I N T E R N A T I O N A L
I N T E R N A T I O N A L
16 Pages Number 169 5th year
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Music Review: Another portrait of Bob Dylan
Entertainment
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California Rim Fire showers ash on reservoir
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Associated Press Writer
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
United, Chelsea draw 0-0 in Premier League
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Japan postpones launch of new, cheaper rocket
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In the latest entry of his ongoing vault-diving releases, Bob Dylan revisits one of his least-heralded albums. “Self Portrait,” released in 1970, is remembered less today for its music than the classic first line of a Rolling Stone magazine review by Greil Marcus that greeted it: “What is this (expletive)?” It was hard not to see why. The cultural icon baffled his fans with a badly-produced collection of minor compositions, some live cuts, covers of traditional folk and blues songs a n d ev e n contemporary songs like “The Boxer.” Marcus, who writes the liner notes for this four-disc box set, wisely doesn’t step back from that assessment. He shouldn’t. Time doesn’t improve the work. It seems amazing four decades later that an artist of Dylan’s caliber would take such a hands-off attitude toward his art, packing up his basic tracks and sending them to a Nashville producer who adds some truly cringe-worthy arrangements. Maybe that was precisely the point. Two of the discs in this b o x a r e primarily
Dylan’s original recordings with several outtakes, most with minimal arrangements. They’re almost uniformly better than what was on the original “Self Portrait.” There are a handful of interesting curios: a version of “If Not for You” with a haunting violin accompaniment, an unreleased studio session with George Harrison and a full band version of “I Threw It All Away.” Disc three is a recording of the 1969 concert at the Isle of Wight festival, which interrupted a period of seclusion for Dylan. Hard to go wrong with a recording of Dylan performing with The Band, but the performance has a tentative, almost rushed feel to it. Although the “Self Portrait” sessions seemed strange at the time, Dylan’s subsequent work gives it more context. Still performing regularly at 72, Dylan’s concerts keep his formidable catalogue alive along with an American blues, rock and folk tradition that predates even him. These 1970 recordings make clear that even back then, Dylan was constantly inspired by it. Marcus has another theory to explain “Self Portrait,” suggesting it was Dylan’s attempt to step away from people who worshipped him as a musical genius, a voice of his generation. “He was trying to quit, but no one would accept his resignation,” he wrote. Fine. So why would anyone want to buy a four-disc resignation statement? Through the years, Dylan’s bootleg series has provided some real thrills, and interesting new perspectives on his work. This one doesn’t. Only completists will find something interesting.
Equity of tourism has not been realized
Damon, Panettiere get Environmental Media Awards Associated Press Writer
LOS ANGELES — The Environmental Media Association is honoring Matt Damon and Hayden Panettiere for their dedication to ecological causes. The organization announced Monday that the two actors will be honored at its 23rd annual Environmental Media Awards this fall. Damon will receive the Ongoing Commitment Award for his work with Water.org, the organization he co-founded that aims to bring safe water and sanitation to people around the world. The 42-year-old actor says he hopes the award brings attention to Water.org’s efforts “to bring clean water to communities around the world and inspire new friends and partners to join the fight.” Panettiere will accept the Futures Award, which recognizes younger entertainers for their potential to be environmental activists. The “Nashville” star is active with the Whaleman Foundation, an oceanic research and conservation group. The 24-year-old actress said she’s excited to talk about her work with the Whaleman Foundation and “using my voice to protect our oceans and their amazing inhabitants.” The prizes will be presented at a ceremony on Oct. 19 at Warner Bros. studios in Burbank, California.
Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/ AP, File
FILE - In this Aug. 2, 2013 file photo, Matt Damon attends a photo call for “Elysium” at the Four Seasons, in Los Angeles.
ANTARA FOTO/Dewi Fajriani
Tourists enjoying panorama at traditional harbor. The hotel and restaurant trade sector (PHR) poses the greatest contributor to the growth of tourism growth. Contribution of hotel and restaurant trade to the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) up to the second quarter of this year reached 29.83 percent. Bali Post
DENPASAR - The hotel and restaurant trade sector (PHR) poses the greatest contributor to the growth of tourism growth. Contribution of hotel and restaurant trade to the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) up to the second quarter of this year reached 29.83 percent. However, so far the equality of Bali tourism has not been achieved because the tourism activities remain to be concentrated on Southern Bali. Chairman of the Bali Regional Tourism Promotion Board (BPPD), Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati, said that tourism growth in the future should be equitable and sustain the contributions to the development of Bali. On that account, it was required serious ef-
forts to fix the existing destinations by constantly featuring cultural tourism. “The tourism development in Bali still refers to cultural tourism. It’s the culture becoming the spirit of Bali tourism. When shifted, it will kindle complicated problems
later on,” said the man familiarly called Cok Ace, in Denpasar. He explained the total tourist arrivals to Indonesia through the Ngurah Rai Airport (Bali) had contributed 35.60 percent. Meanwhile, the result of survey made by Bank Indonesia for Region III Bali Nusra in May 2013 indicated there was tendency of increase in the foreign tourist arrival this year. Besides, the indicator of tourist spending was also higher than the same period in 2012 reaching USD 150.23 per person with the longer length of stay of foreign tourists this year than the same period the previous year, reaching 8.55 days.
The high interest of foreign tourist in visiting Bali should be poised by doing promotions. Chairman of the Indonesian Tourism Industry Association (GIPI) of Bali, Ngurah Wijaya, said the BPPD Bali had an integrated promotional plan putting an emphasis on the five divisions, namely the sport division, MICE division, silver division, leisure division and creative division. “We will strive to jointly develop the tourism in Bali so that it can realize the even distribution in the future,” he said. Meanwhile, the Representative Head of Bank Indonesia for Region III Bali Nusra, Dwi Pranoto,
said the survey conducted by Bank Indonesia Region III indicated that most foreign tourists (96.30 percent) visited Bali with a major purpose of spending holidays and came with family (54.17 percent) as well as with relations or friends (30.72 percent). By and large, they stayed at star hotel (70.11 percent), non-star hotel (30.72 percent) and villa or apartment (16.36 percent). “Hotel and restaurant trade sector has become the most widely worked on,” said Dwi Pranoto while adding that tourism industry was a major driving force for the economic performance of Bali. (kmb27)
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International
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Bali News
Corn production in Gerokgak increases Singaraja (Bali Post)—
Corn production at Tukad Sumaga village, Gerokgak subdistrict, increases. In 2007, the production reached 3,825 tons. This number then increased to 4,037.5 tons in 2008. Later on, it kept on increasing respectively to 4,717.5 tons (2009); 4,998.0 tons (2010); 5,372.0 tons (2011); and 6,247.5 tons (2012). The Head of Buleleng Agriculture and Livestock Agency, Nyoman Swatantra, said that especially for corn production, the greatest potential was located in Gerokgak area. Most of villagers in the subdistrict planted corn every season. “This subak has indeed long enough cultivated corn and resulted in large production. Besides, the development always increases throughout the years and based on selection in the county and provincial level, the subak qualified in the national competition,” he said. Chief of Subak Tukad Sumaga, Ketut Sadara, said the land commonly planted with corn in the village located in six subgroups consisting of the Dajan Munduk (12 hectares), Dauh Tukad (20 hectares), Dangin Tukad (12 hectares), Subak Anyar (7.5 hectares), Bukit Taman and Banjar Buluh (32.5 hectares). They cultivated the Bima variety composite corn (non-hybrid variety). It was processed for everyday consumption. (kmb)
The corn is dried by the famer
IBP/File
PT Charoen at Awen protested by residents Smokes of combustion pollute environment Negara (Bali Post)—
Residents around the neighborhood of Awen Mertasari, Lelateng village, object to the activities of PT Charoen disturbing their peace. Almost every day, the combustion smokes of the dead chicken carcasses pollute the air to their neighborhood. The objection of residents has long taken place, even since the plant is operated at the location. Their complaint through the hamlet chief is never responded. A number of residents met on Monday (Aug 26) said they protested due to the air pollution caused by the smokes of the dead chicken combustion. According to them, other than the smokes and rancid smell occurring almost every morning, they were also disturbed with chicken fine feather flying up to their settlement. They alleged the fluff came from chicken feathers burnt by using firewood. Besides, a dozen of blowers installed in each cage were believed to
have also caused the chicken feathers fly over to settlement. According to residents, the dead chickens were burned close to local settlement. They told the burned chicken averagely reached 200 heads each day. Besides, the combustion was also performed at night, so that it was very disturbing them. One of the residents, Komang Budiasa, admitted to have repeatedly complained about the matter to hamlet chief, but did not get any response at all. Apart from at Awen Mertasari, the pollution impact also reached the Kombading hamlet, Pengambengan. Even, some time ago people had threatened to make a demonstration. They hoped the severe impact on residents could be minimized and the relevant officials could come down to facilitate the residents’ complaint. They were also increasingly inflamed when knowing if the farm never gave any contribution to local
hamlet.Hamlet chief of Awen Mertasari, Wayan Tama, confirmed the complaints of residents. Other than complaining about the flying feathers, they also complained about the smell of chicken carcasses burned by means of firewood. He said to have frequently informed the people’s complaint to the farm, but it remained to get no response. His party had also reminded of not using firewood when burning chicken carcass because it could pollute the environment. According to him, such a large farm should burn by using combustion machine. Having been reminded, the farm then burned by means of stove. Since the stove exploded it then burned again using firewood. He added that since the farm was established, it had not given any contribution to the surrounding neighborhood. Spokesperson of PT Charoen, Gede Susrama, when asked for his confirmation by journalist could not be met due to being busy. (kmb26)
Handling HIV/AIDS case
Change people’s paradigm and eliminate discrimination
Denpasar (Bali Post)—
So far, the HIV/AIDS cases found in Bali reach 7,856 people. However, the actual figure of the HIV/AIDS sufferer is still unknown. As provisional estimation, there are currently 26,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Bali which means that many must be discovered so that they can be given treatment and preventive measures. However, to reveal the iceberg of the HIV/AIDS case is not easy. Many obstacles are found, where one of which is the negative paradigm of society against the HIV so that it results in discrimination against the sufferers. This paradigm and discrimination are the main factor causing people with high risk factors such as the IDU syringe users and those having multiple sex partners reluctant to undergo medical check-up. Putu Utami Dewi from Paramacita Foundation explained there had been currently a change in the acceptance to HIV-positive patients, especially in health care. They were received more friendly and humane, so that more people living with HIV/AIDS were found in Bali. When providing guidance, her party had always tried to emphasize on every companion and health workers to treat the HIV patients more humane and equal to the other patients. “In the early days, the discrimination to HIV patients were strongly felt, so that many were reluctant to make check-up because of shame and fear,” she said. Chairperson of the Sanglah Hospital VCT, Prof. Tuti Parwati Merati, added if the HIV was treated on a regular basis, the patients would not transmit the virus to others. According to her, currently the only antiretroviral was ARV that had been proven to suppress the amount of HIV virus in the body to the extent of not infecting other people. The ARV administration would be getting better and best if was done before the patient caused symptomatic sickness of the HIV stage became AIDS. At the AIDS stage, the decrease in immunity due to HIV virus attack reached the lowest stage so that any light disease could turn severe on the patients with HIV/ AIDS. The incubation period of the HIV was 5-10 years. At this period, the patient had not showed any symptoms and it was the appropriate period for treatment. Currently, the government in Bali either the provincial government or county/municipal government had been providing services to HIV patients in the form of VCT services. “This service has existed at Sanglah Hospital and every county/municipal hospital except for Bangli,” said Tuti. Moreover, the drug was provided for free by the government. Although every region had provided the VCT services, patients tended to visit the VCT service located beyond their region because there remained a negative stigma and discrimination. Thus, the data obtained by the VCT services did not purely reflect the residents of the region, but could be from the other region. “Denpasar, for example, has many HIV cases. But, it does not necessarily mean they are entirely from Denpasar, but can be the residents of other region,” said Tuti. The fund allocation for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention program of every municipality/county was not only seen from the number of cases recorded in the region because residents in the region might get treatment to other region. “So, do not think that due to having a little case, the program is not carried out intensively,” said Tuti. With the persistence of negative stigma and discrimination from society, the authority of AIDS Prevention Commission (KPA) made socialization on HIV/AIDS that could reach customary village to school. According to the Secretary of KPA Bali, Made Suprapta, the KPA had established the cadre of residents caring for HIV/AIDS in charge of providing education and information about HIV to people in their village. Meanwhile, school had also developed the program known as the Student Group Caring for AIDS and Drug (KSPAN) so that it could bridge the information to friends of their age. (san)
Founder : K.Nadha, General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Diah Dewi Juniarti Editors: Gugiek Savindra,Alit Susrini, Alit Sumertha, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Sri Hartini, Suana, Sueca, Sugiartha, Yudi Winanto Denpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subrata, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Pujawan, Buleleng: Adnyana, Gianyar: Agung Dharmada, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Bali Putra Ariawan. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto. Development: Alit Purnata, Mas Ruscitadewi. Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp. (0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post
International
Honored guest at Harper
Activities
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
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IBP
KUTA - Archipelago International, the company behind such popular hotel labels as Aston, Alana, Harper, Quest, favehotel, Neo and Kamuela, unveiled its new upper midscale brand, HARPER by Aston, with the opening of the HARPER Kuta Hotel in Bali and opened its door since end of July 2013. Seen in the picture, several media and travel agent as honored guest were having breakfast at Rustik Bistro & Bar in sequence of their trial stay. Harper is the brainchild of Archipelago International, an Indonesia based hotel operator with Hawaiian roots and an underlying portfolio of more than
150 Hotels and Resorts. Modern, yet infused with rustic charm, Harper Hotels convey a residential feel and a balanced functionality, offering unobtrusive service and never ending innovation - hotels for astute travelers who value individualism and character.
IBP/Courtesy of Harper Hotel
Calendar Event for August 24 through September 28, 2013 24 Aug Purnama Sasih Kawulu & Tumpek Landep Pura Mutering Jagat Dalem Sidakarya Desa Adat Sidakarya Denpasar Pura Pasek Gelgel-Pedungan Denpasar Selatan Pura Agung Pasek Tangguntiti Kaler Tabanan Pura Agung Pasek Selemadeg Tabanan Pura Pasek Tangkas Kediri Tabanan Pura Kerta Banyuninng Barat Buleleng Pura Dalem Tenggaling -Sengguan Singapadu Pura Kawitan Wangbang Pinatih Peguyangan Singaraja Pura Bujangga Waisnawa Tegalcangkring Tabanan Pura Taman Desa Bubunan Seririt Buleleng Pura Penataran Pande Dalem Batur Jati Banjar Pandean Mengwi Pura Dalem Pingit Banjar Tarokaja Tegalalang Pura Dadia Pasek Gelgel-Gobleg Desa Selat Sukasada Buleleng Pura Ida Ratu Pande Besakih Pura Penataran Agung Pinatih Tulikup Banjar Menak Tulikup Gianyar Pura Penataran Pande Kusamba-Klungkung Pura Kumuda Saraswati Ubud Pamerajan Alit Ubud Pura Batur Arya “Warih Kepaon” Cengolo Sudimara Tabanan Pura Dalem Majapahit Banjar Denuma Kukuh Marga Tabanan Pura Dalem batur Bangli Pura Buana Kawan Besakih Pura Ida Ratu Pasek Besakih Pura Dalem Suci Desa Dukuh Sidemen Karangasem 25 Aug Hari Redite Umanis Ukir Sanggah Gede Dukuh Segening Tegal Tugu Gianyar
28 Aug Buda Wage Ukir Pura Pejenengan Kawitan Arya Tauman Banjar Jelantik Kuri Batu Desa Tojan Gelgel Klungkung Pura Pasar Agung Besakih (Alit) Besakih Pura Pasek bendesa Pasar Badung Legian Kuta Pura Gede Gunugn Agung D u k u h Munggu Badung Hyang Agung Pura Ibuwanasari Tegal Pura Puseh, Desa di Bebablang Bangli Pura Dalem Peruncak Badung Pura Pasek Bendesa Hyang Selat Kerobokan Badung Pura Kereban Langit Desa Sading Mengwi Badung Pemerajan Sareng Kangin Baleran Ubud 3 Sep Anggarkasih Kulantir Pura Penataran Tangkas Sukawati Pura Dalem Lagan Bebalang Bangli Pura Puseh Lembeng Ketewel Sukawati Pura Pasek Gelgel Penulisan Kerambitan Tabanan Pura Gaduh Sanding Pura Dalem Gandamayu Klungkung Pura Sang Hyang Tegal Banjar Tarokaja Tegalalang 4 Sep Tilem Sasih Karo Banjar Pasek Tangkas Pasekan Kaler Tabanan Pura Gaduh Benoh Ubung Denpasar 8 Sep Redite Keliwon Tulu Pura Dalem Alas Harum Banjar Tegal Kepuh Kediri Tabanan 9 Sep Soma Umanis Tulu Pura Puseh Bale Agung Ubung Kupang Penebel Tabanan Pura Kawitan Sakula Gotra Pasung Grigih Banjar Tegal Kepuh Kaba kaba
Kediri Tabanan Pura Paibon Tangkas Kori Agung Ceningan Kangin Lembongan Pura Batu Medeg Besakih Pura Penataran Agung Penatih banjar saba 11 Sep Buda Pon Tulu Pura Catur Buana Sanding Tampaksiring 12 Sep Wrespati Wage Tolu Pura Peninjoan Besakih 18 Sep Buda Kliwon Gumbreg Pura Pasek Gelgel kukuh Marga Tabanan Pura Pasek Gelgel Dukuh Selemadeg Tabanan Pura Pasek Gelgel Mambang Selemadeg Tabanan Pura Puseh, Desa Guwang Sukawati Pura Dalem Setra Batu Nanggul Desa Swana Nusa Penida Pura Dadia Agung Pasek Gelgel Ketewel 19 Sep Purnama Sasih Ketiga Pura Gunung Sari Lombok Pura Kawitan Arya Gajah Para Tianyar Kubu Karangasem Pura Pedharman Arya Telabah Besakih Pura Bukit Mentik Gunung Lebah Desa Batur kintamani Pura Dadia Agung Pasek Salahin Desa Suwat Gianyar 25 Sep Buda Paing Wariga Pura Pasek Gaduh Kayubihi Bangli 28 Sep Hari Tumpek Uduh Pura puseh, desa Desa Batuan Sukawati Pura Pasek Bendesa Desa Kekeran Mengwi Pura Manik Mas Besakih
Balinese Temple Ceremony Every Temple and Shrine has a special date for it annual Ceremony, or “ Odalan “, every 210 days according to Balinese calendar, including the smaller ancestral shrine which each family possesses. Because of this practically every few days a ceremony of festival of some kind takes place in some Village in Bali. There are also times when the entire island celebrated the same Holiday, such as at Galungan, Kuningan, Nyepi day, Saraswati day, Tumpek Landep day, Pagerwesi day, Tumpek Wayang day etc. The dedication or inauguration day of a Temple is considered its birth day and celebration always takes place on the same day if the wuku or 210 day calendar is used. When new moon is used then the celebration always happens on new moon or full moon. The day of course can differ the religious celebration of a temple lasts at least one full day with some temple celebrating for three days while the celebration of Besakih temple, the Mother Temple, is never less than 7 days and most of the time it lasts for 11 days, depending on the importance of the occasion. The celebration is very colorful. The shrine are dressed with pieces of cloths and sometimes with brocade, sailings, decorations of carved wood and sometimes painted with gold and Chinese coins, very beautifully arranged, are hung in the four corners of the shrine. In front of shrine are placed red, white or black umbrellas depending which Gods are worshipped in the shrines. In front of important shrine one sees, besides these umbrellas soars, tridents and other weapons, the “umbulumbul”, long flags, all these are prerogatives or attributes of Holiness. In front of the Temple gate put up “Penjor”, long bamboo poles, decorated beautifully ornaments of young coconut leaves, rice and other products of the land. Most beautiful to see are the girls in their colorful attire, carrying offerings, arrangements of all kinds fruits and colored cakes, to the Temple. Every visitor admires the grace with which the carry their load on their heads.
