Tensions appear to be building between the owners of Grandma Hotel Legian, Bali and members of the Badung Regency House of Representatives (DPR-Bandung), with legislators now openly calling for the closure of the new hotel and the revocation of its operating permits.

The hotel, accused of a range of infringements on licenses issued during its construction phase, was formally summoned on Monday, August 13, 2012, to answer complaints in the presence of various government agencies including the Zoning Board (Dinas Cipta Karya), Regency Streets and Roadway Department (Dinas Binas Marga), Regency Tourism Service, Public Order Agency (Dinas Tramtib), Local Enforcement Agency (Satpol PP) and community leaders in Legian. Representing the new hotel before the assembled legislators and bureaucrats was the owner’s representative, Junaedi.

Leading the meeting was the chairman of the DPRD, I Nyoman Giri Prasta, in a proceeding that saw a number of angry lawmakers launching pointed insinuations regarding the hotel project. Accusing the hotel of violating a number of regulations, the House members demanded the revocation of its licenses and permits.

As reported by Radar Bali, I Made Duama, a member of Commission A from the DPRD-Badung, asked the regency to seriously consider revoking the operating permits for Grandma’s Hotel Legian. Responding to a large number of complaints from the local community, Duama said: “That’s what I recommend (revoking the operating permit). Because the number of violations is many.”

Among the violations brought to the owner’s attention at the meeting were the failure to meet the open area requirement (coefficient factor); completed construction not in keeping with the approved plans; a lack of parking facilities; damage caused to public curving and public drainage due to the hotel’s construction; and the fact that the hotel commenced operations before receiving the necessary permit.

Duama added: “This is sufficient proof of the violations that have been committed. And, because the violation are principal in nature, the permits can be revoked.”

The hotel is being accused of ignoring warnings issued by the local community, and offending the tolerance of the project's neighbors by failing to undertake promised steps to bring the hotel into conformance with the law. Similarly, the hotel has also ignored three written warnings issued by Badung zoning officials.

An additional voice for closing the hotel came from a member of Commission C, I Wayan Puspanegara. He demanded that the four permits already held by the Grandma’s Hotel in Legian all be reviewed – namely, the principal permit, the building permit (IMB), the operating permit (Situ HO) and environmental permits (UKL/UPL). Puspanegara claimed the hotel had committed fatal mistake in commencing operations by renting 52 of the 112 rooms in the hotel before a formal and final operating permit was issued.

The meeting did not take a final decision in the case, with the Zoning Board indicating a positive response to the lawmaker’s recommendations for closure, which must now be considered at the executive level.

[Grandma Hotel Seminyak]

An economist from Bali’s Udayana University, Professor IKG Bendesa, is calling on the regional governments to be vigilant in guarding against illegal money laundering practices in the construction of new tourist accommodation in Bali.

Quoted in the National News Agency Antara, Bendesa, speaking at a seminar on the “Critical Analysis of Development to Achieve Public Welfare,” said: “In Bali there is an explosion of hotels offering room rates below Rp. 300,000 per night. In this condition, these properties should be suffering losses, but in reality they continue to survive. It is not inconceivable that these accommodation investments are the result of laundered money and corruption."

The assistant Rektor of Udayana University lamented that despite a moratorium on new hotels in Bali by the provincial government of Bali, the additional of more accommodation is happening at an uncontrolled pace amidst declining occupancy rates and tariffs reflecting unhealthy competition between hotels.

Bendesa added: The government has no blue print for hotel accommodation; not because of regional autonomy but because the of unhealthy governance. “

Villa mushroom everywhere, he explained, but these new projects fail to bring new sources of income and employment. The government, he accused, is unable to control outcomes in either the areas of  finance or employment.

“These are indications of an underground or shadow economy creating ill effects on the region’s economy. There is the possibility that those involved in money laundering are purposely investing their fund into hotels and property in Bali.” he said.

Bali’s is targeting that the physical construction of the new International Hospital owned by the province to be completed in June 2013.

The hospital’s plan a 200-room medical center standing on a 2.95-hectare site with construction scheduled to begin in September 2012.

