Seputar Indonesia (RCTI) reports that a lack of quality in staff working at community health centers (puskesmas) is to blame for the high maternal death rates among birthing mothers in Bali.

In 2011 there was an alarming increase of mothers dying during the birthing process. For every 1,000 births in Bali 100 mothers did not survive the process, a total that doubled from the 50 deaths for every 1,000 birthing mothers in the previous year 2010.

The highest maternal death rates were recorded in Buleleng, followed by Karangasem and Badung, according to the head of the Bali Health Service, Nyoman Sutedja. Sutedja admitted that the low quality of personnel assigned to health centers and poor health infrastructure all contributed to the poor quality of health care.

“We often encounter that our health workers are late in handling a case and referring it to the closest hospital,” explained Sutedja. He said this was due to the uneven distribution of doctors in Bali. From a total of 6,800 doctors on the island, 2,800 work in the capital of Denpasar. The are only 570 doctors covering eight more remote regencies in Bali.

Absolute Hotel Services Group have concluded a management contract with PT Graha Albros to assume management of the Le Grande Bali that will be re-launched as U Agathis Pecatu in August 2012.

The Bali property will be the second hotel property to joining the “U Resort” brand of the Absolute Hotel portfolio of properties.

The property is in the Pecatu Indah Resort Complex, adjacent to the New Kuta Golf Course, only 20 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport. The resort features 190 contemporary designed guestrooms, which include 60 suites and 130 deluxe rooms.

“This is even more exciting news for us to have an opportunity to take on another property under the brand of U Hotels & Resorts which will be the second U Resort in Bali opening within the same year. The product and facilities of U Agathis Pecatu and its location will be perfect for couples, families and MICE travellers to Bali.” said Jonathan Wigley, CEO of Absolute Hotel Services Group.

The resort is set within a Balinese garden landscape, providing facilities and the U brand’s unique concept of service to serve both leisure and business travellers. Leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, a spa, a fully equipped fitness center, tennis court, children playground, kids club, library and is right next door to a world class golf course.

The resort offers divisible meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 250 persons. A business centre will be located adjacent to the meeting rooms providing guests with PC stations and Internet access. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort.

Bali Post reports that, after several postponements in the court proceedings, the trial for fraud and malfeasance in the purchase and sale of shares involving the former owner of the Melka Lovina Hotel, has resumed for Karl Gunther Meyer on Monday, April 2, 2012 in the Singaraja District Court, North Bali.

Meyer is being charged with violation of the Criminal Code carrying penalties of four years imprisonment.

In the latest court session, the panel of judges, led by Made Ngurah Atmaja, decided to release the German defendant from his incarceration, changing his status to city arrest. The change in jail status was granted after a request was filed by the defendant’s lawyer citing the German’s poor state of health and his need to receive regular medical attention.

Meyer was brought to court after being reported by a Danish business associate, Michael Brag, to the Bali police in January 2010. Karl Meyer developed the well known north Bali hotel and subsequently offered shares to Brag. Brag took up the invitation, purchasing 25% of the company’s shares.

At one point in the transaction it is alleged that Meyer changed the articles of incorporation for the company failing to list Brag’s shareholding and reportedly sold PT Bali Melka to a third party, an act allegedly causing hus Danis business partner a loss of Rp. 9 billion (US$1 million).

Related Article

[Expat Hotel Owner Jailed in Singaraja]
 

Bisnis.com reports that government subsidies for fuel will increase between Rp. 4-5 trillion (US$444 to $555 million) each month that the current heavily subsidized price supports for fuel continue in Indonesia.

Indonesia’s Finance Minister D.W. Martowardojo outlined the growing burden to the national budget, saying the planned subsidy of Rp 123.6 trillion (US$13.7 billion) in the 2012 State Budget has now ballooned to Rp. 137.38 trillion (US$15.3 billion).

The rising burden in fuel subsidies is the result of increasing use of subsidized fuel from an estimated 40 million kiloliters in the 2012 budget to 47 million kiloliters. During the first two months of 2012, Indonesia consumed 7.02 kiloliters of subsidized fuel or 18.79% of the quota estimated by the government.

The Minister also expressed fears that the heavily subsidized fuel in Indonesia with prices that are 75% less than the world average for a liter of gasoline also provide incentives for hoarding and the smuggling of fuel.
He also said that he anticipated that the current price situation and the rising price of non-subsidized Pertamax fuel would see more motorists turn to using the subsidized premium fuel.

The House of Representatives have ruled that fuel prices can only be increased if the price of Indonesia Crude Oil exceeds an average of US$120.75 per barrel for a period of 6 months.