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Health
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
International
Zurich begins experiment with drive-in ‘sex boxes’ Associated Press WRiter
ZURICH — No car, no sex. That’s the rule for an experiment Zurich is launching Monday to make prostitution less of a public nuisance and safer for women. Switzerland has long been famous for its mountaineering, chocolate and precision watches, but a lesser known aspect is its legal prostitution since 1942, for which its largest city is one of the main centers in Europe. Fashionably teak-colored open wooden garages, popularly called “sex boxes” by the Swiss media, will be open for business for drivein customers. The several dozen sex workers who are expected to make it their new hub will stand along a short road in a small, circular park for clients to choose from and negotiate with. The park was built in a former industrial area nestled between a rail yard and the fence along a major highway. The publicly funded facilities — open all night and located away from the city center — include bathrooms, lockers, small cafe tables and a laundry and shower. Men won’t have to worry about video surveillance cameras, but the sex workers — who will need a permit and pay a small tax — will be provided with a panic button and on-site social workers trained to look after them. As far as Daniel Hartmann, a Zurich lawyer, is concerned, it’s a win-win situation. “Safety for the prostitutes. At least it’s a certain kind of a shelter
for them. They can do their business, and I respect them,” he said. “They do a great job, and they have better working conditions here. ... They’re not exposed to the bosses, to the pimps, in here.” On Saturday, Hartmann was one of several hundred residents, including many women and a small throng of journalists, who flocked to the only “open house” that Zurich will offer to give the public a better idea of how its taxpayer money has been used. Most of the visitors said they came out of curiosity and haven’t really come to terms with the idea, but hope it will at least improve safety. Others were amazed and a bit amused that a whole group of strangers would spend a rainy afternoon openly discussing professional sex. Brigitta Hanselmann, a retired special needs schoolteacher from Embrach, Switzerland, said: “I have to think about it for a long time, because it’s so incredible that a city offers that to the men, and it’s interesting that there are many, many women here who are looking at it.” She called the sex boxes “an effort to control a thing that you can’t really control.” Voters in Zurich approved spending up to 2.4 million Swiss
AP Photo/John Heilprin
In this Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013 photo, a row of open wooden garage-style “sex boxes” are seen in Zurich, Switzerland. Prostitutes will be concentrated in a small city park built for more than USD $2 million in the Altstetten area of Zurich. francs ($2.6 million) on the project last year as a way of relocating the sex traffic away from a busy downtown area where it had become a
21 measles cases linked to megachurch in Texas Associated Press Writer
AP Photo/The Dallas Morning News, Mona Reeder
This Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013 photo shows the Eagle Mountain International Church in Newark, Texas. The megachurch, linked to at least 21 measles cases, has been trying to contain the outbreak by hosting vaccination clinics, officials said Monday, Aug. 26, 2013.
DALLAS — At least 21 cases of the measles have been linked to a Texas megachurch where an official says they have been trying to contain the outbreak by hosting vaccination clinics. In a recent sermon posted online, senior pastor Terri Pearsons encouraged those who haven’t been vaccinated to do so, while also noting if they think they’ve “got this covered in your household by faith” not to do it. The outbreak started when a person who contracted the measles overseas visited Eagle Mountain International Church in Newark, located about north of Fort Worth, Texas. Officials with area health departments said Monday that those affected by the outbreak range in age from 4-months to 44years-old. All of the school-aged children with the measles were homeschooled.
public nuisance and safety concern due to lack of sanitation, aggressive men, and associated drugs and violence. The city, which only
Bali News
International
Rupiah weakens, silversmith revives Bali Post
DENPASAR - The depreciation of rupiah exchange rate touching the value of IDR 11,000 per U.S. dollar became a blessing for the artisans and exporters in Bali. Aside from the Indonesian Textile Association (API) of Bali admitting to have been uplifted by the condition, the silversmiths could also revive from their sluggishness due to the impact of the strengthening U.S. dollar. Such condition was also acknowledged by a silversmith of Bali, Nyoman Mudita, in Denpasar. Balinese artisans whose productions were oriented in overseas markets were benefited with the condition. The depreciation of rupiah against the U.S. dollar would affect the purchasing power of the overseas markets. “When viewed from the perspective of exporters, this condition is very favorable, though in general, it is very worrying. We hope the rupiah exchange rate against the U.S. dollar can return to normal …around IDR 8,500 per U.S. dollar,” he said. According to him, the depreciation of rupiah had not affected the production process of silversmiths in Bali because the imported silver raw material was still sold for IDR 7,600,000 per kg. In contrast, the price of gold even rose to IDR 500,000 per gram. “The price of silver raw material remains stable or has not increased. Regarding the markets, the silver handicraft products of Bali is dominated by the U.S. market and then followed by the Netherlands and other European markets,” he said. Other than for export market, the silver products were also in demand in the domestic market. Moreover, it
had become alternative accessories following the soaring price of gold. “Silver-based products and accessories are increasingly popular among young women and housewives, so the domestic market is getting widely open,” he revealed. Based on the existing data, the export value of Bali handicraft from January to May 2013 amounted to USD 90.89 million. That figure rose 1.28 percent when compared to the same period in 2012, which reached USD 89.74 million. Advisory Board of the Indonesian Textile Association (API) of Bali, AA Ngurah Mahendra, previously said the difference in the U.S. dollar exchange rate against the rupiah could increase the profit margins of textile exports of Bali. “Suffering due to slight difference of the Product Main Price (HPP) from the selling price due to expensive price of raw materials and high production costs can be paid by the slight increase in profits due to the difference in the U.S. dollar exchange rate against the rupiah,” he said. Ngurah Mahendra admitted the Product Main Price of Indonesian textile products was too high, so it was hard for textile entrepreneurs
IBP/Net
A craftsman working on a piece of silver jewelry in his workshop. The depreciation of rupiah exchange rate touching the value of IDR 11,000 per U.S. dollar became a blessing for the artisans and exporters in Bali. in Bali to compete against foreign competitors. This condition required the textile entrepreneurs to create innovative products and still make an efficiency effort so that
allows prostitution in certain areas, also plans to spend 700,000 francs ($760,000) a year to keep the sex boxes running.
ATLANTA — There’s been a big shift in how many U.S. school districts take money from soda companies and ban junk food from vending machines, health officials say. A government survey found 44 percent of school districts banned junk food from vending machines last year, up from 30 percent in 2006. It also found drops in how many districts took a cut of soft drink sales, received donations from soda companies, or allowed soda company advertising. Those are considered positive steps in helping the U.S. reduce the number of children who are overweight and obese. But it’s not clear to how much
impact the changes are having. The overall proportion of U.S. children who are overweight or obese has been holding steady at around 17 percent, according to government statistics. Experts say that diet and exercise at home are at least as important as what kids are exposed to in school. “There are lots and lots of factors that go into obesity rates,” said Nancy Brener, lead author of the government report on the study. She is a health scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The findings come from a detailed government survey last year of more than 800 U.S. school districts. The CDC does the study every six years. The CDC released the latest findings Monday.
the business could survive. “Formerly, there were many textile businessmen in Bali, but now many of them have gone bankrupt. Our members used to be 125 busi-
nessmen and then only 50 businessmen can survive. They meet the demand of export market to Japan, Eastern Europe including the United States,” he added. (kmb27)
Faculty of Medicine held BISS 2013
Fewer US school districts promote junk food, soda Associated Press Writer
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
IBP
IBP/Courtesy of Ayu Gina
The BISS 2013 inaugurated with striking gong during the opening ceremony. Witnessing this ceremony, Event Chairman of BISS, Made Ayu Gina Purwaningtyas (left).
DENPASAR - Bali International Summer School (BISS) 2013 is an event which is held by International Affair Department of Student Association Faculty of Medicine Udayana University. According to Event Chairman of BISS, Made Ayu Gina Purwaningtyas, this year, the theme of BISS is “Integration of Knowledge, Nature, and Culture in Dealing with Tropical Diseases in Travel Medicine”. She said, the event is undergone for a week, start at August 17th to August 23rd, 2013. The activities of this event are so variant, such as Opening Ceremony, Lecture, Workshop, Gathering Night, Culture Day, City Tour, Hospital Visit, International Guest Lecture and Farewell Party. “This event is followed by 18
participants from local (Jakarta, Medan, Aceh, Palembang, Banjarmasin, Bandung, and Lampung) also overseas (Tunisia, Netherlands, and Italy). The participants are students who are studying in medical school and also other major which is still related to medical importance,” she explained. The participants look so enthusiastic in following the activities of BISS 2013. One of participant from Italy, Luca, confessed that planting the paddy in the rice field which was done at the third day of BISS, was his first experience. He looked so excited in following that activity. BISS is not only the place to raise the knowledge for all participants. But also, for making new friends and enjoying this Heaven Island, Bali. It’s expected that the existence of BISS could be kept for the following years. (kmb18)
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Bali News
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
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Buleleng Festival Involves 3,000 Artists
Japan postpones launch of new, cheaper rocket
Buleleng Festival Involves 3000 Artists. Present Typical Culture of BulelengThe Buleleng Festival (Bulfest), a cultural event organized in Northern Bali, was ascertained to take place festively. Approximately 3,000 traditional and national and even international artists were engaged in such first event. The event presenting a combination of the art, culture, education and social environment was held for three days (Aug 23 to 25). The festival opened by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Jero Wacik, truly became a cultural extravaganza. All the traditional and modern art studios existing in Buleleng made their performance specifically. They were ranging from the dance, music, vocals and theater. The performing arts were commenced by the presentation of Teruna Jaya Dance en masse by involving 300 dancers. The dancers showed off their movement expression along the road from Jalan Ngurah Rai to the Singa Ambara Raja statue and Singaraja City Park. A total of 2,000 skewers of satay had been prepared by the committee on the first day of the Bulfest. Location of the roasting was on Jalan Veteran Singaraja (zone of culinary market) with a 20-meter long grill. It showed off the evidence if the maritime potential of Buleleng was very good. Exhibition of ancient painting presented the works of maestros from Buleleng whose original collections were stored in the Museum of the Netherlands. There were also cartoons and drawing competition for young painters. Meanwhile, craft exhibition featured the various handicraft works of the Buleleng County made of bamboo, metal, aluminum, wood, coconut shells, woven coconut leaf’s rib, weaving, leather puppets, fish skin, glass painting and endek clothes. Children, adult and women gamelan troupe also appeared
TOKYO - Japan on Tuesday canceled the launch of a new rocket it hopes will be a cheaper and more efficient way of putting satellites into space, saying it suffered a problem that aborted the countdown 19 seconds before it was supposed to blast off.
Present Typical Culture of Buleleng
through the competition of the Utsawa Merdangga Gong Kebyar. They showed off the typical gamelan music of Northern Bali, like the lelonggoran. Modern music performances also engaged the local and national artists. The event was filled with musicians from Buleleng such as Mr. Botax, Ayu Laksmi, Ketut Bimbo, Yong Sagita and others. Meanwhile, various cuisines on display consisted of mengguh kedongkol, tuna skin crackers, jukut blook, fish satay, blayag sauce, konteng toffee, laklak, cerorot, egg bean, catfish brittle, catfish satay and meatballs, sudang lepet, jukut buangit, empol peyalin, snakefruit sprout, mengguh, turtle egg cake, sirat bendu, jukut ares, sudang lepet, jukut undis, lempog, and plengos ikan. More interestingly, in the Bulfest event was also held the selection of Buleleng tourism girl. A total of 15 beautiful and smart girls had been provided with training on cultural tourism. These girls were nominees who had passed through the selection. The national singer Cinta Laura once asked to become the Ambassador of Buleleng Tourism early 2013 also served as a guest judge in the Tourism Girl Contest. National designer from Buleleng, Gede Yudi Ardana Putra, explored the typical weaving treasures of Buleleng or known as Tenun Sinabun. The exploration was displayed and exhibited in the Bulfest. His best works were presented by experienced models from Buleleng. A number of local art directors from Buleleng whose works had been recognized nationally, also had the opportunity to showcase their works. They were Putu Satria Kusuma, Gede Seen, Putu Wijaya Kusuma, and IGP Wiranegara. They showcased the documentary film as well as short films shown every day starting at 7:00 p.m. at the official residence of the regent of Buleleng
Associated Press Writer
IBP/File
One of the slum area in Denpasar
Inadequate infrastructure triggers slums at Kelan Mangupura (Bali Post)—
The rapid development has an impact on social and environmental conditions of a region and emergence of slums is one of them. Aside from the impact of development, the proliferation of slums is also considered to have been triggered by lack of maximal area arrangement by the government. For instance, it happened at Kelan customary village, Tuban village, Kuta subdistrict. Though it is located near the Ngurah Rai Airport as one of the entrance gates of Bali as well as various tourist accommodations, the slums are still inevitable. The slums at Kelan can be found at a number of locations. It was recognized by hamlet chief of Kelan Abian I Ketut Kadi, and hamlet chief of Kelan Nyoman Redayasa, Monday (Aug 26). According to Ketut Kadi, a number of poorly arranged settlements could
be found. Many infrastructures like roads remained unworthy. Similarly, the drainage and water supply facilities for the community were relatively unable to meet people’s expectation whereas the availability of the infrastructure was very important especially in terms of public health. The other problems faced by Kelan, added Redayasa, were chaotic cable installation and waste. So far, the existence of the hindering cables seemed to have been poorly managed and had made the tourism imaging of the region dissatisfactory.