Beritabali.com quotes the chief of the Bali Health Service, Ketut Suarjaya, saying that the operation of the hospital will be turned over to a third party. According to Suarjaya, several investors have expressed an interest in managing the health facility.

“We hope the investor will supply the medical equipment and provide the staffing and management to operate the hospital. There are severa partiesl who have expressed an interest, beginning from Mount Elizabeth Hospital and also from a German international hospital. We have also sent a proposal to the Bumrungrad International Hospital in Thailand.

Suarjaya said the new hospital would cost Rp. 195 billion (US$20.7 million) with 25% of the 200 rooms allocated for the treatment of Balinese under the province’s socialized medical program Bali Mandara (JKBM).

The government’s target is to create a quality international medical facility capable of generating medical tourism to Bali.

Tens of protesting activists marched on the office of Bali’s governor on Wednesday, August 15, 2012, representing the Bali branch of Friends of the Earth (WLH) to urge the government of Bali to stop work on the toll way project connecting Benoa – Ngurah Rai Airport – Nusa Dua that they see as destroying the local environment.

Quoted by the State News Agency Antara, the coordinator of the protest held in front of the governor’s office, Abdul Haris, said: “The are violations and systematic destruction of the environment being committed by PT Jasa Marga. Therefore we are demanding that the governor of Bali urgently halt the construction of the toll way over the waterway while a new analysis on the environmental impact of the project is completed.”

Walhi says that PT Jasa Marga has violated its initial environmental protection plan and destroyed the ocean’s ecology by excavating thousands of tons of limestone. To emphasize their protests, the activists brought large pictures of the ongoing construction as proof of the project’s destruction of the ecology. Protestors told the Bali Post the excavated road way already covers a distance of 3 kilometers, measures 30 meters wide, and rise more than 3 meters above the water’s surface

Hairs told the press that the initial project design submitted by PT Jasa Marga assured no excavation of the protected mangrove would take place, when, in fact, large scale excavations sre underway causing damage to the mangrove forests.

The activists are calling on the governor to halt the PT Jasa Marga toll way project in order to protect Bali’s natural environment.

Meanwhile, the toll project managers are promising to complete the toll way project by April 26, 2013, in order to have the new road way in operation before a major APEC conference to be held in late 2013 in Bali.

Following the recent appointment of Chef Setyo Widjonanto by the InterContinental Bali Resort to head the culinary team at its KO Japanese Restaurant, he has embarked on creating a number of modern Japanese dishes with playful twists.

Chef Setyo comes to the eesort with 20 year of experience in the art of Japanese cuisine. His culinary credentials include a lengthy stint with the prestigious Nobu Chain - internationally renowned for its award-winning restaurants in leading cities around the world.

Learning the secrets of the Japanese kitchen under the guidance of some of Japan’s finest chefs, Chef Setyo’s forte is the preparation of sushi, sashimi and omakase. He understands the intricacies of traditional Japanese cooking where every dish is evaluated not only on taste but also on its visual appeal.

Chef Setyo is passionate about the use of local ingredients and has sourced the island’s best suppliers to ensure freshness and exceptional quality. It is a brand of cuisine driven by seasonal delicacies, including Jimbaran Bay seafood and organic produce grown with integrity in the Resort’s own vegetable garden.

Menu highlights include an 8-piece sushi dinner featuring delicate slices of fresh tuna, eel, snapper, salmon and other tasty specialties. Extensive selections of sashimi and tempura items are also available. For those seeking an entertaining repast, experience a teppanyaki sets involving a performance of fast-paced tableside artistry.

KO Japanese Restaurant at InterContinental Bali Resort is open daily for dinner only between 6.30 pm and 10.30 pm.

Reservations are recommended.

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[Book a Stay at InterContinental Bali Resort]

[What’s Cooking in Jimbaran?]

Bali Daily (The Jakarta Post) quotes a Bali tourism industry veteran, Anak Agung Gede Rai, blaming declining occupancy rates of between 60 and 65% on the uncontrolled growth in hotel rooms.

Moreover, Rai says the state of lowered occupancy among Bali hotels has rendered the hotel business “quite unprofitable” and, as a result,  threatens the very survival of many members of the hotel industry.