Related Article

[Fuel Price Increase Delayed For Now]

Barrière Frères is a nearly 100-year old négociant house – a wine merchant who gathers wine and grapes from smaller growers to sell under their brand. The commercial arm of Grands Millésimes de France, Barrière Frères owns the renowned Château Beychevelle and Château Beaumont labels.
nd tour of South East Asia for 2012, Barrière Frères collection of wines will be showcased at the Anantara Seminyak Resort and Spa during a unique wine dinner event on Friday, April 20, 2012 at the rooftop SOS Supper Club.

Commencing at 7:30 pm, the normal sit-down formula for degustation dinners has been abandoned in favor of a selection of live food stations intermixed with the tasting of 16 Chateaux wines.

Moreover, Chateaux winery owners will be on hand to personally impart their expert knowledge during the course of the evening.

Guests arriving at SOS Supper Club’s rooftop dining deck to toast dramatic Indian Ocean views with Louis Roederer Champagne accompanied by pass-around canapés.

Barriere Freres is based in Bordeaux, France and throughout the special evening, 16 Grand Cru Classé Chateau owners from this renowned wine region will regale guests with riveting descriptions of their fine wines. Sample vintages from 2001 to 2008, including sublime varieties, some valued at US$ 400 per glass will be shared.

Complementing the evening the Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa’s Executive Chef will devise a range of delicacies including a fish station featuring walnut crusted salmon, beetroot risotto and horseradish beurre blanc. Other stands will serve foie gras with caramelised mango and brioche; roast leg of lamb stuffed with garlic; braised beef short ribs and goat cheese stuffed piquillo pepper.

There’s more including a crepe station and a range of exquisitely prepared French dishes, from coq au vin to beef bourguignon and cassoulet duck with Toulouse sausage. Also accompanying the wines will be a cheese and charcuterie counter featuring chicken liver mousse and truffle honey. A parade of desserts will finish off the evening.

The dinner and 16 Chateaux wines are on offer for Rp. 1.5 million per person plus 21% tax and service (US$201).

Participation is strictly limited to 100 diners making reservations essential.

Telephone Indra Widyatni (Wida) at ++62-(0)361-737773 or [Email] 

AYANA Resort and Spa Bali has completed a renovation of over 200 hotel rooms and suites, resulting in a major upgrade to guest comfort, amenities and overall experience with stylish new interiors and brand new furniture and decor.

Recently named "Asia’s Best Resort" by Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards and "Asia-Pacific’s Best Spa Resort" by DestinAsian, 

the just complete renovation has upgraded all categories of rooms from standard through to ocean suites and the Club Floor. The design and style remains modern Balinese with canopied beds and furniture featuring intricate carvings by Balinese artists, traditional textiles, beautiful artworks, plush sofas and cozy daybeds on balconies. Modern elements are introduced via marble floors, modern lighting and bathrooms with luxuriant rain showers. 


“The result of this renovation is both luxurious and inviting, each room providing a personal sanctuary for guests to enjoy their holiday content in the highest level of comfort and discreet, thoughtful service,” said Clive Edwards, Rooms Executive. “In addition, we have upgraded the benefits for guests staying on the Club Floor with a refurbishment of the Club Lounge, re-launch of the dinner menu and a new Club Connections experience.”


The Club Floor, consisting of 71 Club Rooms and Suites, includes special benefits and privileges such as exclusive access to the Club Lounge, with complimentary Food & Beverage presentations throughout the day. The new dinner menu features a different restaurant each night, allowing guests to enjoy a culinary journey of the resort’s seven dining venues.

Dishes include wagyu beef tartare from Dava’s Modern French menu, penne with olives and tomato capers sauce from Sami Sami, shabu-shabu Japanese hotpot and maki rolls, and Thai seafood soup and steamed pork ribs from Padi.

New iPads are also available for guest use loaded with practical and popular applications such as social networking and E-books.

[Book a Stay at the AYANA Resort and Spa Bali]

Bisnis Bali reports that the head of Bali’s Manpower Department, Wayan Wiratha, said on Monday, April 4, 2012 that the large amount of foreign investment in Bali has caused a increase in the use of expatriate workers, prompting him to remind the public that all foreign workers in Bali are required under law to report to the Manpower office.

He went on to explain that there are now more than 1,300 foreigners working in Bali. Many of these positions are in Bali’s tourism sector. Companies wishing to employ foreign workers are required to present a proposal to the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration prior to hiring such individuals.

Continuing, Wiratha explained that companies must seek a recommendation to employ foreign nationals from either the regency or municipality or, when the foreigner’s position transcends regency borders, from the Bali Manpower Office. This recommendation to allow the recruitment of foreigners is then forwarded to the Minister of Manpower and Transmigration.