He said that various problems and the unavailability of adequate infrastructure at Kelan had triggered the emergence of slums. Local community had tried to handle it. However, these efforts were not optimal because the government did not fully support. “It has actually been revealed in the aspiration delivery by community to legislators. Unfortunately, there has been no response from the government,” he said. Both hamlet chiefs hoped the government to respond to the aspirations of Kelan community immediately. Provision of adequate infrastructure was expected to be immediately realized. “If the infrastructure is adequate and well ordered, we have confidence that people will participate actively in keeping the region and making it more beautiful and comfortable,” said Kadi. (kmb25)
Many protected forests in Kintamani wrongly used Bangli (Bali Post)—
The existence of forests in Kintamani region seems to need serious attention. It does not only a matter of declining forest areas, but many forest areas in Kintamani are also wrongly used. Not a few of forest areas are taken advantage for plantations. Besides, the protected forests that must be conserved are even established with illegal buildings. Related to the matter, the Head of Bangli Agriculture, Plantation and Forestry Agency, I Wayan Su-
karnata, when asked for his confirmation on Monday (Aug 26) did not dismiss such condition. He said that many protected forest areas in Kintamani were indeed wrongly used. For example, the protected forests that should become conservation area were even converted into plantation area. “Yes, in reality some protected forest areas are indeed taken advantage for plantations by residents,” said Sukarnata. Other than converted into plantation, he admitted the protected forest areas of Kintamani were also
rampantly established with illegal buildings. Those unlicensed buildings were found around the area of Jati Temple. However, so far the problems rarely got the attention from the leaders and relevant parties to rescue the forest. Based on the record of the Bangli Agriculture, Plantation and Forestry Agency, the forest areas in the Kintamani region currently reached 9,341.28 hectares, consisting of 6,200.28 hectares of protected forest, 435 hectares of limited production forest and 2,075 hectares of
nature forest. However, Sukarnata admitted that his party had no authority for the handling of protected forest areas. He said the authority of handling the protected forest, production forest and tourism forest lay in the East Bali Forest Management Unit (KPH). “Our authority in the Agriculture, Plantation and Forestry Agency is only related to the maintenance, and more focused on the people’s forests,” said Sukarnata. Related to the maintenance efforts for the forest area in Kinta-
mani, Sukarnata recently admitted that his side had made socialization with some foundations concerned about the environment. As planned, in 2014 his party would make reforestation by planting 50 hectares of bamboo in the forest behind the Kintamani Hills. The bamboo plant was chosen for the reforestation in the region considering it had a number of functions which could be used in the production of materials, reclamation materials as well as control of water cycle. (ina)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency official Yuko Hoshikawa said an automatic countdown for the threestage Epsilon rocket stopped when an irregularity in the rocket posture was detected. No further details were immediately available on the scrapped launch from a space center on the southern Japan island of Kyushu. JAXA President Naoki Okumura said the cause of the problem is under investigation and that he could not say how soon the launch could be rescheduled. “Finding the cause is our first and foremost task,” he told a televised news conference. “We must examine what happened today, and our next launch depends on what we find out.” The Epsilon is the first new rocket design for Japan since the H2A was
introduced in 2001. The H2A continues to be Japan’s primary rocket but officials are hoping development of the Epsilon will lead to improvements in the much more costly H2A program as well. Japan hopes to compete more aggressively in the international rocket-launching business. “We are so sorry we failed to live up to the expectations,” Okumura said. Japan’s space policy minister Ichita Yamamoto said Tuesday’s launch cancellation was unfortunate but that does not change Japan’s policy to set Epsilon as a centerpiece of Japanese space business. “I hope the cause is promptly identified and necessary measures are taken so that we can see a successful launch as soon as possible,” he said. Tuesday’s rocket was to carry the SPRINT-A, the first space telescope
specifically designed to observe other planets. It is to be used to watch Venus, Mars and Jupiter. According to JAXA, the Epsilon costs about 3.8 billion yen ($40 million), one-third the cost of the H2A. The rocket is about 24 meters (80 feet) tall, half the size of the H2A, and can be assembled and readied for launch in just one week, one-sixth of the time required for the H2A. The Epsilon rocket, which uses a solid-fuel propellant, is meant to broaden the range of space missions Japan is able to perform and lower the hurdles to space by streamlining the launch process. JAXA says the rocket’s extensive use of computer technology means monitoring work that once required a fully staffed control room can now be done essentially on a single laptop. “If we hope to make the access to space much easier, more sophisticated factors are required,” project manager Yasuhiro Morita said in a pre-launch statement. “We are trying to make rocket launches much simpler and ordinary events.”
Brazil’s foreign minister resigns amid tension Associated Press Writer
to travel to that nation until the Bolivian government agreed with Brazil’s RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil’s action. Brazil’s Foreign Ministry said president named a new foreign when it granted Pinto’s asylum that minister Monday night following an it must follow that rule under a 1954 embarrassing diplomatic maneuver convention on diplomatic asylum. involving neighboring Bolivia. The As long as the Bolivian government resignation of Foreign Minister refused to agree with Brazil’s grantAntonio Patriota ing of asylum, was announced in Pinto could a terse, two-paraeither stay in graph statement the Brazilian from the office of Embassy in La President Dilma Paz for as long Rousseff. as he wished, The statement or give up his named Luiz Alasylum reberto Figueiredo, quest. a career diplomat But in reand most recently cent weeks, Brazil’s head of Brazilian mission at the diplomats staUnited Nations, tioned in La as the new forPaz became eign minister. He concerned served only two about Pinto’s months as the health. Diplohead of Brazil’s mat Eduardo U.N. delegation. Saboia, who A Rousseff was stationed spokeswoman REUTERS/Carlo Allegri at the embassaid Patriota, a Mark Lyall Grant of Britain (L) hands over a symbolic Olympic baton to Luiz sy in La Paz, former ambassa- Alberto Figueiredo Machado of Brazil following a ceremony at the United said he made dor to the U.S., Nations in New York, July 29, 2013. the decision would now take to smuggle the top spot at the U.N. against Morales. It accuses Pinto of Pinto into Brazil on Sunday because The shake-up at Brazil’s foreign corruption and wants him on criminal he thought the lawmaker was in morministry came one day after Bolivian charges including economic damage tal danger. Sen. Roger Pinto was spirited into to the state from when he was govSpeaking to Globo News on MonBrazil after spending 452 days in ernor of the northern state of Pando, day, Saboia called Pinto a “politically the Brazilian Embassy in Bolivia’s which borders Brazil. persecuted person” and said he acted capital of La Paz. Despite winning asylum from to save the senator’s life because his Pinto, a member of Bolivia’s small Brazil in 2012, Pinto wasn’t allowed health was deteriorating. right-wing opposition bloc in congress, accuses President Evo Morales’ government of corruption, though he has provided no evidence. He said he sought asylum in Brazil’s embassy after he and his family received death threats. Bolivia’s government says Pinto’s exile is an opposition smear campaign
AP Photo/Kyodo News
An Epsilon rocket stays on the launch pad at the time of its launch at the Uchinoura Space Center in Kimotsuki town, Kagoshima, western Japan, Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 27, 2013.
Kerry: Chemical arms use in Syria has consequences Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - Secretary of State John Kerry says there is “undeniable” evidence of a large-scale chemical weapons attack in Syria, with intelligence strongly pointing to Bashar Assad’s government - a claim Assad calls “preposterous.” Kerry said that international standards against chemical weapons “cannot be violated without consequences.” His tough language marked the clearest justification yet for any U.S. military action in Syria, which most likely would involve sea-launched cruise missile attacks on Syrian military targets. President Barack Obama has not decided how to respond to the use of deadly gases, officials said. The White House said last year that type of warfare would cross a “red line.” The U.S., along with al-
lies in Europe, appeared to be laying the groundwork for the most aggressive response since Syria’s civil war began more than two years ago. Two administration officials said the U.S. was expected to make public a more formal determination of chemical weapons use on Tuesday, with an announcement of Obama’s response likely to follow quickly. The officials insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the internal deliberations. Speaking to reporters at the State Department on Monday, Kerry was harshly critical of chemical warfare. “By any standard, it is inexcusable and - despite the excuses and equivocations that some have manufactured - it is undeniable,” said Kerry, the highest-ranking U.S. official to confirm the attack in the Damascus suburbs that activists say killed hundreds of people.
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International
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
BUSINESS
Bali Post
WASHINGTON - The US will hit its statutory debt ceiling in mid-October, making it hard for the government to meet all of its obligations after that, Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said Monday.
Associated Press
SYDNEY — Billabong reported a $769 million annual loss Tuesday that reflects a collapse in the value of its once hot surf and street fashion brands. The company said it marked down the value of its assets by Australian dollars 867 million ($776 million). That write-off resulted in a net loss of AU$859.5 million ($769 million) for the financial year ended June 30. The company has staggered through a series of business shake-ups and failed buyout of-
fers. It says it is in the final stages of debt refinancing negotiations that will allow the business to rebuild. Billabong’s global sales for the year fell 13 percent to AU$1.34 billion reflecting store closures, Europe’s weak economy and the fading allure of its brands. The Billabong and other brands owned by the retailer were valued at AU$90 million in the company’s financial statements released Tuesday, down from AU$614 million two years earlier. The company’s shares closed down 5.3 percent in Sydney.
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Introduce Balinese culture and hospitality
Agence France-Presse
Billabong brand value collapses, posts giant loss
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Miss World 2013 in Bali
US to hit debt ceiling in mid-October In a letter to Congress, Lew urged legislators to raise the limit from the current $16.7 trillion, saying to not do so “would cause irreparable harm to the American economy.” The Treasury has been operating under the ceiling since it reached that level on May 17, helped by “extraordinary measures” to manage expenditures and a surge in receipts above forecasts. However, Lew said, “Based on our latest estimates, extraordinary measures are projected to be exhausted in the middle of October. At that point, the United States will have reached the limit of its borrowing authority, and Treasury would be left to fund the government with only the cash we have on hand on any given day.” That “would place the United States in an unacceptable position,” Lew said, unable to serve rising commitments to issue payments for health and retirement needs and not able to pay the required salaries. Moreover, he warned, if investor demand for US government debt declines, the country could face an immediate cash shortfall. “Indeed, such a scenario could undermine financial markets and result in significant disruptions to our economy.”
Bali News
International
REUTERS/Charles Platiau
A couple ride on Velib self-service public bicycles as they cross a group of tourists who make their way along the Seine River on Segways as late summer weather continues in Paris August 26, 2013. International tourist numbers surged by 5.2 percent to nearly half a billion people worldwide in the first half of 2013, beating earlier expectations, the United Nation’s World Tourism Organisation said Monday.
World tourism shows surprise surge
Agence France-Presse
MADRID - International tourist numbers surged by 5.2 percent to nearly half a billion people worldwide in the first half of 2013, beating earlier expectations, the United Nation’s World Tourism Organisation said Monday. Some 494 million international tourists spent at least one night abroad in the first six months of the year, the Madrid-based agency said in a report of preliminary results for the period. As a result of the “robust” per-
formance, the WTO said it was boosting its 2013 forecast. After originally tipping growth of three to four percent for the whole year, it now expects the increase to be at the higher end of that range “or to slightly exceed it”. Europe enjoyed growth of 5.1 percent in international tourist numbers in the six months, it said. The Asia-Pacific region reported growth of 6.2 percent including an 11.6 percent surge in tourists going to Southeast Asia. But results were weaker than
anticipated in the Americas, which posted growth of just 2.2 percent. International tourist numbers grew 3.1 percent in North America, but South America reported growth of just 0.3 percent and the Caribbean had growth of a meagre 0.1 percent. In Africa, international tourist arrivals rose by 3.8 percent. In the Middle East, tourist numbers soared by 12.9 percent, but these figures should be viewed “with caution” because of uneven results and limited data, the report said.
DENPASAR - Implementation of the Miss World 2013 in Indonesia definitely poses an honor. Moreover, the participants from 130 countries will also carry out a number of activities in Bali. Four counties that will become priorities for the implementation of the Miss World in Bali are Badung, Tabanan, Gianyar and Denpasar. Meanwhile, on this island they will be introduced to Balinese culture and hospitality. The Miss World 2013 activity had been opened in a coordination meeting at the Rupatama Hall of Bali Police, Monday (Aug 26). The meeting was attended by the Chief of Bali Police Arif Wahyunadi, Commander of the IX Udayana Military Command Wisnu Bawa Tenaya and the Committee of Miss World 2013. In the beauty pageant activity, the participants would be in Indonesia for a month. Police Chief Arief appealed to all communities to support the international activity. He hoped the event could take place smoothly, safely and under control. “Hopefully, everything goes smoothly. If the event can run smoothly and safely, Indonesia will surely be appreciated by the world community. Moreover, the activity is also held in Bali,” he said. He explained the safeguard of the Miss World 2013 had been prepared. Since the participants were women, then the security guard would be consisting of policewomen and woman army. Safeguards would be in place where the activity and routes took place. By all means, the safeguarding would also involve military and police personnel. “This safeguard system will be corresponding to international standards,” explained the former NTB Police Chief to reporters. In addition, the Police Chief said the entire event held in Bali should be beneficial for society as a whole. Not only that, it should also comply with the applicable norms in Bali. Meanwhile, the organizers of the Miss World 2013, Liliana Tanu Soedibjo expressed her gratitude for the support extended by police, military and local governments. The Miss World held in Indonesia was to introduce the country to the world. She added that Indonesia would be able to show it off to the world community. Then, she also explained there would be no session where the participants put on bikini. They would even be introduced to tourist resorts across Indonesia. Later on, the activities would be uploaded via the internet, twitter, websites and broadcast on television simultaneously throughout 130 countries. (kmb21)
IBP/Courtesy of ICRAF
Meine van Noordwijk, chair of the local conference organizing committee and leader of a global research project on environmental services for the World Agroforestry Centre speak during the conference.
Environmental costs should include in growth figures IBP
TABANAN - Experts call on governments worldwide to include environmental costs in annual growth figures and investment decisions to ensure that current and future generations can enjoy the services provided by nature. Clear environmental accounting that includes the cost to the environment of any development can help nations achieve real, sustainable economic growth, said Meine van Noordwijk, chair of the local conference organizing committee and leader of a global research project on environmental services for the World Agroforestry Centre. He was speaking ahead of the Annual International Ecosystem Services Partnership (ESP) Conference, 26–30 August, on the island of Bali in Indonesia. “Neglecting to account for the real cost to the environment of national development decisions means we are borrowing from future generations and creating a false account of economic growth,” said van Noordwijk. He stated that better information about the costs incurred by the environment and their impact on human societies combined with real-cost accounting by governments will help protect ecosystems and the essential services they provide. More than 400 environmental economists and experts on environmental services are gathered in Bali this week for a conference on the subject. Their research results will help policymakers, businesses and communities better manage the planet’s remaining natural re-
sources. The World Agroforestry Centre, which is a world leader in research into environmental services, is the local organizer of the conference. Accordung to Noordwijk, the theme of this year’s conference is “Making ecosystem services count”. This mean is that this cannot be an afterthought; environmental values must be at the decision table in hard numbers that match economic growth projections. “For example, the Government of Indonesia wants more than 6% economic growth. To achieve this, might natural capital feed this growth by more than 4% per year? In such a case, what is the real growth achieved? And for how long can it be sustained if the basis of the growth is being consumed irreplaceably. We don’t have the answers for these questions because the Government’s statistical bureau is not yet
compiling standardized data that allows these kinds of comparisons to be made,” he said. According to scientists at the conference, what underpins these issues is the need to rethink our approach to nature. “While it’s important to recognize and fully account for the economic value of nature’s services to us,” said Robert Costanza, professor of public policy at the Australian National University. Costanza explained that we now live in the Anthropocene, where humans are drastically changing our ecological life-support systems. “If we really want to prosper and live well, we are going to need a new vision of the economy and its relationship to the rest of the world. We need a new economics that realizes that economy is embedded in society and cultures that are themselves embedded in environmental life-support sys-
tems and that the economy cannot grow forever on a finite planet,” Costanza mentioned. Key information is needed to develop policies that support a new vision of the economy. First we need to be able to better understand what ecosystems are and what services they provide. The value of those services will then have to be accounted for and ways to include the costs in the accounting and how to share the benefits must be identified. “Finally, we have to know how to monitor and evaluate these services, to ensure accountability,” said van Noordwijk. More information on such costs and clear accounting will help determine the incentives needed by different stakeholders to maintain and protect ecosystem services, he said. A 2012 study has estimated that the total values of ecosystem services provided by various ecosystems, including marine and land-based ones, can reach between 490 international dollars per year for a hectare of open oceans and almost 350,000 international dollars per year for a hectare of coral reefs. (kmb18)
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
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International
India’s Sonia Gandhi discharged from hospital
Associated Press Writer
NEW DELHI - Sonia Gandhi, the leader of India’s ruling Congress Party and the country’s most powerful politician, has been discharged from a hospital after falling ill during a debate in Parliament, the health minister said Tuesday. Gandhi underwent a series of medical tests during the five hours she spent in the hospital late Monday and was then allowed to return home, Ghulam Nabi Azad told journalists. Gandhi, 67, had been suffering from fever for two days, but still decided to deliver Monday’s parliamentary speech in support of a landmark bill that proposes to provide cheaper grain to more than 800 million across the country. Gandhi felt unwell during the 9-hour long debate on the food security bill in the lower house of Parliament and was escorted to a hospital by her son Rahul and other Congress party colleagues. “She is perfectly fine. There is nothing to worry,” Azad said. Doctors have advised her to rest for a few days, he said. Gandhi is the Italian-born widow of slain former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. After his death, she entered politics reluctantly but has led the Congress party to successive election triumphs in 2004 and 2009.
