalil is optimistic that the State-owned airline is now operating on a more viable business footing than in years past. Speaking at the same occasion, the CEO of Garuda, Emirsyah Satar, confirmed that the airline had earned a profit in the first quarter of 2008. The amount of the profit will, however, only be available in mid-May when the Company's accountants make their formal financial report.

Garuda to Go Public in 2009

Meanwhile, the National News Agency Antara reports that Garuda will make an initial public offering (IPO) of shares in 2009. Satar said that intense efforts were underway to maximize the value of the Airline before launching the share offer. In addition to improving operational efficiencies across the board at Garuda, the Airline is continuing efforts to restructure its massive debt.

AirAsia - the region's leading low-cost airline has commenced direct flight services between Kota Kinabalu and Jakarta and Bali.

Jakarta-Kota Kinabalu's first flight commenced on March 30, 2008 and Bali-Kota Kinabalu's inaugural flight on March 2, 2008 with both routes operating three times per week.AirAsia's Kota Kinabalu hub currently serves 12 routes to and from Kota Kinabalu including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Miri, Tawau, Sandakan, Shenzhen and Macau in China, Clark (Manila) in Philippines, and now Jakarta and Bali.

Commenting on the new Indonesian services, Dato' Tony Fernandes of AirAsia said: "The two new routes will also draw more inbound international tourist traffic arriving from Bali and Jakarta (into Sabah), alongside from Kuala Lumpur through AirAsia X's long haul network bringing in Australians and Chinese tourists, who are often interested to explore surrounding cities in the region and these routes will entice them to visit the state for its rich ecotourism activities."

Flight Schedule for Kota Kinabalu-Bali

• Bali – Kota Kinabalu QZ9022 Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun 1500/1730 (Eff 2 May- 23 June)

• Bali – Kota Kinabalu QZ9022 Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun 1100/1330 (Eff 24 June – 25 Oct)

• Kota Kinabalu – Bali QZ9023 Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun 1800/2030 (Eff 2 May – 23 June)

• Kota Kinabalu – Bali QZ9023 Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun 1355/1625 (Eff 24 June - 25 Oct)

AirAsia will operate its new service with Boeing 737-300 aircraft.

Bali Post says the final decision on a new name for Bali's Sanglah General Hospital now rests with the Indonesia’s Minister of Health. The Chief Executive Office of the Hospital, Dr. Lanang M. Rudiartha, said that from the seven names once under consideration starting from late last year two names have now been short-listed for a final selection by the Minister.

Saying he was in no hurry for the final decision to be handed down from the busy Minister of Health, Dr. Lanang insisted that main matter of concern is for the public in Bali to continue to well served by its main Health Center.

While refusing to divulge the two names on the short-list, Dr. Lanang suggested, "if possible, why not use both of the finalist's names in naming the Sanglah Hospital?"

The initial steps to rename the main hospital in downtown Denpasar got underway in October 2007 with the establishment of a select committee to narrow down the possible namesakes. The seven names eventually given consideration were:

• Dr. Soekardjo Mangoensudiro

• Dr. A.A. Made Djelantik

• Professor Dr. I Gusti Ngoerah Gde Ngoerah

• Dr. I.B. Rai

• Dr. Made Sudhiana

• Dr. I Gusti Made Brata Ranuh

• Dr. Kertahusuma

According to the Bali Post, the final two names forwarded to the Minister were those of Dr. A.A. Made Djelantik and Prof. Dr. I Gusti Ngoerah Gde Ngoerah.

Related Article

[Bali's Sanglah Hospital to Change its Name]

Bali Post reports that the Regency of Tabanan has established a "one stop service" facility at the regional investment board office.

The head of the Provincial Investment Board for Bali, Drs. I Gusti Ngurah Darma Diatmika, saluted the establishment of the regional investment office as a means of improving the efficiency and transparency of the investment application process and advancing the local economy.

The new "one stop service" offered by Tabanan's investment office will handle location permits (SITU), non-disturbance permits (HO), business operating permits (SIUP), company registrations (TDP), building permits (IMB) and Melati Hotel permits. Tabanan officials are promising to complete the application process within only 5-7 days, adopting the motto "make things easier, rather than more difficult."

Tempo Interaktif reports that the European Union Commission has sidestepped a potentially embarrassing impasse by issuing an edict granting special flight clearances to any Garuda Indonesia flight carrying Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on his next official visit to Europe.

Indonesia aircraft have been banned from over flying European flight space since July 2007, "blacklisting" all Indonesian carriers for their failure to enforce adequate safety measures.

The "blacklisting," which more or less made it problematic, if not impossible, for a visit to Europe by the Indonesian Head of State, is now lifted following a meeting in Jakarta on May 5th between a delegation of EU officials and Indonesia's Minister of Transportation, Jusman Syafii Djamal, to discuss the continuing ban on Indonesian flights. Members of the EU delegation calling on the Minister included the EU Ambassador to Indonesian Pierre Phillippe; the Head of the Economic and Trade Section of the EU Commission Andreas Julin; and an aviation consultant assigned to evaluate Indonesia's aviation scene Jean Pierre Ambrosini.

Speaking to the press, Jusman said: "They (the Europeans) said they will receive the President arriving on a Presidential jet as an honored guest to whom every official courtesy will be extended."

The pronouncement by the EU representatives clears the way for a planned official visit by President Yudhoyono to Europe scheduled for June 2008.

In addition to complicating official State visits to Europe, the EU ban has also put something of a damper on the ability of Indonesian airlines to purchase Airbus aircrafts due to the complications of taking delivery of an Indonesian registered plane in Europe that is technically forbidden to fly over European airspace during on its delivery flight to Indonesia.

The "blacklisting" of Indonesian aviation by the EU is scheduled for review in Europe in July 2008 when Ambrosini will file a formal report of his findings the numerous improvements that have been introduced in Indonesian air safety.

While airport workers employed by Angkasa Pura - the management company running most of Indonesia's airports across the Country have staged protests, threatened strikes and industrial actions in support of better benefits and pay, the more than 1,200 workers at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport have signed a public statement committing not to undertake any steps that would disrupt service to the public.

Responding to appeals to help preserve the Island's tourism industry and in the face of threats from their employers of strong sanctions, including termination, the union members issued a formal statement in support of their co-workers at other airports but pledged not to strike in Bali due to the overwhelming dependence of the local economy on tourism.

To underline this commitment, a published statement signed by Angkasa Pura's, Drs. I Nyoman Suwetia Putra, and the Head of the Bali airport workers' union, Slamat Riyadi, appeared in Bali's major newspapers pledging:

• Not to do anything that would disturb safety and operations, such as protests or strikes, because such actions are "forbidden under the law."

• To safeguard and protect Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport to allow for the continuing development of the Island's tourism industry.

• To support Visit Indonesia Year 2008.

Suwetia told the Bali Press: "Bali has suffered two bombings, so let's not have strike actions that add to the misery of Bali's tourism. We firmly forbid all employees to strike and disrupt flight operations."

In response to demands for higher wages, Suwetia explained that he is seeking to increase wages by 20% and hopes to have a final decision from his Directors on that matter by May 15, 2008.