The next step in the process sees the Minister of Manpower and Transmigration issue a permit to employ a foreigner (IMTA). This permits is valid for only one year. The extension of IMTA is at the discretion of Bali’s governor. Foreigners granted an IMTA are obliged to make a US$100 per month contribution to a training fund, paid one year in advance.

Wayan Wiratha added that the data maintained by the Bali Manpower Office shows that 1,455 extensions for an IMTA are being handled with 86 new IMTAs currently under process. IMTAs being extended by regencies and municipalities total 607.

Bagus Sudibya, a Bali tourism entrepreneur and the Honorary Consul for South Africa in Bali, told Bisnis Bali on Tuesday, April 3, 2012, that there are many expatriates in Bali operating illegal villas. He has called on the government to increase the scrutiny of those foreigner involved in operating illegal accommodation services.

Sudibya said that Bali has between 62,000-65,000 registered accommodation rooms across the entire island. At this time there are also some 1,000 villas owned by foreigners. A part of these villas do not have legal permits or valid building permits. These commercial villas are registered as private accommodation.

He went on to explain that from the estimated 1,000 villas only 300 are licensed with the remaining 700 illegal. He complained that when private homes are rented out to tourists this causes losses to businesses and fosters unhealthy price competition in the market. He further contends that the illegal villas do not pay taxes.

Sudibya said some of the illegal and unlicensed villas have as many as 10 rooms, all failing to make a contribution to the island's tax coffers. The employees of these villas are  comprised of locals, mostly working on an informal basis and failing to pay tax on their incomes.

Sudibya, who has filled many senior roles in tourism organizations in Bali, said that the involvement of foreigners in illegal villa operations also constitutes  a violation of the Country’s immigration rules. He said foreigners found to be working in villas should be criminally processed and then deported.

Disappointed at the proliferation of foreign workers and villas in Bali, Bagus Sudibya said villas are being constructed in village area, in locations inappropriate for foreign residences. Moreover, he said that expatriates are increasingly involving themselves in the sale of produce, gardening and local restaurants operations.

Schapelle Corby, the Australian beautician sentenced to 20-years imprisonment in Bali for trying to import 4 kilograms of marijuana in 2004, may qualify for early release in 2014 after having served only 10 years of her 20-year sentence.

The Justice and Human Rights Minister has formally recommended to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono that Corby be granted clemency, according to an unnamed Justice Ministry officials quoted in the Jakarta Globe.

That recommendation has sat on the President’s desk for some months awaiting Yudhoyono’s signature. In the past, the Indonesian President has repeatedly stressed that he has no intention to extend mercy or grant clemency to anyone convicted of a drug offence.

Corby who has steadfastly denied any knowledge of the drugs found in her luggage, claims the drugs were mistakenly stowed in her checked luggage by drug smugglers working as baggage handlers at Australian airports.

Corby’s lawyers are defending their client’s request for clemency on the basis that Corby has become mentally deranged during her prolonged incarceration.

Chateau Grand Mayne - a name describing the manor of a fine Bordeaux wine estate is internationally recognized as being synonymous with outstanding vintages. The vineyard lies to the west of St. Émilion, at the foot of the plateau. The terroir tends to be one of clay and limestone on southwest facing slopes, with a few vines located more sandy soils at the base.
Chateau Grand Mayne covers 19 hectares. This magnificent Bordeaux wine vineyard is planted to 76% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon at an average age of 30 years. The vines are planted to an average density of 5,500 vines per hectare.

In winemaking terms it is of the utmost importance that 17 of these hectares are planted in a single block, a fact that qualifies Saint Émilion Grand Cru for the distinguished Grand Cru Classé Classification. The Bordeaux Wine dates from 1855 with the Grand Cru Classé designation proudly safeguarded by the household of Madame Marie-Francoise Nony and her two sons, Jean Antoine and Damien, who now represent a third generation of winemakers on the Estate.

The outstanding wines of Chateau Grand Mayne will be showcased on Monday, May 21, 2012, in a night of memorable dining at the St. Regis Bali.

A sumptuous degustation menu prepared by Agung Gede, Chef de Cuisine, Kayuputi Restaurant will perform a masterful pas de deux with carefully paired premium wines from the Chateaux Grand Mayne carefully selected by the Resort's Chief Sommelier, Harald Wiesmann.

The evening that will be joined by Estate owner and producer, Jean Antoine Nony, commencing at 7:00 pm with cocktails, Champagne and accompanying canapés at the Kayuputi Champagne Bar continuing with dinner at the Mezzanine Level at 07:30 pm.