Mumbai gang-rape suspects were feared in the slums AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
A fire truck drives past burning trees as firefighters continue to battle the Rim Fire near Yosemite National Park, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 26, 2013.
As Mumbai reels over the gang-rape of a young photographer in the heart of the city last week, angry neighbours of the arrested suspects describe a gang of jobless youths known for petty theft and drinking. The five men are accused of repeatedly raping the 22-year-old woman and attacking her male colleague in an abandoned mill compound in central Mumbai, which was known as a haven for drink and drug addicts. While smart neighbourhoods of luxury apartments, office blocks and malls are close to the scene of the crime, most of the accused gang members hailed from nearby slums where they earned themselves an unfavourable reputation. “They were local criminals,” said Ajit Pevekar, a 32-year-old neighbour and community worker. The eldest suspect, 27-year-old Mohammed Salim Ansari, was the last to be arrested on Sunday in New Delhi after fleeing from his home in eastern Mumbai. His four alleged accomplices, aged between 18 and 24 according to police, were from nearer the mill in slums surrounding Dhobi Ghat, a site famed as the world’s largest outdoor laundry.
California Rim Fire showers ash on reservoir
Shanghai ‘roasts’ the giant Rubber Duck
City officials say they are moving water to lower reservoirs and monitoring supplies for contamination. The blaze is also threatening thousands of homes and some of California’s renowned giant sequoia trees. On Monday officials said the fire was 15% contained after burning for more than a week - up from 2% containment on Friday. Strong winds are making the fires more difficult to control. “This fire has continued to pose every challenge that there can be on a fire,” said Daniel Berlant of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Shanghai has served up a “roasted” version of a Dutch artist’s giant yellow duck, complete with drumsticks and crispy brown skin. Florentijn Hofman’s Rubber Duck installation gained rave reviews when a 16.5 metre-tall (54feet) version arrived in Hong Kong this summer. Hundreds of thousands of people viewed it against the backdrop of the skyscrapers that line the city’s Victoria Harbour. Not to be outdone, Shanghai -- which is vying with Hong Kong to be China’s financial capital -- has unveiled its own version on the Huangpu River, which forms its waterfront Bund district. “The design process took place during Shanghai’s scorching hot summer days, so we just thought: ‘Let’s roast it’,” designer Han Beishi told AFP. “Other inspiration came from an ancient Chinese poem: ‘The duck knows first when the river becomes warm in spring’,” he added. Shanghai’s duck is actually a working ferry boat which state media reported Tuesday will carry passengers and host cultural performances including poetry reading. The duck’s head, at the bow, is yellow, but reversed and looking back towards its body which is made of papier mache, with jutting drumsticks and cooked wings. Several Chinese cities rushed to display versions of Hofman’s Rubber Duck -- which has been making appearances around the world since 2007 -- leading the official People’s Daily newspaper to criticise the flock of copycats.
A huge fire in and around California’s Yosemite National Park has continued to spread and now covers almost 230 sq miles (600 sq km), officials say. The Rim Fire is now raining ash on a key reservoir that supplies water and hydro-electric power to San Francisco. The blaze began on 17 August in the Stanislaus National Forest but the cause is still unknown. Trevor Augustine from Unified Rim Fire Command Group outlines the conditions facing fire crews Water threatened
Some 2,800 firefighters are tackling the flames in difficult terrain. Evacuations, some voluntary and some mandatory, are taking place. Despite the threat to some 5,000 homes, only a few have been destroyed. California Governor Jerry Brown has declared a state of
emergency for San Francisco 150 miles (220km) away as the blaze is also threatening power lines that bring electricity to the city. Ash is said to be falling like snow on the Hetch Hetchy reservoir, which supplies San Francisco with 85% of its water. Visibility in the smoke-ridden area is down to 100ft (30m), but officials say the water quality is still good. “The water we are receiving is still of good quality,’’ said Harlan Kelly Jr, general manager of the city’s Public Utilities Commission. “We’re bringing down as much water as possible and replenishing all of the local reservoirs.”
Agence France Presse
International
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
11
INDONESIA Moeldoko approved as Indonesian military chief
Antara
JAKARTA - Army General Moeldoko said modernization of the military equipment will come first in his agenda as a new Indonesian military chief. “I will prepare a working program to modernize the military equipment,” Moeldoko said here on Tuesday after the House of Representative in a plenary session approved his appointment as a new military chief. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has named Moeldoko to replace military chief Admiral Agus Suhartono, who will soon retire. Moeldoko said he will also launch a program to improve military education and recruitment system. He said he hopes the House of Representatives would approve a proposal to increase remuneration for high performing servicemen. Last week, the army chief of staff passed a fit and proper test by the Commission I of the House of Representatives.
Tubagus Hasanuddin, deputy chairman of the Commission I said Moeldoko is expected to modernize the military and strengthen its capability . On Monday the defense ministry said it will form a squadron of Apache AH-64 helicopters to be purchased from the United States. The ministry made the plan after the US government agrees to sell the high technology helicopters to Indonesia. “In order to build up our defense we will prepare an Apache squadron as combat helicopters,” Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said after a meeting with his US counterpart Chuck Hagel, here. Indonesia and the United States will co-hosts the ADMM Plus, meeting on Counter Terrorism Exercise (CTX), to be held
on 9 to 13 of September 2013 in the IPSC Sentul, Bogor. Joint military exercises between TNI and the US armed forces is important to promote the capability and professionalism of the TNI soldiers, Purnomo said. The meeting will also officially form a new area of cooperation of Experts Working Group (EWG) on Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA). With the new area of cooperation, ADMM Plus EWG will next year has six areas of cooperation -- EWG on Humanitarian Assistant and Disaster Relief (HADR), EWG on Peace Keeping Operations (PKO), EWG on Maritime Security(MS), EWG on Counter Terrorism (CT), EWG on Military Medicine (MM), and EWG on Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA).
US to sell attack helicopters to Indonesia Agence France-Presse
JAKARTA - The United States announced Monday it would sell eight Apache attack helicopters to Jakarta as it seeks to bolster ties with Southeast Asia despite concerns over the Indonesian military’s rights record. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel disclosed the $500 million deal -- which includes pilot training and radars -- on a visit to the Indonesian capital, his second stop on a week-long tour of the region. It is aimed at strengthening military ties as part of the US “pivot” towards the Asia-Pacific amid concern about Beijing’s growing assertiveness, but Hagel’s attention has been diverted from the trip by a confrontation with Syria. “Providing Indonesia these world-class helicopters is an example of our commitment to help build Indonesia’s military capabil-
ity,” said Hagel after talks with his Indonesian counterpart, Defence Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro. “A strong Indonesia is good for the region.” A defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, added that the sale of the Apache helicopters -- the first ever to the Indonesian military -- was “prudent to support security in the region”. Officials did not say when the helicopters, which are made by US aircraft maker Boeing, would be delivered. The US froze defence cooperation and arms sales to Indonesia over concerns about abuses during President Suharto’s threedecade rule, which ended in 1998. Military ties were only restored in 2005. Under Suharto the army’s special forces were accused of extrajudicial killings, and the helicopter sale comes despite continued concern about the military’s rights
record. The Dutch parliament last year rejected a proposed sale of tanks to Indonesia, its former colony, over human rights concerns. However Yusgiantoro told reporters on Monday that the armed forces had undergone a process of reform since 1998. “We have changed now.” The sale also comes amid growing concern in Washington about Beijing’s assertive stance in South China Sea disputes. While Indonesia does not have competing claims with Beijing over the sea, like others such as the Philippines, it is a major regional power and is seen as holding a key role in resolving disputes. Hagel began his Southeast Asia tour last week in Malaysia. After Jakarta, he heads to Brunei on Tuesday for a regional defence gathering that will include China. On Thursday he flies to the Philippines on his final stop.
REUTERS/Beawiharta
A schoolgirl walks past a construction site for luxury apartments in Jakarta August 27, 2013. Indonesia’s government unveiled an emergency fiscal package on Friday to promote foreign investment, reduce imports and prop up its tumbling rupiah currency, as it struggles to revive confidence in Southeast Asia’s largest economy.
Number of hotspots of land-clearance fire in Riau increases Antara
JAKARTA - The number of hotspots in Riau Province has increased significantly, with Indonesia experiencing droughts, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). “Based on the monitoring by the NOAA-18 Satellite on Tuesday, the number of hotspots in Riau is 264. The figure is almost the same as that on June 24, 2013 - 265 hotspots,” said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman for BNPB, on Tuesday. The satellite detected a total of 488 hotspots throughout Sumatra Island, including 88 hotspots in Jambi Province, and 67 in South Sumatra. The hotspots are located in peatland areas and produce thick smog. Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said in Riau Province, 76 hotspots have been detected in Pelalawan District, 42 in Indragiri Hulu District, 34 in Roran Hilir, 29 in Rokan Hilir, 26 in Kampar, 26 in Bengkalis, 14 in Kuantan Sengingi, 11 in Siak, eight in Rokan Hulu, and four in Dumai. The haze from the fire hotspots has reduced the visibility to 500 meters in Pekanbaru, forcing the postponement of some flights to and from Pekanbaru. He believes the haze would affect neither Malaysia nor Singapore as the wind direction is towards the northwest direction. The agency and the local authorities are planning to extinguish the fire hotspots through artificial rains and water bombs. “Today, we have deployed Bolco and Sikorsky helicopters to drop water bombs. The helicopters have a capacity to carry 4,500 liters of water per flight,” he stated. The fastest and cheapest way to clear new land for planting crops is by burning; however, this practice has been banned by the government. He predicted that October will the peak of forest and plantation fires in Sumatra. He said 99 percent of the fires are man-made for land clearance. Therefore, law enforcement is a must to prevent land-clearance fires, he added.
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International
LAS VEGAS — A rare series of storms had cooled the summer air to an almost tolerable level, though it was steamy as ever inside Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s gym just a few miles from the Vegas Strip.
Seseh Beach
IBP/File Photo
MUNGGU - Seseh beach located on Munggu Village in Badung district. Seseh beach located about 15 Km from Denpasar and about 55 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport.Seseh beach have black sand and great view. This beach is not crowded
7
Mayweather in fine form for a fight Associated Press Writer
IBP
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
like Kuta and Legian. Before we reach the beach, along the road we can see green rice field. In this beach we can do activity like surfing and kite surfing and see the sunset in the afternoon. For the people around the beach, they usually use the beach for religion activity like Melasti and Melarung Bumi.
AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File
File-This May 4, 2013 file photo shows Floyd Mayweather during a WBC welterweight title fight against Robert Guerrero, in Las Vegas.
Reuters
With a couple of sparring partners in front of him late Monday afternoon, Mayweather turned up the heat even more. “Right there, right there,” he yelled at the first hapless pugilist to feel his wrath. “You can’t get away. I’ll hit you when I want to.” It didn’t take Mayweather long to do just that. As the third of four rounds stretched to the 10-minute mark he connected with a rapid volley of punches, finishing it off with a left hook that rocked his opponent for the day, sending him stumbling across the ring. All in a day’s work, but there was still work to be done. Always is when it’s Mayweather in training and especially now, less than three weeks before his fight with undefeated Mexican star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. It’s a big fight, but all Mayweather fights are big. He’s the undisputed payper-view king and the Sept. 14 matchup is so attractive that the pay-per-view price is a whopping $74.95 for those watching in high definition. Though Mayweather’s last fight in May against Robert Guerrero — for which he earned $32 million — wasn’t a huge box office smash, this one should make executives at Showtime and CBS feel better about the money they laid out for boxing’s biggest draw. Better yet, he’s fighting for the second time in four months after not fighting more than once a year since 2007. “I’m ready to perform and entertain, that’s what it’s all about,” Mayweather said. “I’m a lot older now so the last five fights I have I want to go out with a bang.” The fight is the second in his six-fight deal with Showtime, which lured him
from HBO to help sell cable subscriptions and build the network’s boxing brand. He says the bouts will be the last of his career, though at the age of 36 he doesn’t seem to have lost any of the reflexes or speed that have helped him win all 44 of his fights in a professional career that began following the 1996 Olympics. What has changed is how Mayweather sells himself, even if he claims he hasn’t changed. Ever since his release from a Las Vegas jail after serving 64 days on domestic abuse charges last year, Mayweather has been the model of politeness and civility — in sharp contrast to the bad-boy persona that made him such a big attraction over the years. That’s one reason why Showtime’s All Access show on Mayweather-Alvarez seemed to fall a bit flat in the first episode. There were the requisite shots, of course, of Mayweather and Alvarez in face-offs and together on a tour promoting the bout, but there wasn’t the drama of Mayweather’s earlier fights when he could be seen yelling at his father or counting stacks of $100 bills with his former buddy, 50 Cent. That sold pay-per-views to people who spent their money hoping to either see Mayweather win or get knocked out. But Mayweather seems to either have outgrown the part or simply doesn’t want to play it anymore. “What do you mean by image? My image has always been as an entertainer, but at home I’m a great father,” Mayweather said. “There’s no bad guy, that’s an image the critics picked. My image is to make sure my kids get the best education and provide a comfortable life for my family.”
If the new Mayweather is a kinder and gentler sort outside the ring, he’s changed some inside, too. His fights sometimes tended to become tedious affairs as he sought to win without getting hit, but in recent years he has changed his style somewhat and has become more aggressive and flat-footed. It showed on Monday as he walked two sparring partners across the ring, banging away with left hooks and right hands while keeping up a steady stream of chatter. The short time between fights should be beneficial to Mayweather at his age, and he’s already inside the 152pound (69-kilogram) catch weight for the fight. “I got back into it so quick that I’m still sharp,” he said. “I feel good, real good.” Boxing fans should feel good, too, that Mayweather is taking on Alvarez, a 23-year-old who is unbeaten in 42 fights and holds a piece of the 154-pound title. Mayweather has been criticized in the past for hand-picking his opponents and refusing to fight Manny Pacquiao, but Alvarez is about as dangerous a fight as any he could take on at this stage of his career. Not that Mayweather will acknowledge any such thing. Icing his sometimes brittle hands while sitting in a dressing room after his workout, he questioned the quality of Alvarez’s opponents, and said it was just another fight to him. Another fight and another $40-million to $50-million payout that will cement his reign this year as the highest paid athlete in the world. As for Pacquiao and the fight that will likely now never happen? “I don’t even know who that is,” Mayweather said.
Serena demolishes Schiavone at U.S. Open
NEW YORK - Serena Williams needed just one hour on Monday to remind everyone why she remains the overwhelming favourite to win the U.S. Open. In one of the most one-sided matches seen on the Arthur Ashes center court, Williams demolished Italy’s Francesca Schiavone 6-0 6-1 with an ominous display of precision and power. The American showed no mercy against her opponent, who won the French Open in 2010 and was a finalist in Paris the following year, conceding just 23 points in the 60-minute romp. “I’m really excited,” she said in a courtside interview. “I knew playing a former grand slam champion in the first round was a really tough draw so I decided to be super serious.” As the most fearsome player of her generation, the 31-yearold Williams has made a career out of destroying her rivals but has rarely been as impressive as she was on Monday. With the New York crowd whooping and hollering in awe, Williams raced through the opening set in just 23 minutes, sealing it with a thunderous ace down the middle. The world number one jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the second leaving Schiavone cursing in desperation. Exasperated, she turned and hugged
a ball boy, eliciting sympathetic groans from the crowd but not a hint of pity from Williams. The Italian did at least manage to avoid the dreaded ‘double bagel’ - the ultimate humiliation for a tennis professional - when she held serve in the fifth game. But it was a just a temporary reprieve as Williams moved in for the kill, reeling off the next two games to seal a second round meeting with Galina Voskoboeva of Kazakhstan. As a statement of intent, Williams could not have been any clearer about her ambitions at Flushing Meadows over the next two weeks. With 16 grand slams titles already under her belt, she is already assured of her place in the pantheon of tennis greats but shows no signs of slowing down. Williams won her first U.S. Open in 1999 when she was just 17. Last year, she won her fourth, aged 30. If she wins again this time, she will become the oldest female champion in New York since tennis turned professional in 1968.
Serena Williams of the U.S. celebrates defeating Francesca Schiavone of Italy at the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York, August 26, 2013. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
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AP Photo/Jon Super
Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, right, attempts a bicycle kick past Chelsea’s Ramires during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday Aug. 26, 2013.