Rai, who manages at Masari Villa and once served as the President Director of the Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC), says an excess of rooms in star and non-starred hotels, and villa segments have contributed to an over-supply of accommodation that is depressing both hotel rates and occupancies.

The senior travel professional expressed his dismay that Bali, despite strong arrivals, was actually experiencing a business downturn. He said that average occupancies of at least 70% were needed for most hotels to remain profitable and be economically sustainable.

The rate war now underway, according to Rai, makes business survival for hotels in Bali problematic.

Australian actor and singer Jason Donovan was recently interviewed by the U.K. Daily Mail and asked to name his favorite holiday destination.

Donovan replied: “Australia, but that's going home. I love France. I go to the French Alps all the time to ski. And anywhere along the gorgeous Cote d'Azur in the South of France. And then there's Bali - you'll always find me there at some point during the year. If I had to pick one, I guess I'd go with Bali. Heavenly.”

No doubt, Bali has a special place filled with precious memories in Jason’s heart. In 2008, Jason married Angela Malloch, the mother of his two children, in Bali.

Asked to elaborate on what it was he most liked about Bali, Jason explained: “The people, the culture, the service, the food - just about everything. It's an incredible example of a democracy gone wrong, but the Buddhist spirit is alive and they're such warm people. Plus, I swim a lot and surf, and there's no better place for that.”
 
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[When Neighbours Become Good Friends]

The State News Agency Antara reports that the Jumeirah Group (formerly known as the Jumeirah International Group) will open Jumeirah Bali - a luxury hotel and resort in Bali.

The Jumeirah Group is a Dubai-based company and part of Dubai Holdings. A jointly owned company between the Dubai government and a private Dubai business group, Jumeirah owns the world’s tallest building Burj Al Arab. They also own Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray in Dubai and Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi. Internationally, the group operates Jumeirah Dhevanafushi and Jumeirah Vittaveli in Maldives, Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel in Shanghai, Jumeirah Frankfurt in Germany, Jumeirah Grand Hotel Via Veneto in Rome, Pera Palace Hotel, Jumeirah in Istanbul, Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in London and Jumeirah Essex House in New York.

Plans for the Bali expansion was announces by the chief executive office of PT Asia Pasifik Properti (APP) on Wednesday, August 15, 2012.  APP is a division of the Indonesian Sosro Group.  

APP CEO Sukowati Sosrodjojo revealed that the Bali project would have 105 luxury and 25 private villas.

The value of the hotel project is put at US$150 million and will be located on an 11-hectare lot within the Pecatu Graha Bali Development. The Hotel will offer views of Dreamland Beach and be adjacent to the New Kuta Golf Course – an 18-hole golf course designed by Ronald Frame.

Site preparation is scheduled to begin in October 2012 with physical construction of the resort will commence in March 2013. The project is expected to take 24 months to complete.

The hotel project will have three restaurants, a modern spa and fitness center. A seaside-wedding venue it also planned.

The head of the Center for Cultural and Tourism Research at Udayana University, Dr. Agung Suryawan Wiranatha, told the State News Agency Antara that Bali needs to change its mindset on tourism development, moving away from a focus on quantity to quality tourism.

“It is no longer appropriate that our regions is only targeting growth in tourism arrivals. What’s important is that we begin enhancing the quality of our destination and its attractiveness to visitors in order that Bali can be sold with a higher price,” said Suryawan, while speaking at a tourism seminar held at Udayana University on August 15, 2012.

The tourism educator estimates that Bali added 16,000 hotel rooms during the period 2009-2011. Such a rate of growth, however, he claims is out of synch with the reality of Bali’s limited natural resources, limited land, limited water and limited electricity.

Continuing, Suryawan said that the future ability of Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport to handle tourist visitors is also limited due to that facilities provision for only a single runway.

He also cited the heavy accumulation of accommodation in South Bali and the impact this is having on unhealthy price competition and the numerous illegal tourism operators are detracting from the quality of Bali’s image as a tourism destination.

“In the midst of these challenges, the tourism mindset and how tourism is managed must be changed in order that Bali can have a sustainable tourism product,” said Suryawan.