MENU

Amuse

****
Light smoked yellow fin tuna Carpaccio - 
niçoise olives salad, wine grapes sorbet and lemon balsamic reduction

Château Grand Mayne, St. Émilion, Bordeaux 1990

TASTING NOTES:
“A wine with plenty of compact fruit and back- bone. Good ruby color. Plenty of chocolate and berry character on the nose. Full-bodied, with lots of silky tannins and a long, fresh finish. Will continue to improve. Drink now or hold. 91/100. August 2000.” – The Wine Spectator

****
Pan seared foie gras - 
Red onion and Merlot bouillon, caramelized pearl onions, drizzled with thyme oil

Château Grand Mayne, St. Émilion, Bordeaux 1995

TASTING NOTES:
"An unqualified sleeper of the vintage, the opaque purple-colored 1995 Grand-Mayne displays a sweet, creamy, black raspberry-scented nose with subtle notes of smoky, toasty oak. Both powerful and elegant, this wine exhibits layers of richness, nicely integrated acidity and tannin, and an impressive full-bodied, long finish. This offering should be drinkable early, and keep for over a decade. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2013. 90/100." - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

****
Medallion of Australian pigeon
Filled in with king oyster mushrooms and black truffles, butter glazed white asparagus
Cinnamon prunes meat reduction

Château Grand Mayne, St.-Emilion, Libourne, Bordeaux 1996

TASTING NOTES:
Huge, powerful nose of black cherries and damson jam. Thick, rich and jam-packed with layers of extracted black fruit flavours. Outstanding. A monster. – Decanter.com

****
Pistachio crusted saddle of venison and slow braised shank
elderberries compote, celeriac mousseline and wild berry reduction
Château Grand Mayne, St. Émilion, Bordeaux 1999

TASTING NOTES:
"Minerally, liquorice and glycerol. Interesting and quite complex wine, rich, ripe tannins are well coated in sweet fruit with good fat and substance. Good potential." – Decanter.com

****
Selection of soft and hard French cheese
Muscat chutney and toasted of walnut brioche
Château Grand Mayne, St. Émilion, Bordeaux 2000

TASTING NOTES:
"A consistent winner in both quality and value, the dark plum/garnet-tinged 2000 Grand-Mayne reveals a sweet nose of blueberry pie intermixed with forest floor and floral undertones. Deep, opulent, round, and full-bodied, it is a fully mature St.-Emilion that should drink well for another decade. 93/100. June 2010."  –Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
****
Earl-grey ice cream and cognac parfait
espuma of blackcurrant and walnut tuille

Château Grand Mayne, St. Émilion, Bordeaux 2000

****
Coffee or tea
The St. Regis Mignardises

Cost: Dinner including pre dinner cocktails and degustation menu Rp. 1,400,000 per person (US$156)

Seating is limited and reservations are essential. Telephone +62-(0)361 300 6112 or [Email] 

The Rama Sesana Foundation (YRS) is a non-profit organization that operates a Women's Health Center at Bali’s largest traditional market at the Pasar Badung (Denpasar Market). Serving low-income women, with a focus on reproductive health, most of the clients are market vendors and laborers.
/em> provides high quality, easily accessible and friendly services, available on a voluntary donation basis, including cervical cancer screening, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted disease (STDs) & HIV, prenatal care, contraceptives and counseling, as well as outreach health programs and education.

At least once every hour, an Indonesian woman dies of cervical cancer. Easily preventable, cervical cancer can be cured if detected at an early stage via a simple and inexpensive with a Pap test. But, sadly, nearly 70% of Balinese women have never been screened.

YRS is committed to reduce the unnecessary pain, suffering and needless death of cervical cancer. Funds raised by staff and volunteers support the YRS Pap smear program.

To this end, YRS is holding its 4th annual "Kartini Day Fundraiser" on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at a private residence on Jalan Pengembak No. 19 in Sanur, Bali. The event is named in honor of Raden Ayu Kartini who was born on April 21, 1879 and is revered as an Indonesian heroine for her work on behalf liberty and the advancement of women.

Highlights of the day, that will run from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, include a bake sale and refreshments, bazaar vendors selling a range of enticing merchandise, and professional private Pap smear screening for cervical cancer performed on-site.

Women planning on attending the event are welcome to make a Pap smear examination appointment for April 19th for themselves or a staff member by [Emailing]  or telephoning ++62-(0) 81246526374.

The public is also welcome to merely show up for an examination.

For examinations on April 19th are priced at Rp.300,000 or Rp.200,000 (US$33 – US$22) and includes a complimentary raffle ticket.

The same examination is available at anytime on a “donation basis” at the YRS Center in Pasar Badung.