United, Chelsea draw 0-0 in Premier League
David Moyes marked his first home game in charge of United with the bold selection of Rooney against a club that has twice lodged unsuccessful offers to sign the England striker this summer. fielded an attacking lineup that contained three strikers — including Rooney — but his team lacked the attacking spark that lifted it to a season-opening 4-1 win at Swansea last weekend. Danny Welbeck wasted the home side’s best chance, scooping over from 10 yards out in the second half, but United found Chelsea center backs John Terry and Gary Cahill an impenetrable barrier. It was United’s first 0-0 league draw at Old Trafford since 2009. “I thought if anyone created the chances, it was us,” Moyes said. “It was a tight game and we just didn’t have the final cross or the final pass tonight. But I thought we played very well.” Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Mourinho in the technical area and opposite an overbearing stand bearing Ferguson’s name, Moyes was given yet more indications
9
Madrid beats Granada 1-0 amid swirling Bale rumors Associated Press Writer
That selection added extra spice to a game that is always eagerly anticipated but, despite a standout performance from Rooney in his first start of the season, neither team created a clear-cut chance in a disappointing stalemate at Old Trafford. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho opted surprisingly to start with no recognized striker, only bringing on Fernando Torres after the 60 minutes, and was happy to leave with a point that keeps his team unbeaten after three matches in his second spell in charge. Chelsea is top of the early standings on seven points. “I think for us, after two home victories, to come to the champions in their first match at home and get a point, I think it’s fine, it’s positive,” Mourinho said. Continuing the traditions of his predecessor Alex Ferguson, Moyes
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
of the size of his daunting task at United. His decision to start with Rooney, however, showed he will be his own man at United and he was treated to an impressive display from a striker who was serenaded with chants from both sets of fans. While United supporters belted out “Rooney, Rooney” throughout, Chelsea’s traveling contingent replied with: “We’ll see you next week” and “Sign him up.” It must have been a strange evening for Rooney, who indicated to United toward the end of last season that he wanted to leave and has been relentlessly — and openly — pursued by Mourinho. He coped well, though. Neat and tidy throughout in his role behind Robin van Persie, he linked up play well, tracked back, showed a good range of passing and had two shots saved by Chelsea
goalkeeper Petr Cech. In the final moments, Rooney attempted a bicycle kick from eight yards out but he failed to connect. “He’s been great in training and anybody who was watching might have seen a slightly leaner-looking Wayne,” Moyes said. “I thought he worked back, he tackled, he chased ... I think Wayne has a positive mind at the moment. “I think his performance tonight said enough.” Robin van Persie has replaced Rooney as the leading striker at United but he had a quiet night up against Terry and Cahill, with a 23rd-minute shot into the sidenetting the Dutchman’s only real chance. At the other end, Oscar had two low efforts easily saved by United goalkeeper David de Gea in the first half but Chelsea’s counter-attacks were sporadic and ineffective. Despite fielding a plethora of playmakers and attacking midfielders, Mourinho — strongly linked
with the United job before Moyes replaced Alex Ferguson — tellingly chose not to start Juan Mata, who has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge. The Spain international — one of the league’s top performers last season — was on the bench with compatriot Torres, who was introduced on the hour to finally give Chelsea an attacking outlet. But it was United looking slightly more dangerous, Welbeck scooping over the bar when well-placed after receiving Rooney’s disguised pass. Errors remained frequent, though. One five-second passage of play summed the game up, when Torres passed straight to Patrice Evra, who then slid the ball out of play trying to find Van Persie. In one of the many subplots surrounding the game, John Terry and Rio Ferdinand played against each other for the first time since Terry allegedly racially abused Ferdinand’s brother, Anton, in a league match in October 2011. The pair shook hands before kickoff.
GRANADA, Spain — Karim Benzema scored to give Real Madrid a 1-0 win at Granada in the Spanish league Monday amid growing speculation the club is close to a blockbuster deal to sign Wales winger Gareth Bale. Madrid started brightly thanks to the playmaking of Angel Di Maria which led to Benzema’s goal in the 10th minute, but left Granada with the chance to snatch the draw late. Madrid joined defending champion Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal as the only teams to win the first two rounds of the season. Madrid’s offer to English club Tottenham for Bale is reportedly similar to the record 80 million pounds (then $131 million) it paid for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009. And while it appeared the transfer was close to being done over the weekend, Bale remained a Tottenham player and is expected back with his team after a two-
day break to rest a hurt foot he used to visit the southern Spanish resort town of Marbella. If Bale’s possible arrival wasn’t enough to distract from the action on the pitch at Los Carmenes Stadium, there was also the sight of Spain and Madrid captain Iker Casillas sitting on the bench for a second consecutive match under coach Carlo Ancelotti. Despite a week of pressure by Spanish media to see Casillas returned to Madrid’s goal, Ancelotti stuck with Lopez in goal and maintained former coach Jose Mourinho’s decision from last season to reduce Casillas to the role of backup. Ancelotti said his decision was because “Diego’s playing well right now. There’s nothing else to say.” Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa called on Madrid’s fans to unite behind the team and let rest the debate over the goalkeeper. “I support them both, Lopez and Iker, just like my teammates do, and I think it would be interesting if the public did the same,”
he said. Even though Madrid has two wins in as many games, it has struggled to take the first six points of the season after needing a late goal to edge Real Betis in Ancelotti’s debut. “We are in the second round, with a new coach and new players,” said Arbeloa. “It’s normal that we are not at our top level. We are trying to do it the best we can, but it takes time.” Bale might be tagged to be Madrid’s next big threat up front, but in the meantime Di Maria put on an all-around attacking display against the overmatched Granada in the first half hour. AP Photo/Andres Kudacki
Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema from France, front, celebrates his goal with team mates during a Spanish La Liga soccer match against Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013.
Fiorentina’s Rossi scores first goal since injury nightmare Reuters
AP Photo/Fabrizio Giovannozzi
Fiorentina striker Giuseppe Rossi scores, right, during a Serie A soccer match between Fiorentina and Cagliari, at the Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Monday, Aug. 26, 2013.
Giuseppe Rossi scored his first goal since recovering from successive knee ligament injuries to set Fiorentina on the way to a 2-1 win over Catania in their opening Serie A game on Monday. David Pizarro scored the winner for Fiorentina while Mario Gomez hit the post on his debut for the Viola after his move from Bayern Munich, all in the first half. Rossi, who joined Fiorentina in January, got the game off to an emotional start when he slotted the ball past Mariano Andujar in the 14th minute for his first goal since his injury nightmare. The 26-year-old’s troubles began when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his right knee while player for Villarreal in a Spanish league match against Real Madrid in October 2011. The U.S.-born Italy forward re-injured the knee in training during the following April, causing him to miss Euro 2012, and, after moving to Fiorentina, finally made his comeback against Pescara in May. Pablo Barrientos, one of nine Argentines in the Catania starting lineup, equalised eight minutes later from close range, rewarding the Sicilians for a spell of pressure. Chile midfielder David Pizarro rifled Fiorentina back in front from the edge of the area before Gomez hit the post when he should have scored. Neither goalkeeper had much to do in the second half as the pace of the game dropped. Twice former champions Fiorentina finished fourth last season, just missing out on a Champions League playoff place, while Catania surpassed expectations by finishing eighth.
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
International
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AP Photo/Jon Super
Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, right, attempts a bicycle kick past Chelsea’s Ramires during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday Aug. 26, 2013.
United, Chelsea draw 0-0 in Premier League
David Moyes marked his first home game in charge of United with the bold selection of Rooney against a club that has twice lodged unsuccessful offers to sign the England striker this summer. fielded an attacking lineup that contained three strikers — including Rooney — but his team lacked the attacking spark that lifted it to a season-opening 4-1 win at Swansea last weekend. Danny Welbeck wasted the home side’s best chance, scooping over from 10 yards out in the second half, but United found Chelsea center backs John Terry and Gary Cahill an impenetrable barrier. It was United’s first 0-0 league draw at Old Trafford since 2009. “I thought if anyone created the chances, it was us,” Moyes said. “It was a tight game and we just didn’t have the final cross or the final pass tonight. But I thought we played very well.” Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Mourinho in the technical area and opposite an overbearing stand bearing Ferguson’s name, Moyes was given yet more indications
9
Madrid beats Granada 1-0 amid swirling Bale rumors Associated Press Writer
That selection added extra spice to a game that is always eagerly anticipated but, despite a standout performance from Rooney in his first start of the season, neither team created a clear-cut chance in a disappointing stalemate at Old Trafford. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho opted surprisingly to start with no recognized striker, only bringing on Fernando Torres after the 60 minutes, and was happy to leave with a point that keeps his team unbeaten after three matches in his second spell in charge. Chelsea is top of the early standings on seven points. “I think for us, after two home victories, to come to the champions in their first match at home and get a point, I think it’s fine, it’s positive,” Mourinho said. Continuing the traditions of his predecessor Alex Ferguson, Moyes
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
of the size of his daunting task at United. His decision to start with Rooney, however, showed he will be his own man at United and he was treated to an impressive display from a striker who was serenaded with chants from both sets of fans. While United supporters belted out “Rooney, Rooney” throughout, Chelsea’s traveling contingent replied with: “We’ll see you next week” and “Sign him up.” It must have been a strange evening for Rooney, who indicated to United toward the end of last season that he wanted to leave and has been relentlessly — and openly — pursued by Mourinho. He coped well, though. Neat and tidy throughout in his role behind Robin van Persie, he linked up play well, tracked back, showed a good range of passing and had two shots saved by Chelsea
goalkeeper Petr Cech. In the final moments, Rooney attempted a bicycle kick from eight yards out but he failed to connect. “He’s been great in training and anybody who was watching might have seen a slightly leaner-looking Wayne,” Moyes said. “I thought he worked back, he tackled, he chased ... I think Wayne has a positive mind at the moment. “I think his performance tonight said enough.” Robin van Persie has replaced Rooney as the leading striker at United but he had a quiet night up against Terry and Cahill, with a 23rd-minute shot into the sidenetting the Dutchman’s only real chance. At the other end, Oscar had two low efforts easily saved by United goalkeeper David de Gea in the first half but Chelsea’s counter-attacks were sporadic and ineffective. Despite fielding a plethora of playmakers and attacking midfielders, Mourinho — strongly linked
with the United job before Moyes replaced Alex Ferguson — tellingly chose not to start Juan Mata, who has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge. The Spain international — one of the league’s top performers last season — was on the bench with compatriot Torres, who was introduced on the hour to finally give Chelsea an attacking outlet. But it was United looking slightly more dangerous, Welbeck scooping over the bar when well-placed after receiving Rooney’s disguised pass. Errors remained frequent, though. One five-second passage of play summed the game up, when Torres passed straight to Patrice Evra, who then slid the ball out of play trying to find Van Persie. In one of the many subplots surrounding the game, John Terry and Rio Ferdinand played against each other for the first time since Terry allegedly racially abused Ferdinand’s brother, Anton, in a league match in October 2011. The pair shook hands before kickoff.
GRANADA, Spain — Karim Benzema scored to give Real Madrid a 1-0 win at Granada in the Spanish league Monday amid growing speculation the club is close to a blockbuster deal to sign Wales winger Gareth Bale. Madrid started brightly thanks to the playmaking of Angel Di Maria which led to Benzema’s goal in the 10th minute, but left Granada with the chance to snatch the draw late. Madrid joined defending champion Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal as the only teams to win the first two rounds of the season. Madrid’s offer to English club Tottenham for Bale is reportedly similar to the record 80 million pounds (then $131 million) it paid for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009. And while it appeared the transfer was close to being done over the weekend, Bale remained a Tottenham player and is expected back with his team after a two-
day break to rest a hurt foot he used to visit the southern Spanish resort town of Marbella. If Bale’s possible arrival wasn’t enough to distract from the action on the pitch at Los Carmenes Stadium, there was also the sight of Spain and Madrid captain Iker Casillas sitting on the bench for a second consecutive match under coach Carlo Ancelotti. Despite a week of pressure by Spanish media to see Casillas returned to Madrid’s goal, Ancelotti stuck with Lopez in goal and maintained former coach Jose Mourinho’s decision from last season to reduce Casillas to the role of backup. Ancelotti said his decision was because “Diego’s playing well right now. There’s nothing else to say.” Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa called on Madrid’s fans to unite behind the team and let rest the debate over the goalkeeper. “I support them both, Lopez and Iker, just like my teammates do, and I think it would be interesting if the public did the same,”
he said. Even though Madrid has two wins in as many games, it has struggled to take the first six points of the season after needing a late goal to edge Real Betis in Ancelotti’s debut. “We are in the second round, with a new coach and new players,” said Arbeloa. “It’s normal that we are not at our top level. We are trying to do it the best we can, but it takes time.” Bale might be tagged to be Madrid’s next big threat up front, but in the meantime Di Maria put on an all-around attacking display against the overmatched Granada in the first half hour. AP Photo/Andres Kudacki
Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema from France, front, celebrates his goal with team mates during a Spanish La Liga soccer match against Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013.
Fiorentina’s Rossi scores first goal since injury nightmare Reuters
AP Photo/Fabrizio Giovannozzi
Fiorentina striker Giuseppe Rossi scores, right, during a Serie A soccer match between Fiorentina and Cagliari, at the Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Monday, Aug. 26, 2013.
Giuseppe Rossi scored his first goal since recovering from successive knee ligament injuries to set Fiorentina on the way to a 2-1 win over Catania in their opening Serie A game on Monday. David Pizarro scored the winner for Fiorentina while Mario Gomez hit the post on his debut for the Viola after his move from Bayern Munich, all in the first half. Rossi, who joined Fiorentina in January, got the game off to an emotional start when he slotted the ball past Mariano Andujar in the 14th minute for his first goal since his injury nightmare. The 26-year-old’s troubles began when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his right knee while player for Villarreal in a Spanish league match against Real Madrid in October 2011. The U.S.-born Italy forward re-injured the knee in training during the following April, causing him to miss Euro 2012, and, after moving to Fiorentina, finally made his comeback against Pescara in May. Pablo Barrientos, one of nine Argentines in the Catania starting lineup, equalised eight minutes later from close range, rewarding the Sicilians for a spell of pressure. Chile midfielder David Pizarro rifled Fiorentina back in front from the edge of the area before Gomez hit the post when he should have scored. Neither goalkeeper had much to do in the second half as the pace of the game dropped. Twice former champions Fiorentina finished fourth last season, just missing out on a Champions League playoff place, while Catania surpassed expectations by finishing eighth.
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Destination
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LAS VEGAS — A rare series of storms had cooled the summer air to an almost tolerable level, though it was steamy as ever inside Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s gym just a few miles from the Vegas Strip.
Seseh Beach
IBP/File Photo
MUNGGU - Seseh beach located on Munggu Village in Badung district. Seseh beach located about 15 Km from Denpasar and about 55 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport.Seseh beach have black sand and great view. This beach is not crowded
7
Mayweather in fine form for a fight Associated Press Writer
IBP
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
like Kuta and Legian. Before we reach the beach, along the road we can see green rice field. In this beach we can do activity like surfing and kite surfing and see the sunset in the afternoon. For the people around the beach, they usually use the beach for religion activity like Melasti and Melarung Bumi.
AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File
File-This May 4, 2013 file photo shows Floyd Mayweather during a WBC welterweight title fight against Robert Guerrero, in Las Vegas.
Reuters
With a couple of sparring partners in front of him late Monday afternoon, Mayweather turned up the heat even more. “Right there, right there,” he yelled at the first hapless pugilist to feel his wrath. “You can’t get away. I’ll hit you when I want to.” It didn’t take Mayweather long to do just that. As the third of four rounds stretched to the 10-minute mark he connected with a rapid volley of punches, finishing it off with a left hook that rocked his opponent for the day, sending him stumbling across the ring. All in a day’s work, but there was still work to be done. Always is when it’s Mayweather in training and especially now, less than three weeks before his fight with undefeated Mexican star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. It’s a big fight, but all Mayweather fights are big. He’s the undisputed payper-view king and the Sept. 14 matchup is so attractive that the pay-per-view price is a whopping $74.95 for those watching in high definition. Though Mayweather’s last fight in May against Robert Guerrero — for which he earned $32 million — wasn’t a huge box office smash, this one should make executives at Showtime and CBS feel better about the money they laid out for boxing’s biggest draw. Better yet, he’s fighting for the second time in four months after not fighting more than once a year since 2007. “I’m ready to perform and entertain, that’s what it’s all about,” Mayweather said. “I’m a lot older now so the last five fights I have I want to go out with a bang.” The fight is the second in his six-fight deal with Showtime, which lured him
from HBO to help sell cable subscriptions and build the network’s boxing brand. He says the bouts will be the last of his career, though at the age of 36 he doesn’t seem to have lost any of the reflexes or speed that have helped him win all 44 of his fights in a professional career that began following the 1996 Olympics. What has changed is how Mayweather sells himself, even if he claims he hasn’t changed. Ever since his release from a Las Vegas jail after serving 64 days on domestic abuse charges last year, Mayweather has been the model of politeness and civility — in sharp contrast to the bad-boy persona that made him such a big attraction over the years. That’s one reason why Showtime’s All Access show on Mayweather-Alvarez seemed to fall a bit flat in the first episode. There were the requisite shots, of course, of Mayweather and Alvarez in face-offs and together on a tour promoting the bout, but there wasn’t the drama of Mayweather’s earlier fights when he could be seen yelling at his father or counting stacks of $100 bills with his former buddy, 50 Cent. That sold pay-per-views to people who spent their money hoping to either see Mayweather win or get knocked out. But Mayweather seems to either have outgrown the part or simply doesn’t want to play it anymore. “What do you mean by image? My image has always been as an entertainer, but at home I’m a great father,” Mayweather said. “There’s no bad guy, that’s an image the critics picked. My image is to make sure my kids get the best education and provide a comfortable life for my family.”