Bali’s near neighbor of Lombok, following the recent inauguration of its international airport, is increasingly becoming an international gateway for tourist visitors.

This is demonstrated by the commencement of direct flight services between Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Lombok by AirAsia. AirAsia is now flying three times a week between the two locations operating on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Jasmine Lee, Commercial Director of AirAsia Berhad said: “Lombok is a hidden gem. Blessed with a plethora of spectacular scenery, Lombok satisfies diverse holiday preferences. Outdoor lovers may embark on adventurous trips to explore the mighty Mt. Rinjani or Tropical Forest and Animal Reserve. Honeymooners will definitely find the untouched sandy beaches at Senggigi and the surrounding Gili Island as romantic retreats. For those who seek escapism, Lombok is a perfect spot for snorkeling and diving, with a dreamlike and picture perfect underwater world. Make this dream getaway a reality by taking advantage of our unbelievable low fares. Lombok is a must for those looking for adventure, serenity or a romantic getaway.”

AirAsia is offering special introductory rates of Rp. 299,000 (US$32) on the new route for tickets purchased before August 26, 2012 for flights between October 12, 2012 and May 22, 2013.

Australian Schapelle Leigh Corby has received an additional 6-month sentence reduction from what was originally a 20-year sentence for smuggling 4.3 kilograms of marijuana into Indonesia in 2004.

According to Detik.com, it is now estimated that Australian woman will end her sentence on March 24, 2017 and may be allowed to stay outside the Kerobokan prisons walls on a conditional release prior to that date.

Gusti Ngurah Wiratna, the chief warden at the prison, confirmed that Corby has received a total of 24 month and 30 days remission since her initial incarceration.

Under a law passed in 2006, sentence reductions for narcotic offenders must be submitted for approval by the Minister of Justice and Human Rights.

The most recent round of sentence reductions, timed to coincide with Indonesian National Independence Day on August 17, 2012, also included a 6-month sentence reduction for Bali Nine member Renae Lawrence, the 7th reduction totaling, on a cumulate basis,  34 months and 30 days from her original sentence of 20 years in prison. Prison officials say Renae’s revised release date is now December 5, 2021.

Lawrence has also been recommended to obtain an additional remission of 1/3 from her remissions to date in acknowledgement of lead role in work teams at the prison.

A total of 166 prisoners received sentence reductions at the Kerobokan prison on August 17th with 15 prisoners released and allowed to resume life outside the prison.

With the announcement of the sentence cuts, the Kerobokan prison also held traditional games and celebrations for prisoners to mark Indonesian Independence Day.
 

The deputy-governor of Bali, A.A. Puspayoga, has recently attended three separate ceremonies on behalf of Bali’s recuperating governor. On August 14th he presided at the official celebration to mark the anniversary of the founding of the province of Bali. He also was on hand on August 17th when officials gathered to honor the exact moment when Indonesian Independence was proclaimed in 1945. And, finally, Puspayoga attended the flag-lowering ceremony held at sunset on Friday, August 17, 2012.

Following the ceremony held to celebrate the proclamation of national independence, the deputy-governor told those in attendance that the moment of national liberty should also become the departure point for achieving a more equitable distribution of development in all areas of Balinese life. He warned that development could no longer be concentrated in Denpasar or the southernmost regency of Badung due to the urgent need for the benefits of development in other areas of Bali, such as Karangasem or Buleleng, in order that the average quality of life in the more remote areas of Bali can be improved.

Puspayoga called for a firm implementation of an equitable policy for development, saying: “The theme of this year’s Indepence Day celebrations is an equitable policy of development. Thus, by calling upon the spirit of freedom we must inspire our hearts on how the ensure the welfare of the people of Bali through equitable development. Without equity, the people’s welfare will remain out of reach.”

Specifically addressing the issue of equity in health services, the deputy-governor said efforts at improvements has to continue. He cited that more and more community health centers must be opened in areas such as Karangasem, Buleleng and Nusa Penida, because these areas suffer from inadequate medical care.

In response to criticism that the provincial government is spending most of its health budget on the construction of a new Bali International Hospital while health centers (Puskesmas) across the island were in urgent need of attention, Puspayoga said this matter was under annual review and efforts would be made in the coming year to find more funding for Puskesmas system.