At an evening Cocktail Party at the same location from 5 to 8 pm there will be drinks and canapés sponsored by Stark Beer, Hatten Wines and Three Monkeys Café.

Raffle winners will also be drawn in the evening, with prizes including merchandise and vouchers donated by Bali businesses. Raffle tickets are available for Rp. 20,000 (US$2.20) with discounts available for multiple coupon purchases.

A silent auction will also be conducted for quality merchandise and luxury hotel stays.

Donations are, of course, always welcome with a contribution of Rp. 750,000 (US$ 83) sufficient to provide life-saving cervical cancer screening for five women conducted at the YRS Center.

[The Rama Sesana Foundation Website] 

[Email The Rama Sesana Foundation] 

Radar Bali reports that the 68-year-old King of Denpasar, Raja Ida Tjokorda Ngurah Jambe Pemeutan IX, more generally known as “Cok Samirana,” is facing the possibility of 3 years in prison if found guilty in a trial now underway in the Denpasar District Court.

In the latest court proceeding held on Thursday, April 5, 2012, a team of public prosecutors led by I Putu Supartha Jaya and I Ketut Terima Darsana told the panel of judges that the Raja has been proven guilty of criminal fraud against Ni Putu Lely Mawarni in a property transaction.

Based on the facts presented by prosecutors to the court, criminal misconduct by Cok Samirana had caused losses to Mawarni amounting to Rp. 7.6 billion (US$844,000).

Prosecutors told the court that the King’s guilt was made all the more onerous not only by the loss suffered by the victim, but also the psychological pain he had inflicted by his thievery. In addition, prosecutors said that the King’s criminal behavior was inappropriate for a well known and respected public figure. Considering mitigating factors in the King’s favor, prosecutors cited Cok Samirana’s polite demeanor throughout the course of the trial. Considering all side, the prosecutors are seeking a 3-year prison sentence for the member of Denpasar’s royalty.

Upon hearing the sentence demands, Samarina, who was accompanied by his lawyer I Gusti Made Arya, said he would prepare a written defense. The court gave the King until Wednesday, April 24, 2012, at which time he must once again attend the court and read his written defense.

Prior to Thursday’s hearing, Samirana asked for the court session to be postponed for one week to allow him to return the money lost by the victim. The prosecutors and the panel of judges told the King that the trial would proceed and that Samirana could elect to return the stolen funds at any time prior to final sentencing.

The case against the King traces back to 2006 when the victim, Lely Sri Mawarni, attempted to purchase land from Samirana measuring 10 hectares on Jalan Badak Agung in the Renon, sub district of Denpasar. The parcel is reportedly owned by the Satria Palace (Puri Satria) - the royal household Pemecutan. The land was offered at a price of Rp. 75 million (US$8,300) per are (100 square meters). After reaching an agreement on the price, Lely paid a deposit of Rp. 15 billion (US$1.7 million) to be spread over three installments. When the woman made a second installment payment of Rp. 7.6 billion (US$844,000), she requested the opportunity to view the original land certificates for the parcel.

The King allegedly promised the woman that he would present the original land certificates and, on the basis of that understanding, she attended the office of a Notary, Gusti Ngurah Oka, to complete the down payment of Rp. 15 billion. The King, however, was unable to present the promised original land certificates for the parcel.

Later developments saw formal letters filed by the Satria Palace objecting to the sale, insisting that the land on Jalan Badak Agung belonged to the royal household and was not for sale.

The trial resumed on April 24th when Cok Samirana will present his defense.
 

Large wave estimated at 5 meters high have crashed into Bali’s western shores causing damage and destruction.

At least 50 families at the village of Candikusuma in Jembrana and the village of Pengambengan in Negara were forced to evacuate their homes due to the high waves on Friday, April 6, 2012. At the storm’s height, a small child was momentarily swept out to sea, but was later rescued by its mother.

The high waves at the village of Candikusuma raged along Tirtakusuma beach. At that location, some 30 home were evacuated. Meanwhile at the west Bali villages of Pengambengan and Ketapang Muara approximately 30 homes were destroyed.

Press reports state that the high waves swept away almost all of the dwellings located to the west of the former fish auction location in Tirtakusuma Community of Candikusuma village.

According to NusaBali, the displaced villagers are trying to salvage personal belongings left behind in their damaged homes in the rush to safety.

Similar scenes of devastation are evident at the communities of Ketapang Lampu and Ketapang Muara in the village of Pengambengan in Negara where 20 homes were destroyed.

The displaced families are now sheltering in public markets, makeshift tents, government buildings and friends.

Local officials are working to provide basic necessities and foodstuffs to the homeless families.