If the new Mayweather is a kinder and gentler sort outside the ring, he’s changed some inside, too. His fights sometimes tended to become tedious affairs as he sought to win without getting hit, but in recent years he has changed his style somewhat and has become more aggressive and flat-footed. It showed on Monday as he walked two sparring partners across the ring, banging away with left hooks and right hands while keeping up a steady stream of chatter. The short time between fights should be beneficial to Mayweather at his age, and he’s already inside the 152pound (69-kilogram) catch weight for the fight. “I got back into it so quick that I’m still sharp,” he said. “I feel good, real good.” Boxing fans should feel good, too, that Mayweather is taking on Alvarez, a 23-year-old who is unbeaten in 42 fights and holds a piece of the 154-pound title. Mayweather has been criticized in the past for hand-picking his opponents and refusing to fight Manny Pacquiao, but Alvarez is about as dangerous a fight as any he could take on at this stage of his career. Not that Mayweather will acknowledge any such thing. Icing his sometimes brittle hands while sitting in a dressing room after his workout, he questioned the quality of Alvarez’s opponents, and said it was just another fight to him. Another fight and another $40-million to $50-million payout that will cement his reign this year as the highest paid athlete in the world. As for Pacquiao and the fight that will likely now never happen? “I don’t even know who that is,” Mayweather said.
Serena demolishes Schiavone at U.S. Open
NEW YORK - Serena Williams needed just one hour on Monday to remind everyone why she remains the overwhelming favourite to win the U.S. Open. In one of the most one-sided matches seen on the Arthur Ashes center court, Williams demolished Italy’s Francesca Schiavone 6-0 6-1 with an ominous display of precision and power. The American showed no mercy against her opponent, who won the French Open in 2010 and was a finalist in Paris the following year, conceding just 23 points in the 60-minute romp. “I’m really excited,” she said in a courtside interview. “I knew playing a former grand slam champion in the first round was a really tough draw so I decided to be super serious.” As the most fearsome player of her generation, the 31-yearold Williams has made a career out of destroying her rivals but has rarely been as impressive as she was on Monday. With the New York crowd whooping and hollering in awe, Williams raced through the opening set in just 23 minutes, sealing it with a thunderous ace down the middle. The world number one jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the second leaving Schiavone cursing in desperation. Exasperated, she turned and hugged
a ball boy, eliciting sympathetic groans from the crowd but not a hint of pity from Williams. The Italian did at least manage to avoid the dreaded ‘double bagel’ - the ultimate humiliation for a tennis professional - when she held serve in the fifth game. But it was a just a temporary reprieve as Williams moved in for the kill, reeling off the next two games to seal a second round meeting with Galina Voskoboeva of Kazakhstan. As a statement of intent, Williams could not have been any clearer about her ambitions at Flushing Meadows over the next two weeks. With 16 grand slams titles already under her belt, she is already assured of her place in the pantheon of tennis greats but shows no signs of slowing down. Williams won her first U.S. Open in 1999 when she was just 17. Last year, she won her fourth, aged 30. If she wins again this time, she will become the oldest female champion in New York since tennis turned professional in 1968.
Serena Williams of the U.S. celebrates defeating Francesca Schiavone of Italy at the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York, August 26, 2013. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
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India’s Sonia Gandhi discharged from hospital
Associated Press Writer
NEW DELHI - Sonia Gandhi, the leader of India’s ruling Congress Party and the country’s most powerful politician, has been discharged from a hospital after falling ill during a debate in Parliament, the health minister said Tuesday. Gandhi underwent a series of medical tests during the five hours she spent in the hospital late Monday and was then allowed to return home, Ghulam Nabi Azad told journalists. Gandhi, 67, had been suffering from fever for two days, but still decided to deliver Monday’s parliamentary speech in support of a landmark bill that proposes to provide cheaper grain to more than 800 million across the country. Gandhi felt unwell during the 9-hour long debate on the food security bill in the lower house of Parliament and was escorted to a hospital by her son Rahul and other Congress party colleagues. “She is perfectly fine. There is nothing to worry,” Azad said. Doctors have advised her to rest for a few days, he said. Gandhi is the Italian-born widow of slain former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. After his death, she entered politics reluctantly but has led the Congress party to successive election triumphs in 2004 and 2009.
Mumbai gang-rape suspects were feared in the slums AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
A fire truck drives past burning trees as firefighters continue to battle the Rim Fire near Yosemite National Park, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 26, 2013.
As Mumbai reels over the gang-rape of a young photographer in the heart of the city last week, angry neighbours of the arrested suspects describe a gang of jobless youths known for petty theft and drinking. The five men are accused of repeatedly raping the 22-year-old woman and attacking her male colleague in an abandoned mill compound in central Mumbai, which was known as a haven for drink and drug addicts. While smart neighbourhoods of luxury apartments, office blocks and malls are close to the scene of the crime, most of the accused gang members hailed from nearby slums where they earned themselves an unfavourable reputation. “They were local criminals,” said Ajit Pevekar, a 32-year-old neighbour and community worker. The eldest suspect, 27-year-old Mohammed Salim Ansari, was the last to be arrested on Sunday in New Delhi after fleeing from his home in eastern Mumbai. His four alleged accomplices, aged between 18 and 24 according to police, were from nearer the mill in slums surrounding Dhobi Ghat, a site famed as the world’s largest outdoor laundry.
California Rim Fire showers ash on reservoir
Shanghai ‘roasts’ the giant Rubber Duck
City officials say they are moving water to lower reservoirs and monitoring supplies for contamination. The blaze is also threatening thousands of homes and some of California’s renowned giant sequoia trees. On Monday officials said the fire was 15% contained after burning for more than a week - up from 2% containment on Friday. Strong winds are making the fires more difficult to control. “This fire has continued to pose every challenge that there can be on a fire,” said Daniel Berlant of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Shanghai has served up a “roasted” version of a Dutch artist’s giant yellow duck, complete with drumsticks and crispy brown skin. Florentijn Hofman’s Rubber Duck installation gained rave reviews when a 16.5 metre-tall (54feet) version arrived in Hong Kong this summer. Hundreds of thousands of people viewed it against the backdrop of the skyscrapers that line the city’s Victoria Harbour. Not to be outdone, Shanghai -- which is vying with Hong Kong to be China’s financial capital -- has unveiled its own version on the Huangpu River, which forms its waterfront Bund district. “The design process took place during Shanghai’s scorching hot summer days, so we just thought: ‘Let’s roast it’,” designer Han Beishi told AFP. “Other inspiration came from an ancient Chinese poem: ‘The duck knows first when the river becomes warm in spring’,” he added. Shanghai’s duck is actually a working ferry boat which state media reported Tuesday will carry passengers and host cultural performances including poetry reading. The duck’s head, at the bow, is yellow, but reversed and looking back towards its body which is made of papier mache, with jutting drumsticks and cooked wings. Several Chinese cities rushed to display versions of Hofman’s Rubber Duck -- which has been making appearances around the world since 2007 -- leading the official People’s Daily newspaper to criticise the flock of copycats.
A huge fire in and around California’s Yosemite National Park has continued to spread and now covers almost 230 sq miles (600 sq km), officials say. The Rim Fire is now raining ash on a key reservoir that supplies water and hydro-electric power to San Francisco. The blaze began on 17 August in the Stanislaus National Forest but the cause is still unknown. Trevor Augustine from Unified Rim Fire Command Group outlines the conditions facing fire crews Water threatened
Some 2,800 firefighters are tackling the flames in difficult terrain. Evacuations, some voluntary and some mandatory, are taking place. Despite the threat to some 5,000 homes, only a few have been destroyed. California Governor Jerry Brown has declared a state of
emergency for San Francisco 150 miles (220km) away as the blaze is also threatening power lines that bring electricity to the city. Ash is said to be falling like snow on the Hetch Hetchy reservoir, which supplies San Francisco with 85% of its water. Visibility in the smoke-ridden area is down to 100ft (30m), but officials say the water quality is still good. “The water we are receiving is still of good quality,’’ said Harlan Kelly Jr, general manager of the city’s Public Utilities Commission. “We’re bringing down as much water as possible and replenishing all of the local reservoirs.”
Agence France Presse
International
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
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INDONESIA Moeldoko approved as Indonesian military chief
Antara
JAKARTA - Army General Moeldoko said modernization of the military equipment will come first in his agenda as a new Indonesian military chief. “I will prepare a working program to modernize the military equipment,” Moeldoko said here on Tuesday after the House of Representative in a plenary session approved his appointment as a new military chief. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has named Moeldoko to replace military chief Admiral Agus Suhartono, who will soon retire. Moeldoko said he will also launch a program to improve military education and recruitment system. He said he hopes the House of Representatives would approve a proposal to increase remuneration for high performing servicemen. Last week, the army chief of staff passed a fit and proper test by the Commission I of the House of Representatives.
Tubagus Hasanuddin, deputy chairman of the Commission I said Moeldoko is expected to modernize the military and strengthen its capability . On Monday the defense ministry said it will form a squadron of Apache AH-64 helicopters to be purchased from the United States. The ministry made the plan after the US government agrees to sell the high technology helicopters to Indonesia. “In order to build up our defense we will prepare an Apache squadron as combat helicopters,” Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said after a meeting with his US counterpart Chuck Hagel, here. Indonesia and the United States will co-hosts the ADMM Plus, meeting on Counter Terrorism Exercise (CTX), to be held
on 9 to 13 of September 2013 in the IPSC Sentul, Bogor. Joint military exercises between TNI and the US armed forces is important to promote the capability and professionalism of the TNI soldiers, Purnomo said. The meeting will also officially form a new area of cooperation of Experts Working Group (EWG) on Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA). With the new area of cooperation, ADMM Plus EWG will next year has six areas of cooperation -- EWG on Humanitarian Assistant and Disaster Relief (HADR), EWG on Peace Keeping Operations (PKO), EWG on Maritime Security(MS), EWG on Counter Terrorism (CT), EWG on Military Medicine (MM), and EWG on Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA).
US to sell attack helicopters to Indonesia Agence France-Presse
JAKARTA - The United States announced Monday it would sell eight Apache attack helicopters to Jakarta as it seeks to bolster ties with Southeast Asia despite concerns over the Indonesian military’s rights record. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel disclosed the $500 million deal -- which includes pilot training and radars -- on a visit to the Indonesian capital, his second stop on a week-long tour of the region. It is aimed at strengthening military ties as part of the US “pivot” towards the Asia-Pacific amid concern about Beijing’s growing assertiveness, but Hagel’s attention has been diverted from the trip by a confrontation with Syria. “Providing Indonesia these world-class helicopters is an example of our commitment to help build Indonesia’s military capabil-
ity,” said Hagel after talks with his Indonesian counterpart, Defence Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro. “A strong Indonesia is good for the region.” A defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, added that the sale of the Apache helicopters -- the first ever to the Indonesian military -- was “prudent to support security in the region”. Officials did not say when the helicopters, which are made by US aircraft maker Boeing, would be delivered. The US froze defence cooperation and arms sales to Indonesia over concerns about abuses during President Suharto’s threedecade rule, which ended in 1998. Military ties were only restored in 2005. Under Suharto the army’s special forces were accused of extrajudicial killings, and the helicopter sale comes despite continued concern about the military’s rights
record. The Dutch parliament last year rejected a proposed sale of tanks to Indonesia, its former colony, over human rights concerns. However Yusgiantoro told reporters on Monday that the armed forces had undergone a process of reform since 1998. “We have changed now.” The sale also comes amid growing concern in Washington about Beijing’s assertive stance in South China Sea disputes. While Indonesia does not have competing claims with Beijing over the sea, like others such as the Philippines, it is a major regional power and is seen as holding a key role in resolving disputes. Hagel began his Southeast Asia tour last week in Malaysia. After Jakarta, he heads to Brunei on Tuesday for a regional defence gathering that will include China. On Thursday he flies to the Philippines on his final stop.
REUTERS/Beawiharta
A schoolgirl walks past a construction site for luxury apartments in Jakarta August 27, 2013. Indonesia’s government unveiled an emergency fiscal package on Friday to promote foreign investment, reduce imports and prop up its tumbling rupiah currency, as it struggles to revive confidence in Southeast Asia’s largest economy.
Number of hotspots of land-clearance fire in Riau increases Antara
JAKARTA - The number of hotspots in Riau Province has increased significantly, with Indonesia experiencing droughts, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). “Based on the monitoring by the NOAA-18 Satellite on Tuesday, the number of hotspots in Riau is 264. The figure is almost the same as that on June 24, 2013 - 265 hotspots,” said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman for BNPB, on Tuesday. The satellite detected a total of 488 hotspots throughout Sumatra Island, including 88 hotspots in Jambi Province, and 67 in South Sumatra. The hotspots are located in peatland areas and produce thick smog. Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said in Riau Province, 76 hotspots have been detected in Pelalawan District, 42 in Indragiri Hulu District, 34 in Roran Hilir, 29 in Rokan Hilir, 26 in Kampar, 26 in Bengkalis, 14 in Kuantan Sengingi, 11 in Siak, eight in Rokan Hulu, and four in Dumai. The haze from the fire hotspots has reduced the visibility to 500 meters in Pekanbaru, forcing the postponement of some flights to and from Pekanbaru. He believes the haze would affect neither Malaysia nor Singapore as the wind direction is towards the northwest direction. The agency and the local authorities are planning to extinguish the fire hotspots through artificial rains and water bombs. “Today, we have deployed Bolco and Sikorsky helicopters to drop water bombs. The helicopters have a capacity to carry 4,500 liters of water per flight,” he stated. The fastest and cheapest way to clear new land for planting crops is by burning; however, this practice has been banned by the government. He predicted that October will the peak of forest and plantation fires in Sumatra. He said 99 percent of the fires are man-made for land clearance. Therefore, law enforcement is a must to prevent land-clearance fires, he added.
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Bali Post
WASHINGTON - The US will hit its statutory debt ceiling in mid-October, making it hard for the government to meet all of its obligations after that, Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said Monday.
Associated Press
SYDNEY — Billabong reported a $769 million annual loss Tuesday that reflects a collapse in the value of its once hot surf and street fashion brands. The company said it marked down the value of its assets by Australian dollars 867 million ($776 million). That write-off resulted in a net loss of AU$859.5 million ($769 million) for the financial year ended June 30. The company has staggered through a series of business shake-ups and failed buyout of-
fers. It says it is in the final stages of debt refinancing negotiations that will allow the business to rebuild. Billabong’s global sales for the year fell 13 percent to AU$1.34 billion reflecting store closures, Europe’s weak economy and the fading allure of its brands. The Billabong and other brands owned by the retailer were valued at AU$90 million in the company’s financial statements released Tuesday, down from AU$614 million two years earlier. The company’s shares closed down 5.3 percent in Sydney.
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Introduce Balinese culture and hospitality
Agence France-Presse
Billabong brand value collapses, posts giant loss
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Miss World 2013 in Bali
US to hit debt ceiling in mid-October In a letter to Congress, Lew urged legislators to raise the limit from the current $16.7 trillion, saying to not do so “would cause irreparable harm to the American economy.” The Treasury has been operating under the ceiling since it reached that level on May 17, helped by “extraordinary measures” to manage expenditures and a surge in receipts above forecasts. However, Lew said, “Based on our latest estimates, extraordinary measures are projected to be exhausted in the middle of October. At that point, the United States will have reached the limit of its borrowing authority, and Treasury would be left to fund the government with only the cash we have on hand on any given day.” That “would place the United States in an unacceptable position,” Lew said, unable to serve rising commitments to issue payments for health and retirement needs and not able to pay the required salaries. Moreover, he warned, if investor demand for US government debt declines, the country could face an immediate cash shortfall. “Indeed, such a scenario could undermine financial markets and result in significant disruptions to our economy.”
Bali News
International
REUTERS/Charles Platiau
A couple ride on Velib self-service public bicycles as they cross a group of tourists who make their way along the Seine River on Segways as late summer weather continues in Paris August 26, 2013. International tourist numbers surged by 5.2 percent to nearly half a billion people worldwide in the first half of 2013, beating earlier expectations, the United Nation’s World Tourism Organisation said Monday.
World tourism shows surprise surge
Agence France-Presse
MADRID - International tourist numbers surged by 5.2 percent to nearly half a billion people worldwide in the first half of 2013, beating earlier expectations, the United Nation’s World Tourism Organisation said Monday. Some 494 million international tourists spent at least one night abroad in the first six months of the year, the Madrid-based agency said in a report of preliminary results for the period. As a result of the “robust” per-
formance, the WTO said it was boosting its 2013 forecast. After originally tipping growth of three to four percent for the whole year, it now expects the increase to be at the higher end of that range “or to slightly exceed it”. Europe enjoyed growth of 5.1 percent in international tourist numbers in the six months, it said. The Asia-Pacific region reported growth of 6.2 percent including an 11.6 percent surge in tourists going to Southeast Asia. But results were weaker than
anticipated in the Americas, which posted growth of just 2.2 percent. International tourist numbers grew 3.1 percent in North America, but South America reported growth of just 0.3 percent and the Caribbean had growth of a meagre 0.1 percent. In Africa, international tourist arrivals rose by 3.8 percent. In the Middle East, tourist numbers soared by 12.9 percent, but these figures should be viewed “with caution” because of uneven results and limited data, the report said.