The Laguna Resort & Spa has organized a memorable night for wine connoisseurs on Friday, September 14, 2012, at the Arwana Restaurant.

The privileged, limited number of diners gathering in Nusa Dua on that date will enjoy a six-course degustation menu specially prepared by executive chef Made Putra carefully paired with wines from Margaret River’s Xanadu Vineyards.

On hand to help Chef Putra orchestrate the nights will be The Laguna’s Sommelier assisted by Glen Goodall, chief winemaker of Xanadu who will personally introduce each wine.

The evening begins with Champagne, cocktails and canapés at 7:00 pm at the Arnawa Terrace Bar followed by dinner at 7:30 pm.

Xanadu Wines

Established in 1977 by Dr. John Lagan, Xanadu was an early pioneer in what has become a major wine industry flourishing today surrounding Western Australia’s Margaret River.

With branding inspired by the poetry of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Xanadu Vineyards was purchased in 2005 by the Rathbone family who carry on a tradition of producing wines of quality and distinction.

Fiercely committed to environmental sustainability, the dynamic team of winemakers employs methods that emphasize preventative disease management, pest management and irrigation.

Recognized internationally with numerous awards, Xanadu’s Glen Goodall describes the vineyards heritage, saying, “This effort has culminated in wines that we can be truly proud of, wines that show the true personality of this site and how good this place can really be.”

The Wine Dinner Menu

Friday, September 14, 2012

Rp. 1.100.000 (US$118) net per person
Includes cocktails, canapés, six-course dinner and wine parings

Amuse bouche
+ + + + +
Chilled sea urchin custard
Black mussel fumet, salmon roe

Xanadu Dragon Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon,
Margaret River, Western Australia 2010
+ + + + +
River lobster tail – adobo glaze
Sautéed leeks, light Avruga velouté, chili oil

Xanadu Estate Chardonnay,
Margaret River, Western Australia 2008
+ + + + +
Yellow fin tuna-prepared rare
Pan seared scallop, warm citrus-pink
Peppercorn salad, fresh coriander leaves

Xanadu Dragon Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot,
Margaret River, Western Australia 2005
+ + + + +
Wagyu sirloin-prepared medium,
Foie gras mousseline, chives potato purée,
Oven dried cherry tomatoes, black truffle reduction

Xanadu Estate Cabernet Sauvignon,
Margaret River, Western Australia 2007
+ + + + +
Australian King Island cheese,
Cape Wickham double Brie, smoked aged cheddar,
Capilano honey, arugula leaves, crispy black olive bread

Xanadu Dragon Shiraz,
Margaret River, Western Australia 2007
+ + + + +
Valrhona milk chocolate bar
with candied coconut, homemade rum ice cream
Bitter chocolate sponge crumbles

Xanadu Cane Cut Sauvignon Blanc,
Muscatel & Sémillon
Margaret River, Western Australia 2010
+ + + + +
Coffee and Tea
Homemade white chocolate praline


For more information call I Made Linggi, Director of Food and Beverage, telephone ++62-(0) 81558100241

For Reservations telephone ++62-(0)361-3005021

[E-mail]

Bali police have arrested two resident foreigners for narcotic offenses.

A German national Peter Hasslinger (45) and Spaniard David Garcia Camblor (29) are being held following two separate raids conducted by anti-narcotics officers of the Bali police.

A police spokesman, Sri Harmiti, confirmed that the two were arrested based on information provided by the public, prompting further investigation that eventually led to the arrests.

Hasslinger was arrested on Monday, August 10, 2012, at his residence on Jalan Bet Ngandeng in Sanur where 104.88 grams of marijuana were found in a plastic bag and an additional 54.96 grams of marijuana in a plastic container.

Hasslinger reportedly bought the drugs for Rp. 3 million (US$332) in Lombok.

The Spaniard, Camblor, was arrested on Tuesday, August 11, 2012 at his residence on Jalan Gunung Wayang in Kerobokan. Police found 0.44 grams of crystal methamphetamine and narcotics paraphernalia.