With a little more than two months remaining until the sixth edition of the BIZNET Bali International Triathlon, preparations are in full swing for Bali’s hosting of three simultaneous events - the Olympic Distance Event, half-triathlon of 5-kilometer fun run to be held on Sunday, June 24, 2012.
kings keeping pace with last year’s record attendance, the 2012 edition of the event will see many changes to accommodate the growing popularity of a sport that sees individual and teams of athletes compete in a sport that combines swimming, cycling and running.

Course Changes

One of the most evident changes in the 2012 event will be changes in the races routes.

• Relocation of the transition area to the Bali InterContinental Resort will remove the narrow and sometime crowded feeder roads to the beach. Cyclists and runners will now leave the transitional area as they emerge directly onto the Jalan Uluwatu thoroughfare that connects to the Ngurah Rai Bypass highway.
• In cooperation with government authorities from the Badung Regency, local administration across south Bali and police officials one-half of the Bypass between the Jimbaran intersection (McDonalds/Kentucky Fried Chicken) and the back access road to Nusa Dua will be closed to regular traffic. Vehicle traffic traveling between Nusa Dua and the Airport will be channeled into a two-way flow using the west lane of the highway. Cyclists will no longer travel through the crowded roadways of the Ungasan Peninsula. 

On Balidiscovery.com for detailed route maps for the BIZNET Bali International Triathlon.

Transition Area

Both the starting line and the transition area will be located in a new area, adjacent to the Bali Intercontinental Resort Bali. The large field located between the Resort and the Spa offers a large and attractive area for athlete transitions, vendors area, food and beverage stands and awards ceremonies.

BIZNET NETWORKS

Sponsored by Indonesia’s leading fiber optic Internet provider BIZNET Networks, the race will get underway at early dawn with a swim in Jimbaran Bay, followed by a bicycle race down the Nusa Dua Peninsula, ending with a foot race through the village of Jimbaran.

BIZNET will be providing free Internet services at the transition area as well as advanced monitoring of the race in real time.

The Olympic distance is comprised of a 1.5-kilometer swim; a 42-kilometer bike race and concludes with a 10 kilometer run. The Sprint Distance course covers a route that is only half that of the Olympic event.

The race continues to receive widespread support from the island of Bali and its surrounding communities of Jimbaran and Nusa Dua, traversed by the racers.

In addition to the invaluable main title sponsorship by BIZNET Networks, the race has a long-standing record of support from the Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay, InterContinental Bali Resort and AYANA Resort and Spa Bali. In addition, the Bali Hotels Association, an organization representing all starred hotels on the island, has also given enthusiastic support to the race, which has won numerous international race and destination awards. 


Returning Partners

Returning to support the race are our loyal partners from Jenggala Keramik who will provide all winners with their custom-designed ceramic trophies and Jari Menari providing post-race massage to event participants.

BIMC Hospital continues to supply a team of dedicated medical professionals providing emergency medical assistance to the race. In 2012 BIMC Hospital will have “both ends” of the BIZNET Bali International Triathlon covered with the opening of their new medical facility inside the Nusa Dua Complex thereby serving both ends of the outer limits of the race course via their hospital at Simpang Siur in Kuta provide a state-of-the-art medical facility in close proximity to the start and finish line of the race.

Related Articles and Websites

[BIZNET Bali International Triathlon]

[Swim, Cycle and Run in Bali]

[BIZNET Bali International Triathlon]

Bali’s participation in the worldwide “Earth Hour” movement on Saturday, March 31, 2012 that saw many dim their lights and turn off power for one hour from 8:30 – 9:30 pm resulted in a significant if only momentary drop in the island’s power consumption.

State Power Board officials (PLN) report that powers consumption in Bali declined by more than 10% over the one-hour period. That 30-megawatt reduction in power usage represented a Rp. 166 million (US$18,400) saving in power bills.

According the NusaBali, however, support from the leading industrial sector of hotels was minimum for “Earth Hour” underlining the untapped potential for similar events in the future.

According to PLN officials, the strongest response to the “Earth Hour” call to turn off your lights came from private residences.

“Earth Hour” traveled around the globe on March 31 with more than 5,000 cities in 153 countries taking part to show their support for conservation of energy sustainability.

Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort celebrated Easter 2012 by celebrating rebirth, renewal and praise for nature. Over the Easter weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, the Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort invited its in-house guests to participate in a baby sea turtles release on the beach at the front of the hotel.
n 100 baby sea turtles were released on the beach during the program on Saturday, April 7, 2012 and Sunday, 8 April 2012. Guests made a donation of Rp. 50,000 (US$5.50m) each and were allowed to name their adopted turtle before personally releasing the reptile back into the Indian Ocean.