DENPASAR - Implementation of the Miss World 2013 in Indonesia definitely poses an honor. Moreover, the participants from 130 countries will also carry out a number of activities in Bali. Four counties that will become priorities for the implementation of the Miss World in Bali are Badung, Tabanan, Gianyar and Denpasar. Meanwhile, on this island they will be introduced to Balinese culture and hospitality. The Miss World 2013 activity had been opened in a coordination meeting at the Rupatama Hall of Bali Police, Monday (Aug 26). The meeting was attended by the Chief of Bali Police Arif Wahyunadi, Commander of the IX Udayana Military Command Wisnu Bawa Tenaya and the Committee of Miss World 2013. In the beauty pageant activity, the participants would be in Indonesia for a month. Police Chief Arief appealed to all communities to support the international activity. He hoped the event could take place smoothly, safely and under control. “Hopefully, everything goes smoothly. If the event can run smoothly and safely, Indonesia will surely be appreciated by the world community. Moreover, the activity is also held in Bali,” he said. He explained the safeguard of the Miss World 2013 had been prepared. Since the participants were women, then the security guard would be consisting of policewomen and woman army. Safeguards would be in place where the activity and routes took place. By all means, the safeguarding would also involve military and police personnel. “This safeguard system will be corresponding to international standards,” explained the former NTB Police Chief to reporters. In addition, the Police Chief said the entire event held in Bali should be beneficial for society as a whole. Not only that, it should also comply with the applicable norms in Bali. Meanwhile, the organizers of the Miss World 2013, Liliana Tanu Soedibjo expressed her gratitude for the support extended by police, military and local governments. The Miss World held in Indonesia was to introduce the country to the world. She added that Indonesia would be able to show it off to the world community. Then, she also explained there would be no session where the participants put on bikini. They would even be introduced to tourist resorts across Indonesia. Later on, the activities would be uploaded via the internet, twitter, websites and broadcast on television simultaneously throughout 130 countries. (kmb21)
IBP/Courtesy of ICRAF
Meine van Noordwijk, chair of the local conference organizing committee and leader of a global research project on environmental services for the World Agroforestry Centre speak during the conference.
Environmental costs should include in growth figures IBP
TABANAN - Experts call on governments worldwide to include environmental costs in annual growth figures and investment decisions to ensure that current and future generations can enjoy the services provided by nature. Clear environmental accounting that includes the cost to the environment of any development can help nations achieve real, sustainable economic growth, said Meine van Noordwijk, chair of the local conference organizing committee and leader of a global research project on environmental services for the World Agroforestry Centre. He was speaking ahead of the Annual International Ecosystem Services Partnership (ESP) Conference, 26–30 August, on the island of Bali in Indonesia. “Neglecting to account for the real cost to the environment of national development decisions means we are borrowing from future generations and creating a false account of economic growth,” said van Noordwijk. He stated that better information about the costs incurred by the environment and their impact on human societies combined with real-cost accounting by governments will help protect ecosystems and the essential services they provide. More than 400 environmental economists and experts on environmental services are gathered in Bali this week for a conference on the subject. Their research results will help policymakers, businesses and communities better manage the planet’s remaining natural re-
sources. The World Agroforestry Centre, which is a world leader in research into environmental services, is the local organizer of the conference. Accordung to Noordwijk, the theme of this year’s conference is “Making ecosystem services count”. This mean is that this cannot be an afterthought; environmental values must be at the decision table in hard numbers that match economic growth projections. “For example, the Government of Indonesia wants more than 6% economic growth. To achieve this, might natural capital feed this growth by more than 4% per year? In such a case, what is the real growth achieved? And for how long can it be sustained if the basis of the growth is being consumed irreplaceably. We don’t have the answers for these questions because the Government’s statistical bureau is not yet
compiling standardized data that allows these kinds of comparisons to be made,” he said. According to scientists at the conference, what underpins these issues is the need to rethink our approach to nature. “While it’s important to recognize and fully account for the economic value of nature’s services to us,” said Robert Costanza, professor of public policy at the Australian National University. Costanza explained that we now live in the Anthropocene, where humans are drastically changing our ecological life-support systems. “If we really want to prosper and live well, we are going to need a new vision of the economy and its relationship to the rest of the world. We need a new economics that realizes that economy is embedded in society and cultures that are themselves embedded in environmental life-support sys-
tems and that the economy cannot grow forever on a finite planet,” Costanza mentioned. Key information is needed to develop policies that support a new vision of the economy. First we need to be able to better understand what ecosystems are and what services they provide. The value of those services will then have to be accounted for and ways to include the costs in the accounting and how to share the benefits must be identified. “Finally, we have to know how to monitor and evaluate these services, to ensure accountability,” said van Noordwijk. More information on such costs and clear accounting will help determine the incentives needed by different stakeholders to maintain and protect ecosystem services, he said. A 2012 study has estimated that the total values of ecosystem services provided by various ecosystems, including marine and land-based ones, can reach between 490 international dollars per year for a hectare of open oceans and almost 350,000 international dollars per year for a hectare of coral reefs. (kmb18)
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Buleleng Festival Involves 3,000 Artists
Japan postpones launch of new, cheaper rocket
Buleleng Festival Involves 3000 Artists. Present Typical Culture of BulelengThe Buleleng Festival (Bulfest), a cultural event organized in Northern Bali, was ascertained to take place festively. Approximately 3,000 traditional and national and even international artists were engaged in such first event. The event presenting a combination of the art, culture, education and social environment was held for three days (Aug 23 to 25). The festival opened by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Jero Wacik, truly became a cultural extravaganza. All the traditional and modern art studios existing in Buleleng made their performance specifically. They were ranging from the dance, music, vocals and theater. The performing arts were commenced by the presentation of Teruna Jaya Dance en masse by involving 300 dancers. The dancers showed off their movement expression along the road from Jalan Ngurah Rai to the Singa Ambara Raja statue and Singaraja City Park. A total of 2,000 skewers of satay had been prepared by the committee on the first day of the Bulfest. Location of the roasting was on Jalan Veteran Singaraja (zone of culinary market) with a 20-meter long grill. It showed off the evidence if the maritime potential of Buleleng was very good. Exhibition of ancient painting presented the works of maestros from Buleleng whose original collections were stored in the Museum of the Netherlands. There were also cartoons and drawing competition for young painters. Meanwhile, craft exhibition featured the various handicraft works of the Buleleng County made of bamboo, metal, aluminum, wood, coconut shells, woven coconut leaf’s rib, weaving, leather puppets, fish skin, glass painting and endek clothes. Children, adult and women gamelan troupe also appeared
TOKYO - Japan on Tuesday canceled the launch of a new rocket it hopes will be a cheaper and more efficient way of putting satellites into space, saying it suffered a problem that aborted the countdown 19 seconds before it was supposed to blast off.
Present Typical Culture of Buleleng
through the competition of the Utsawa Merdangga Gong Kebyar. They showed off the typical gamelan music of Northern Bali, like the lelonggoran. Modern music performances also engaged the local and national artists. The event was filled with musicians from Buleleng such as Mr. Botax, Ayu Laksmi, Ketut Bimbo, Yong Sagita and others. Meanwhile, various cuisines on display consisted of mengguh kedongkol, tuna skin crackers, jukut blook, fish satay, blayag sauce, konteng toffee, laklak, cerorot, egg bean, catfish brittle, catfish satay and meatballs, sudang lepet, jukut buangit, empol peyalin, snakefruit sprout, mengguh, turtle egg cake, sirat bendu, jukut ares, sudang lepet, jukut undis, lempog, and plengos ikan. More interestingly, in the Bulfest event was also held the selection of Buleleng tourism girl. A total of 15 beautiful and smart girls had been provided with training on cultural tourism. These girls were nominees who had passed through the selection. The national singer Cinta Laura once asked to become the Ambassador of Buleleng Tourism early 2013 also served as a guest judge in the Tourism Girl Contest. National designer from Buleleng, Gede Yudi Ardana Putra, explored the typical weaving treasures of Buleleng or known as Tenun Sinabun. The exploration was displayed and exhibited in the Bulfest. His best works were presented by experienced models from Buleleng. A number of local art directors from Buleleng whose works had been recognized nationally, also had the opportunity to showcase their works. They were Putu Satria Kusuma, Gede Seen, Putu Wijaya Kusuma, and IGP Wiranegara. They showcased the documentary film as well as short films shown every day starting at 7:00 p.m. at the official residence of the regent of Buleleng
Associated Press Writer
IBP/File
One of the slum area in Denpasar
Inadequate infrastructure triggers slums at Kelan Mangupura (Bali Post)—
The rapid development has an impact on social and environmental conditions of a region and emergence of slums is one of them. Aside from the impact of development, the proliferation of slums is also considered to have been triggered by lack of maximal area arrangement by the government. For instance, it happened at Kelan customary village, Tuban village, Kuta subdistrict. Though it is located near the Ngurah Rai Airport as one of the entrance gates of Bali as well as various tourist accommodations, the slums are still inevitable. The slums at Kelan can be found at a number of locations. It was recognized by hamlet chief of Kelan Abian I Ketut Kadi, and hamlet chief of Kelan Nyoman Redayasa, Monday (Aug 26). According to Ketut Kadi, a number of poorly arranged settlements could
be found. Many infrastructures like roads remained unworthy. Similarly, the drainage and water supply facilities for the community were relatively unable to meet people’s expectation whereas the availability of the infrastructure was very important especially in terms of public health. The other problems faced by Kelan, added Redayasa, were chaotic cable installation and waste. So far, the existence of the hindering cables seemed to have been poorly managed and had made the tourism imaging of the region dissatisfactory.
He said that various problems and the unavailability of adequate infrastructure at Kelan had triggered the emergence of slums. Local community had tried to handle it. However, these efforts were not optimal because the government did not fully support. “It has actually been revealed in the aspiration delivery by community to legislators. Unfortunately, there has been no response from the government,” he said. Both hamlet chiefs hoped the government to respond to the aspirations of Kelan community immediately. Provision of adequate infrastructure was expected to be immediately realized. “If the infrastructure is adequate and well ordered, we have confidence that people will participate actively in keeping the region and making it more beautiful and comfortable,” said Kadi. (kmb25)
Many protected forests in Kintamani wrongly used Bangli (Bali Post)—
The existence of forests in Kintamani region seems to need serious attention. It does not only a matter of declining forest areas, but many forest areas in Kintamani are also wrongly used. Not a few of forest areas are taken advantage for plantations. Besides, the protected forests that must be conserved are even established with illegal buildings. Related to the matter, the Head of Bangli Agriculture, Plantation and Forestry Agency, I Wayan Su-
karnata, when asked for his confirmation on Monday (Aug 26) did not dismiss such condition. He said that many protected forest areas in Kintamani were indeed wrongly used. For example, the protected forests that should become conservation area were even converted into plantation area. “Yes, in reality some protected forest areas are indeed taken advantage for plantations by residents,” said Sukarnata. Other than converted into plantation, he admitted the protected forest areas of Kintamani were also
rampantly established with illegal buildings. Those unlicensed buildings were found around the area of Jati Temple. However, so far the problems rarely got the attention from the leaders and relevant parties to rescue the forest. Based on the record of the Bangli Agriculture, Plantation and Forestry Agency, the forest areas in the Kintamani region currently reached 9,341.28 hectares, consisting of 6,200.28 hectares of protected forest, 435 hectares of limited production forest and 2,075 hectares of
nature forest. However, Sukarnata admitted that his party had no authority for the handling of protected forest areas. He said the authority of handling the protected forest, production forest and tourism forest lay in the East Bali Forest Management Unit (KPH). “Our authority in the Agriculture, Plantation and Forestry Agency is only related to the maintenance, and more focused on the people’s forests,” said Sukarnata. Related to the maintenance efforts for the forest area in Kinta-
mani, Sukarnata recently admitted that his side had made socialization with some foundations concerned about the environment. As planned, in 2014 his party would make reforestation by planting 50 hectares of bamboo in the forest behind the Kintamani Hills. The bamboo plant was chosen for the reforestation in the region considering it had a number of functions which could be used in the production of materials, reclamation materials as well as control of water cycle. (ina)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency official Yuko Hoshikawa said an automatic countdown for the threestage Epsilon rocket stopped when an irregularity in the rocket posture was detected. No further details were immediately available on the scrapped launch from a space center on the southern Japan island of Kyushu. JAXA President Naoki Okumura said the cause of the problem is under investigation and that he could not say how soon the launch could be rescheduled. “Finding the cause is our first and foremost task,” he told a televised news conference. “We must examine what happened today, and our next launch depends on what we find out.” The Epsilon is the first new rocket design for Japan since the H2A was
introduced in 2001. The H2A continues to be Japan’s primary rocket but officials are hoping development of the Epsilon will lead to improvements in the much more costly H2A program as well. Japan hopes to compete more aggressively in the international rocket-launching business. “We are so sorry we failed to live up to the expectations,” Okumura said. Japan’s space policy minister Ichita Yamamoto said Tuesday’s launch cancellation was unfortunate but that does not change Japan’s policy to set Epsilon as a centerpiece of Japanese space business. “I hope the cause is promptly identified and necessary measures are taken so that we can see a successful launch as soon as possible,” he said. Tuesday’s rocket was to carry the SPRINT-A, the first space telescope
specifically designed to observe other planets. It is to be used to watch Venus, Mars and Jupiter. According to JAXA, the Epsilon costs about 3.8 billion yen ($40 million), one-third the cost of the H2A. The rocket is about 24 meters (80 feet) tall, half the size of the H2A, and can be assembled and readied for launch in just one week, one-sixth of the time required for the H2A. The Epsilon rocket, which uses a solid-fuel propellant, is meant to broaden the range of space missions Japan is able to perform and lower the hurdles to space by streamlining the launch process. JAXA says the rocket’s extensive use of computer technology means monitoring work that once required a fully staffed control room can now be done essentially on a single laptop. “If we hope to make the access to space much easier, more sophisticated factors are required,” project manager Yasuhiro Morita said in a pre-launch statement. “We are trying to make rocket launches much simpler and ordinary events.”
Brazil’s foreign minister resigns amid tension Associated Press Writer
to travel to that nation until the Bolivian government agreed with Brazil’s RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil’s action. Brazil’s Foreign Ministry said president named a new foreign when it granted Pinto’s asylum that minister Monday night following an it must follow that rule under a 1954 embarrassing diplomatic maneuver convention on diplomatic asylum. involving neighboring Bolivia. The As long as the Bolivian government resignation of Foreign Minister refused to agree with Brazil’s grantAntonio Patriota ing of asylum, was announced in Pinto could a terse, two-paraeither stay in graph statement the Brazilian from the office of Embassy in La President Dilma Paz for as long Rousseff. as he wished, The statement or give up his named Luiz Alasylum reberto Figueiredo, quest. a career diplomat But in reand most recently cent weeks, Brazil’s head of Brazilian mission at the diplomats staUnited Nations, tioned in La as the new forPaz became eign minister. He concerned served only two about Pinto’s months as the health. Diplohead of Brazil’s mat Eduardo U.N. delegation. Saboia, who A Rousseff was stationed spokeswoman REUTERS/Carlo Allegri at the embassaid Patriota, a Mark Lyall Grant of Britain (L) hands over a symbolic Olympic baton to Luiz sy in La Paz, former ambassa- Alberto Figueiredo Machado of Brazil following a ceremony at the United said he made dor to the U.S., Nations in New York, July 29, 2013. the decision would now take to smuggle the top spot at the U.N. against Morales. It accuses Pinto of Pinto into Brazil on Sunday because The shake-up at Brazil’s foreign corruption and wants him on criminal he thought the lawmaker was in morministry came one day after Bolivian charges including economic damage tal danger. Sen. Roger Pinto was spirited into to the state from when he was govSpeaking to Globo News on MonBrazil after spending 452 days in ernor of the northern state of Pando, day, Saboia called Pinto a “politically the Brazilian Embassy in Bolivia’s which borders Brazil. persecuted person” and said he acted capital of La Paz. Despite winning asylum from to save the senator’s life because his Pinto, a member of Bolivia’s small Brazil in 2012, Pinto wasn’t allowed health was deteriorating. right-wing opposition bloc in congress, accuses President Evo Morales’ government of corruption, though he has provided no evidence. He said he sought asylum in Brazil’s embassy after he and his family received death threats. Bolivia’s government says Pinto’s exile is an opposition smear campaign
AP Photo/Kyodo News
An Epsilon rocket stays on the launch pad at the time of its launch at the Uchinoura Space Center in Kimotsuki town, Kagoshima, western Japan, Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 27, 2013.