Police confirmed that the two arrests were completely separate incidents with no apparent connection between the two men.

According to police both men can be charged on the 2009 anti-narcotics law with a maximum penalty of 12 years in prison.
 

As Bali’s tourism industry began to grow in 1983, German national Reinhold Jantzen and his Indonesian wife, Endang Suciati, established PT. Soejash (i.e. Sausage) to meet the demand for quality sausages, processed meats and fish products.

Quickly realizing the untapped local demand for German cuisine, two years later, in 1985, Mama’s Beer Garden and Restaurant opened its doors in Kuta, Bali offering signature sausages, bratwurst, meats, noodles, generous side dishes together with a splashing of Mediterranean and Indonesian mains.

Featuring a long bar, cozy banquettes, a well-stock bar, hearty German cuisine and friendly staff – visitors can be forgiven for thinking they are spending a night in old Hamburg - the city of Reinhard’s birth and the inspiration for Mama’s decidedly German ambience.

Business for both the restaurant and the food processing facility continued to grow, permitting the construction of a state-of-the-art meat and food-processing factory to be built in 1990. Acknowledged for its international standards of hygiene and food processing, PT Soejasch Bali provides their quality products to the leading Hotels, Restaurants, Cafe’s, Catering Suppliers and related industries as well as all supermarkets throughout Indonesia.

Seeking to expand their business base, Mama’s German Restaurant began to franchise its restaurant operation in 2008, with successful restaurants franchises now in operation in the nation’s capital of Jakarta and Bandung.

Mama's German Restaurant is now prepared to expand its franchising opportunities to other locations in Indonesia and the region, providing entrepreneurs with the opportunity to duplicate in new locales the success of Mama’s Restaurant business model for delicious food, an authentic German atmosphere and affordable prices.

Mama’s founder, Reinhold Jantzen, says: “We are proud to offer this wonderful entree to qualified Business Entrepreneurs seeking to establish a business based on a proven record of profitability. There are some key advantages inherent with owning a Mama’s franchise. These advantages include High ROI potential, easy systems to follow, large market and income potential, opportunity to provide a quality food product, commitment to quality customer service, chance to build a trusted relationship with customers, pride of ownership, in-depth training and an ongoing support system.”

“A qualified new franchisee will also receive a recognized brand name and relevant trademarks, business expertise like management assistance via a sales and marketing plan, operations manual, standard operating procedures, and all the systems needed to open run a successful Mama’s German Restaurant franchise,” added Mr. Jantzen.

The franchise package includes a one-time franchise fee, a monthly royalty fee, and advertising and marketing administrative fee. Mama’s will, of course, provide ongoing support via established training programs and operating procedures to ensure consistency of branding and product presentation.

“For me, it’s not just about adding new franchisee to our company,” said Mr. Jantzen, “It’s about helping business owners to realize their vision with our strong code of values and support, and then grow with Mama’s brand on a different level to exceed customer’s expectations in food industries as well as services that are in demand. Growing a franchise is a team effort.”

Those wishing more information on franchise opportunities from Mama’s German Restaurant should telephone ++62-(0) 361-420810 or +62- (0)821 461 81454.

[Email Mama’s Franchise] 

[www.bali-mamas.com] 
 

Two female French tourists committed a patriotic faux pas at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport on Tuesday, August 14, 2012, just 3 days before Indonesian Independence day, narrowly escaping a serious run in with the law.

Kompas.com report that Pauline Yvonne Aline (23) and Motte Julie Mercedes Livia (23) were briefly taken into custody by airport police under suspicion that that they had desecrated the Indonesian flag.

The two young women were apprehended at 9:20 pm when they were discovered to be holding an Indonesian flag just purchased from a roadside vendor on which they had written the word “Sebah” – the name of a young male friend, also known as Bastian, arriving on an AirAsia 1366 from Kuala Lumpur, in order to fashion a welcoming banner.

The Indonesian flag was draped by the women near the arrival area of the airport where a number of people, offended by the defacement of the national flag, reported the women to airport police.

Defacing the Indonesian flag is a criminal offense under Indonesian law.

Police, who concluded insufficient evidence was in hand to prefer formal charges. released the women.