The turtle release ceremony was organized in cooperation with the Turtle Conservation & Education Centre on the island of Serangan in a conservation program supported by WWF, the Governor of Bali, the city of Denpasar’s Mayor and the local community.

The turtle-release program captured both the spirit of renewal emblematic of the Easter Holiday while at the same time celebrating the Bali-Hindu precept of "Palemahan" - one of the three pillars of life in Bali maintaining that a harmonious relationship between human beings with the surrounding environment must be maintained.

Easter celebrations at the Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort also included an Easter egg coloring and Easter Egg Hunt conducted in the hotel’s garden.

Indonesia’s Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Dahlan Iskan has issued instructions to government-owned hotels to clean up their acts in order to remain competitive. Iskan, much admired for his straightforward approach to the management of state-owned companies, pointed his “clean up” order in particular at the Natour Inna Group of government-owned hotels.

Quoted by the National Press Agency Antara, Dwi Agus Kristianto, the marketing manager of the Hotel Inna-Garuda in Yogyakarta, Central Java, said, “If you see that a hotel is already dirty from the outside, people will retreat and not stay there."

Dwi’s comments were made in connection with plans to renovate his hotel.

Accompanied by Retno Kusamaningrum, the public relations spokesperson for the Hotel Inna-Garuda, Dwi revealed that the clean up order from Minister Dahlan Iskan is part of an larger plan to upgrade the appearance of the Inna Hotel Group in a number of cities, including Yogyakarta.

The instructions of the BUMN Minister were delivered to the directors of the PT Indonesia Natour (Inna) Hotel group to be carried out by each property in accordance with current condition. “His instructions were packaged in a 500 day of change program that stretches from late 2011 through May 2013,” said Dwi.

Regarding the Inna Garuda Hotel in Yogyakarta, he said the renovation that has already been accomplished has included repainting if the hotel in the dominant share of white, with particular attention to the main gate facing Bali’s main thoroughfare of Jalan Malioboro.

The city-center hotel has already replaced the keys for all rooms with a key card system.

The hotel first opened in 1911 and under went a major renovation in 1982.

Retno told the press that the 500 Days of Change program is also being achieved by readjusting the attitude of all the hotel’s staff. Staff are now placing more emphasis on friendliness and attention to guest service.

“Our staff and employees feel as though they have been given a new spirit via the push provided by Bapak Dahlan Iskan. He has given us an example by choosing always to stay at government-owned hotels, unlike the government officials who preceded him,” said Retno Kusumaninggrum.

The Hotel Inna-Garuda is located only 300-meters from Yogyakarta’s main train station. The property has 223 rooms spread across a number of categories.

The Inna-Group of Hotels ordered to clean up total 12 properties, including five resorts in Bali.

The Sunday, April 4, 2012 edition of The Jakarta Post reports [Runners at the Ready for BII Maybank International Marathon Bali] .
tion close on April 12 for the first full marathon to be held in Indonesia in 20 year covering 42 kilometers along the IB Mantra Bypass highway. The event, to be held on Sunday, April 22, 2012, also includes a half-marathon and a 10 km race. The start and finish line for the event will be near the entrance of Bali Taman Safari and Marine Park in Gianyar.

The marathon, organized by Bali Discovery Events, will draw some 2,500 runners from around the world for what is hoped to become an annual event. To that end, the event is being organized along the highest standards standard for eventual certification for inclusion on the international calendar of Marathon events.

BII Maybank is offering generous prizes including US$20,000 for the marathon champion and US$10,000 for the 10-km race champion. All finishers will receive a keepsake medal.

For more information and to register on line [BII Maybank Bali International Marathon] .

[Email for Bali registrations]  
 

Bali InterContinental Resort Bali has regretfully announced that the special appearance of culinary legend Pierre Gagnaire in a one-day engagement at the Resort on Saturday, April 21, 2012 has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

The Resort regrets any inconvenience caused by this late development and is working to reschedule Chef Gagnaire's visit for later in 2012.

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Pierre Gagnaire’s culinary reputation is formidable. The winner of three Michelin stars in 1993 and with seven renowned restaurants in seven countries, he has been variously described as playful; unpredictable; an adventurer in taste, color, texture and ingredients; a conjurer; a master of suspense; a humorist and an enfant terrible.

Performing what the New York Times described as a “high-wire act,” Gagnaire’s at the age of 62 shows no sign of slowing down as he continues to defy the conventions of classic French cuisine serving as an early pioneer in the now widely accepted school of “food as art.”

A profession outside the kitchen was never really an option for Pierre Gagnaire. The son of a restaurateur born in St.-Étienne, he began work for his father as a pâtissier at the age of 14. A year later, at 15, he worked as a summer internship with the already legendary Paul Bocuse, about whom he says, “I was too impressed by him to ever work for him.”