Central Java visitors to the ancient Hindu Monument of Prambanan, the Borobudor Temple of Borobudur and the Ratu Boko Palace are now required to wear a batik sarung.

The new policy took effect from August 17, 2012.

The new “sarungiasi” policy for the three popular tourist stops follows a successful trial period at the Borobudur temple.

The CEO of PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko, Purnomo Siswoprasetjo, told NusaBali that the aim of the “sarunginasi” program is in support of local culture in accordance with UNESCO’s policy for the preservation of cultural heritage.

Purnomo confirmed that visitor to the three historical sites are now required to wear a batik sarung. Underlining there would be no exception to the policy, he said even government officials visiting the locations would be required to wear a sarung.

5,000 sarongs have been prepared for visitors to the Prambanan Temple and Ratu Boko Palace complex, and 10,000 sarongs for the Borobudur Temple Park.

In 2011 and estimated 200,000 people visited Borobudur, while 150,000 entered the Prambanan temple and Boko Palace.

Domestic visitors to the Borobudur Temple pay an admission charge of Rp. 40,000 (US$4.30) for adults and Rp. 12,500 (US$1.35) for children. Foreign visitors pay a charge of US$20.

Domestic visitors to the Prambanan Temple and Boko Palace complex pay Rp. 30,000 (US$3.22) for adults and Rp. 12,500 (US$1.35 for children. Foreign visitors pay US$18.

Farmers and local residents living near Banjar Gulingan in the village of Antosari in Tambanan are living in fear after the mysterious death of 10 cows savagely ravaged by an unknown animal.

The attacks, which always take place during nighttime hours, have occurred over the past several weeks and have left cows dead with their stomachs or throats torn open by the unknown predator.

According to Bali Post, the most recent attack saw three cows owned by Ni Made Lastri and Ketut Raka killed on Sunday, August 12, 2012. The dead animals were aged between two and four months.

The farmers discovered the dead stock with their stomach cavities torn open and livers missing. The remainder of the carcasses of the dead animals were untouched.

The latest attacks brings to ten the number of cows killed in the area. All the dead animals were calves, yet to attain their full growth.

Local residents reject theories that the attacks are caused by a domestic dog, with some residents claiming to have seen the assailant animal described as resembling a wolf, having a pointed snout, widely set ears and reported to be either white, red or striped in color.

Local residents are in the midst of organizing hunting parties, seeking assistance from the local Livestock Service.

Farmers are reported to be selling their livestock out of fear that the mystery predator will kill their prized animals that are also the family’s major financial asset.

A 51-year-old Slovenian national, Ivan Brezinski, has been arrested by police in Bali, reportedly caught red-handed in the act of stealing helmets from parked motorcycles at a Denpasar shopping mall.

As reported by DenPost and The Bali Post, the man was arrested at the Ramayana Mall in Denpasar on Saturday, August 11, 2012, after security guards put the man, thought to be acting suspiciously, under surveillance.

Brezinski arrived at the mall on a motorcycle, parking it in a quiet corner of the parking area. Upon returning to the parking area, the man was seen stealing the helmet owned by female dentistry student.

Security guards captured the Slovenian as he attempted to drive out of the parking lot.

Brezinski initially refused to communicate with the police, claiming he had no passport or no accommodation address in Bali.

Since the man’s arrest police have been able to develop their investigation and believe Brezinski was stealing helmets from a number of locations, including the Carrefour Shopping Center on Sunset Road. Police also postulate that the man may be part of a criminal network who disposed of helmets he managed to steal from motorcycles parked at various local shopping centers.

Despite assurances from the Gianyar regency administration that low-cost City Hotels would be banned from opening in Ubud, complaints are circulating in Bali's press that this promise is being ignored with the imminent opening of a new hotel located in Padang Tegal, in the heart of Ubud.

Local government officials and local businesses are concerned that inexpensive City Hotels located in downtown Ubud will prove fatal to Ubud’s large home-stay industry, the main source of income for many indigenous residents of that community.