Several jobs later he returned to run and eventually take over his Father’s restaurant that he ran for six years. Gagnaire described his first venture as a restaurateur as “a bad experience.”

In 1981, at the age of 31, he opened his bold and ambitious St.-Étienne Restaurant; winning three Michelin stars twelve years later in 1993. A gastronomic shrine by any standard, proved in the end to be a financial disaster, bankrupting the rising star on the international culinary stage.

Indefatigable, six months after his financial collapse, in 1996, he opened his eponymous restaurant at the Hotel Balzac in Paris. The public flocked to the restaurant, drawn to see the colorful phoenix rise from the ashes, dust off his plumage and resume his profession ascendancy.

Those who joined him of the ensuing flight were well rewarded. Hélène Samuel, owner of the Café Salle Pleyel, said: “He was very inspired, he was tortured, a seeker — and he never changed. Dining chez Gagnaire is to see inside an artist’s brain.”

Living by a self-professed code of "tourné vers demain mais soucieux d'hier" (“facing tomorrow but respectful of yesterday”),  Gangnaire’s iconoclastic debut onto the Paris restaurant scene earned him admirers and detractors in equal measure.

But with three Michelin stars twinkling next to his name, the 6-foot tall chef was entitled to thumb his nose or, perhaps, more colloquially, hoists his elbow in a defiant Bras d'honneur to those who disdained his approach to cuisine.

According to Hélène Samuel, Gagnaire “opened things up for a new generation, saying that you can be successful — and be yourself."

The food that emanates for Gagnaire’s kitchen is different. His is an intellectual and artistic approach to food that the chef says is “an intellectual game.”

Cost and price is secondary in the pursuit of art. The final bill at one of his restaurants can be “heart-stopping” but not unexpected from a man who was engaged to open a 72-seat restaurant costing US$7 million inside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Las Vegas. His food creations can be both surreal and inviting, characterized by daring forays into molecular gastronomy. Be warned: Gagnaire's meals are not for the blasé; demanding full attention for the work products said to overwhelm his diners via a “penchant of overwhelmingness.”

Pierre Gagnaire One-Day Only in Bali

The iconic and iconoclastic Pierre Gagnaire is coming to Bali for a one-day engagement at the InterContinental Bali Resort on Saturday, April 21, 2012

Gagnaire’s Bali appearance includes a master cooking class from 11:00 am until 2 pm comprising cooking lessons, lunch, a glass of wine, and a personalized embroidered apron keepsake of the day.

Price for the master cooking class is Rp. 680,000 ++ (US$91.50)

Later, starting from 7:00 pm, a privileged group of diners who have wisely booked a place for what promised to be a memorable 5-course menu prepared by Gagnaire and the expert culinary team of the InterContinental Bali Resort.

Cost of the 5-course menu served with paired wines is Rp. 1,380,000 ++ (US$186)

Places are strictly limited for both the master cooking program and the evening dinner making advance bookings essential.

Bookings and More Information

Telephone the InterContinental Bali Resort at ++62-(0)361-70188 extension #7555 or by [Email]  

[Book a Stay at the InterContinental Bali Resort]
 

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  The organizer's of this event have announced that the "High Tea in the Hills" Event has been cancelled.

A relaxing an entertaining soirée will be held at an exclusive private estate in Nyuh Kuning, a suburb of Ubud, Bali, on Sunday, May 13, 2012, in support of Bali Peduli and their mission to provide life-saving testing and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

Promoted as a ”High Tea in the Hills,” the afternoon’s tea party will be supervised by Ibu Jero Asri - proprietor of Bali’s landmark Biku Restaurant Bali and a member of a Balinese Royal Household. [Biku Restaurant Bali Website] 

Highlights of the afternoon will be special performances by Bali’s world-famous contemporary dancer-choreographer I Nyoman Sura and a performance by the Bali Community Choir, under the direction of Brendan O’Donnell.

A cake stand, auction, raffle and door prizes will also form part of the afternoon's festivities.

A cash bar will be in operation.

Attendance is limited to 150 with a free Biku Tea Cup to be given to all attendees.

Dress Code

Prizes will be give for the best hat worn by a woman and separate prize for the best man’s hat.

Women are urged to come in a ladies frock while men are urged to come all dressed in white.

High Tea in the Hills and Charity Auction
Villa Beji Indah Nyuh Kuning – Ubud, Bali
Sunday, May 13, 2012
3 – 7 pm
Tickets Rp. 500,000 (US$56)

[Email for Tickets] 

  [Website Bali Peduli]