Wayan Gendo Suardana, an environmental activist who also hails from Ubud, quoted in Denpost, criticized the Gianyar administration for allowing a City Hotel to be built in Padang Tegal. Driving home his point, Suardana has called on the regent of Gianyar, Cok Ace, who also serves as the Chairman of the Hotel and Restaurant Association, to accept personal responsibility for allowing the City Hotel to be built in Ubud.

Continuing, Suardana said: “If the regent doesn't know about the hotel, then his supervision of staff is very weak. The City Hotel should have never passed the application process. The gap between public statements and the facts in the field stand in stark contradiction to each other.”

Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati (Cok Ace) had earlier issued public statements assuring that City Hotels would not be allowed in Ubud as such develops were not in keeping with Ubud’s concept of village and cultural tourism.

Separately, speaking to the Bali Post, Made Gunarta, a founder of the Bali Spirit Festival, joined the chorus of people protesting the new City Hotel in Ubud. Seeing such hotels as defeating the medium and long-term tourism development goals of Ubud, he worries about the future of locally owned bungalows and home stays.

Others are also questioning if the soon-to-be-opened City Hotel meets zoning requirements for at least 40% of the included in an accommodation project to remain undeveloped and open to rainwater absorption.

Taking governor Made Mangku Pastika’s publicly announced goal of making Bali plastic free, Carrefour Supermarkets have joined forces with the Bali Regeneration Foundation (Yayasan Regenerasi Bali) and taken definitive steps to work towards the elimination of plastic shopping bags.

Effective July 1, 2012, shoppers at Carrefour in Bali were given the option of bringing home their purchases in reusable cotton bags on sale at the supermarket or purchasing plastic bags. Shoppers can also opt to bring plastic bags from home recycled from past store visits. Most importantly, gone are the days of free, single-use plastic bags that once used form a part of the island’s natural environment for centuries to come.

Gerardus Gemuruh, general manager of Carrefour Bali, explaining the significance of this move, said: “On Bali, there are over 15 million plastic bags distributed daily. By stopping the use of plastic bags, Carrefour and Yayasan Regenerasi Bali will stop over 350,000 plastic bags per month from going into the environment. This will be a great benefit to both people’s health and the environment.“

Regenerating Bali is encouraging the public and local businesses to understand the financial waste and environmental destruction caused by the used of plastic bags. The Foundation has launched educational programs at Carrefour on how to shop without using plastic bags and to be aware of the dangers posed to health and the environment by the use of plastics.

Related Links

[www.regeneratingbali.com]

[Ridding Bali of the Plastic Scourge]

[Taking Out the Trash]

Prime Minister Julia Gillard will travel to Indonesia in October 2012 for the 10th anniversary of the Bali bombings.

Gillard has confirmed that she will travel to Bali to attend the October 12, 2012 commemoration ceremonies on the tenth anniversary of the Bali Bombing that claimed 202 lives, 88 of whom were Australian citizens.

Simultaneous commemorations will be held in Bali and Canberra with Australia’s governor-general Quentin Bryrce leading the service in the Australian capital.

In a statement issued on August 19, 2012, confirming her Bali travel plans. Gillard said: "It was a moment of horror that had a profound effect on Australia as a nation and on the lives of survivors and the family and loved ones of those who died. Time has healed many of the physical wounds caused by the bombings but it can never diminish the sense of wrong we feel at this act of terror.”

"Forgetting would be the ultimate injustice - and we will never forget."

The Australian government has said that they will provide financial assistance to Australian injured in the 2002 attack and to surviving family members of those who perished in the bombing in order to enable them to join the Bali ceremony.

The Bali ceremony, which expected to be witnessed by thousands, will be held at the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park. Parliament House in Canberra will be the location for the Australian remembrance.

The Ministry of Tourism and the Creative Economy is targeting 9 million foreign visitors to Indonesia in 2013.

The deputy-minister of Tourism and the Creative Economy, Sapta Nirwanda, told Bisnis.com that the government anticipates a total of 8 million foreign tourists for all of 2012.

Nirwanda said the target of foreign tourists for 2013 is 9 million.

Nirwanda is confident that the 8 million target for arrivals in 2012 would be easily surpassed, having already secured 7.6 million at the mid-year point.