Kerry: Chemical arms use in Syria has consequences Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - Secretary of State John Kerry says there is “undeniable” evidence of a large-scale chemical weapons attack in Syria, with intelligence strongly pointing to Bashar Assad’s government - a claim Assad calls “preposterous.” Kerry said that international standards against chemical weapons “cannot be violated without consequences.” His tough language marked the clearest justification yet for any U.S. military action in Syria, which most likely would involve sea-launched cruise missile attacks on Syrian military targets. President Barack Obama has not decided how to respond to the use of deadly gases, officials said. The White House said last year that type of warfare would cross a “red line.” The U.S., along with al-
lies in Europe, appeared to be laying the groundwork for the most aggressive response since Syria’s civil war began more than two years ago. Two administration officials said the U.S. was expected to make public a more formal determination of chemical weapons use on Tuesday, with an announcement of Obama’s response likely to follow quickly. The officials insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the internal deliberations. Speaking to reporters at the State Department on Monday, Kerry was harshly critical of chemical warfare. “By any standard, it is inexcusable and - despite the excuses and equivocations that some have manufactured - it is undeniable,” said Kerry, the highest-ranking U.S. official to confirm the attack in the Damascus suburbs that activists say killed hundreds of people.
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Health
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
International
Zurich begins experiment with drive-in ‘sex boxes’ Associated Press WRiter
ZURICH — No car, no sex. That’s the rule for an experiment Zurich is launching Monday to make prostitution less of a public nuisance and safer for women. Switzerland has long been famous for its mountaineering, chocolate and precision watches, but a lesser known aspect is its legal prostitution since 1942, for which its largest city is one of the main centers in Europe. Fashionably teak-colored open wooden garages, popularly called “sex boxes” by the Swiss media, will be open for business for drivein customers. The several dozen sex workers who are expected to make it their new hub will stand along a short road in a small, circular park for clients to choose from and negotiate with. The park was built in a former industrial area nestled between a rail yard and the fence along a major highway. The publicly funded facilities — open all night and located away from the city center — include bathrooms, lockers, small cafe tables and a laundry and shower. Men won’t have to worry about video surveillance cameras, but the sex workers — who will need a permit and pay a small tax — will be provided with a panic button and on-site social workers trained to look after them. As far as Daniel Hartmann, a Zurich lawyer, is concerned, it’s a win-win situation. “Safety for the prostitutes. At least it’s a certain kind of a shelter
for them. They can do their business, and I respect them,” he said. “They do a great job, and they have better working conditions here. ... They’re not exposed to the bosses, to the pimps, in here.” On Saturday, Hartmann was one of several hundred residents, including many women and a small throng of journalists, who flocked to the only “open house” that Zurich will offer to give the public a better idea of how its taxpayer money has been used. Most of the visitors said they came out of curiosity and haven’t really come to terms with the idea, but hope it will at least improve safety. Others were amazed and a bit amused that a whole group of strangers would spend a rainy afternoon openly discussing professional sex. Brigitta Hanselmann, a retired special needs schoolteacher from Embrach, Switzerland, said: “I have to think about it for a long time, because it’s so incredible that a city offers that to the men, and it’s interesting that there are many, many women here who are looking at it.” She called the sex boxes “an effort to control a thing that you can’t really control.” Voters in Zurich approved spending up to 2.4 million Swiss
AP Photo/John Heilprin
In this Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013 photo, a row of open wooden garage-style “sex boxes” are seen in Zurich, Switzerland. Prostitutes will be concentrated in a small city park built for more than USD $2 million in the Altstetten area of Zurich. francs ($2.6 million) on the project last year as a way of relocating the sex traffic away from a busy downtown area where it had become a
21 measles cases linked to megachurch in Texas Associated Press Writer
AP Photo/The Dallas Morning News, Mona Reeder
This Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013 photo shows the Eagle Mountain International Church in Newark, Texas. The megachurch, linked to at least 21 measles cases, has been trying to contain the outbreak by hosting vaccination clinics, officials said Monday, Aug. 26, 2013.
DALLAS — At least 21 cases of the measles have been linked to a Texas megachurch where an official says they have been trying to contain the outbreak by hosting vaccination clinics. In a recent sermon posted online, senior pastor Terri Pearsons encouraged those who haven’t been vaccinated to do so, while also noting if they think they’ve “got this covered in your household by faith” not to do it. The outbreak started when a person who contracted the measles overseas visited Eagle Mountain International Church in Newark, located about north of Fort Worth, Texas. Officials with area health departments said Monday that those affected by the outbreak range in age from 4-months to 44years-old. All of the school-aged children with the measles were homeschooled.
public nuisance and safety concern due to lack of sanitation, aggressive men, and associated drugs and violence. The city, which only
Bali News
International
Rupiah weakens, silversmith revives Bali Post
DENPASAR - The depreciation of rupiah exchange rate touching the value of IDR 11,000 per U.S. dollar became a blessing for the artisans and exporters in Bali. Aside from the Indonesian Textile Association (API) of Bali admitting to have been uplifted by the condition, the silversmiths could also revive from their sluggishness due to the impact of the strengthening U.S. dollar. Such condition was also acknowledged by a silversmith of Bali, Nyoman Mudita, in Denpasar. Balinese artisans whose productions were oriented in overseas markets were benefited with the condition. The depreciation of rupiah against the U.S. dollar would affect the purchasing power of the overseas markets. “When viewed from the perspective of exporters, this condition is very favorable, though in general, it is very worrying. We hope the rupiah exchange rate against the U.S. dollar can return to normal …around IDR 8,500 per U.S. dollar,” he said. According to him, the depreciation of rupiah had not affected the production process of silversmiths in Bali because the imported silver raw material was still sold for IDR 7,600,000 per kg. In contrast, the price of gold even rose to IDR 500,000 per gram. “The price of silver raw material remains stable or has not increased. Regarding the markets, the silver handicraft products of Bali is dominated by the U.S. market and then followed by the Netherlands and other European markets,” he said. Other than for export market, the silver products were also in demand in the domestic market. Moreover, it
had become alternative accessories following the soaring price of gold. “Silver-based products and accessories are increasingly popular among young women and housewives, so the domestic market is getting widely open,” he revealed. Based on the existing data, the export value of Bali handicraft from January to May 2013 amounted to USD 90.89 million. That figure rose 1.28 percent when compared to the same period in 2012, which reached USD 89.74 million. Advisory Board of the Indonesian Textile Association (API) of Bali, AA Ngurah Mahendra, previously said the difference in the U.S. dollar exchange rate against the rupiah could increase the profit margins of textile exports of Bali. “Suffering due to slight difference of the Product Main Price (HPP) from the selling price due to expensive price of raw materials and high production costs can be paid by the slight increase in profits due to the difference in the U.S. dollar exchange rate against the rupiah,” he said. Ngurah Mahendra admitted the Product Main Price of Indonesian textile products was too high, so it was hard for textile entrepreneurs
IBP/Net
A craftsman working on a piece of silver jewelry in his workshop. The depreciation of rupiah exchange rate touching the value of IDR 11,000 per U.S. dollar became a blessing for the artisans and exporters in Bali. in Bali to compete against foreign competitors. This condition required the textile entrepreneurs to create innovative products and still make an efficiency effort so that
allows prostitution in certain areas, also plans to spend 700,000 francs ($760,000) a year to keep the sex boxes running.
ATLANTA — There’s been a big shift in how many U.S. school districts take money from soda companies and ban junk food from vending machines, health officials say. A government survey found 44 percent of school districts banned junk food from vending machines last year, up from 30 percent in 2006. It also found drops in how many districts took a cut of soft drink sales, received donations from soda companies, or allowed soda company advertising. Those are considered positive steps in helping the U.S. reduce the number of children who are overweight and obese. But it’s not clear to how much
impact the changes are having. The overall proportion of U.S. children who are overweight or obese has been holding steady at around 17 percent, according to government statistics. Experts say that diet and exercise at home are at least as important as what kids are exposed to in school. “There are lots and lots of factors that go into obesity rates,” said Nancy Brener, lead author of the government report on the study. She is a health scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The findings come from a detailed government survey last year of more than 800 U.S. school districts. The CDC does the study every six years. The CDC released the latest findings Monday.
the business could survive. “Formerly, there were many textile businessmen in Bali, but now many of them have gone bankrupt. Our members used to be 125 busi-
nessmen and then only 50 businessmen can survive. They meet the demand of export market to Japan, Eastern Europe including the United States,” he added. (kmb27)
Faculty of Medicine held BISS 2013
Fewer US school districts promote junk food, soda Associated Press Writer
3
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
IBP
IBP/Courtesy of Ayu Gina
The BISS 2013 inaugurated with striking gong during the opening ceremony. Witnessing this ceremony, Event Chairman of BISS, Made Ayu Gina Purwaningtyas (left).
DENPASAR - Bali International Summer School (BISS) 2013 is an event which is held by International Affair Department of Student Association Faculty of Medicine Udayana University. According to Event Chairman of BISS, Made Ayu Gina Purwaningtyas, this year, the theme of BISS is “Integration of Knowledge, Nature, and Culture in Dealing with Tropical Diseases in Travel Medicine”. She said, the event is undergone for a week, start at August 17th to August 23rd, 2013. The activities of this event are so variant, such as Opening Ceremony, Lecture, Workshop, Gathering Night, Culture Day, City Tour, Hospital Visit, International Guest Lecture and Farewell Party. “This event is followed by 18
participants from local (Jakarta, Medan, Aceh, Palembang, Banjarmasin, Bandung, and Lampung) also overseas (Tunisia, Netherlands, and Italy). The participants are students who are studying in medical school and also other major which is still related to medical importance,” she explained. The participants look so enthusiastic in following the activities of BISS 2013. One of participant from Italy, Luca, confessed that planting the paddy in the rice field which was done at the third day of BISS, was his first experience. He looked so excited in following that activity. BISS is not only the place to raise the knowledge for all participants. But also, for making new friends and enjoying this Heaven Island, Bali. It’s expected that the existence of BISS could be kept for the following years. (kmb18)
2
International
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Bali News
Corn production in Gerokgak increases Singaraja (Bali Post)—
Corn production at Tukad Sumaga village, Gerokgak subdistrict, increases. In 2007, the production reached 3,825 tons. This number then increased to 4,037.5 tons in 2008. Later on, it kept on increasing respectively to 4,717.5 tons (2009); 4,998.0 tons (2010); 5,372.0 tons (2011); and 6,247.5 tons (2012). The Head of Buleleng Agriculture and Livestock Agency, Nyoman Swatantra, said that especially for corn production, the greatest potential was located in Gerokgak area. Most of villagers in the subdistrict planted corn every season. “This subak has indeed long enough cultivated corn and resulted in large production. Besides, the development always increases throughout the years and based on selection in the county and provincial level, the subak qualified in the national competition,” he said. Chief of Subak Tukad Sumaga, Ketut Sadara, said the land commonly planted with corn in the village located in six subgroups consisting of the Dajan Munduk (12 hectares), Dauh Tukad (20 hectares), Dangin Tukad (12 hectares), Subak Anyar (7.5 hectares), Bukit Taman and Banjar Buluh (32.5 hectares). They cultivated the Bima variety composite corn (non-hybrid variety). It was processed for everyday consumption. (kmb)
The corn is dried by the famer
IBP/File
PT Charoen at Awen protested by residents Smokes of combustion pollute environment Negara (Bali Post)—
Residents around the neighborhood of Awen Mertasari, Lelateng village, object to the activities of PT Charoen disturbing their peace. Almost every day, the combustion smokes of the dead chicken carcasses pollute the air to their neighborhood. The objection of residents has long taken place, even since the plant is operated at the location. Their complaint through the hamlet chief is never responded. A number of residents met on Monday (Aug 26) said they protested due to the air pollution caused by the smokes of the dead chicken combustion. According to them, other than the smokes and rancid smell occurring almost every morning, they were also disturbed with chicken fine feather flying up to their settlement. They alleged the fluff came from chicken feathers burnt by using firewood. Besides, a dozen of blowers installed in each cage were believed to
have also caused the chicken feathers fly over to settlement. According to residents, the dead chickens were burned close to local settlement. They told the burned chicken averagely reached 200 heads each day. Besides, the combustion was also performed at night, so that it was very disturbing them. One of the residents, Komang Budiasa, admitted to have repeatedly complained about the matter to hamlet chief, but did not get any response at all. Apart from at Awen Mertasari, the pollution impact also reached the Kombading hamlet, Pengambengan. Even, some time ago people had threatened to make a demonstration. They hoped the severe impact on residents could be minimized and the relevant officials could come down to facilitate the residents’ complaint. They were also increasingly inflamed when knowing if the farm never gave any contribution to local
hamlet.Hamlet chief of Awen Mertasari, Wayan Tama, confirmed the complaints of residents. Other than complaining about the flying feathers, they also complained about the smell of chicken carcasses burned by means of firewood. He said to have frequently informed the people’s complaint to the farm, but it remained to get no response. His party had also reminded of not using firewood when burning chicken carcass because it could pollute the environment. According to him, such a large farm should burn by using combustion machine. Having been reminded, the farm then burned by means of stove. Since the stove exploded it then burned again using firewood. He added that since the farm was established, it had not given any contribution to the surrounding neighborhood. Spokesperson of PT Charoen, Gede Susrama, when asked for his confirmation by journalist could not be met due to being busy. (kmb26)
Handling HIV/AIDS case
Change people’s paradigm and eliminate discrimination
Denpasar (Bali Post)—
So far, the HIV/AIDS cases found in Bali reach 7,856 people. However, the actual figure of the HIV/AIDS sufferer is still unknown. As provisional estimation, there are currently 26,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Bali which means that many must be discovered so that they can be given treatment and preventive measures. However, to reveal the iceberg of the HIV/AIDS case is not easy. Many obstacles are found, where one of which is the negative paradigm of society against the HIV so that it results in discrimination against the sufferers. This paradigm and discrimination are the main factor causing people with high risk factors such as the IDU syringe users and those having multiple sex partners reluctant to undergo medical check-up. Putu Utami Dewi from Paramacita Foundation explained there had been currently a change in the acceptance to HIV-positive patients, especially in health care. They were received more friendly and humane, so that more people living with HIV/AIDS were found in Bali. When providing guidance, her party had always tried to emphasize on every companion and health workers to treat the HIV patients more humane and equal to the other patients. “In the early days, the discrimination to HIV patients were strongly felt, so that many were reluctant to make check-up because of shame and fear,” she said. Chairperson of the Sanglah Hospital VCT, Prof. Tuti Parwati Merati, added if the HIV was treated on a regular basis, the patients would not transmit the virus to others. According to her, currently the only antiretroviral was ARV that had been proven to suppress the amount of HIV virus in the body to the extent of not infecting other people. The ARV administration would be getting better and best if was done before the patient caused symptomatic sickness of the HIV stage became AIDS. At the AIDS stage, the decrease in immunity due to HIV virus attack reached the lowest stage so that any light disease could turn severe on the patients with HIV/ AIDS. The incubation period of the HIV was 5-10 years. At this period, the patient had not showed any symptoms and it was the appropriate period for treatment. Currently, the government in Bali either the provincial government or county/municipal government had been providing services to HIV patients in the form of VCT services. “This service has existed at Sanglah Hospital and every county/municipal hospital except for Bangli,” said Tuti. Moreover, the drug was provided for free by the government. Although every region had provided the VCT services, patients tended to visit the VCT service located beyond their region because there remained a negative stigma and discrimination. Thus, the data obtained by the VCT services did not purely reflect the residents of the region, but could be from the other region. “Denpasar, for example, has many HIV cases. But, it does not necessarily mean they are entirely from Denpasar, but can be the residents of other region,” said Tuti. The fund allocation for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention program of every municipality/county was not only seen from the number of cases recorded in the region because residents in the region might get treatment to other region. “So, do not think that due to having a little case, the program is not carried out intensively,” said Tuti. With the persistence of negative stigma and discrimination from society, the authority of AIDS Prevention Commission (KPA) made socialization on HIV/AIDS that could reach customary village to school. According to the Secretary of KPA Bali, Made Suprapta, the KPA had established the cadre of residents caring for HIV/AIDS in charge of providing education and information about HIV to people in their village. Meanwhile, school had also developed the program known as the Student Group Caring for AIDS and Drug (KSPAN) so that it could bridge the information to friends of their age. (san)
Founder : K.Nadha, General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Diah Dewi Juniarti Editors: Gugiek Savindra,Alit Susrini, Alit Sumertha, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Sri Hartini, Suana, Sueca, Sugiartha, Yudi Winanto Denpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subrata, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Pujawan, Buleleng: Adnyana, Gianyar: Agung Dharmada, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Bali Putra Ariawan. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto. Development: Alit Purnata, Mas Ruscitadewi. Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp. (0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post
International
Honored guest at Harper
Activities
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
15
IBP
KUTA - Archipelago International, the company behind such popular hotel labels as Aston, Alana, Harper, Quest, favehotel, Neo and Kamuela, unveiled its new upper midscale brand, HARPER by Aston, with the opening of the HARPER Kuta Hotel in Bali and opened its door since end of July 2013. Seen in the picture, several media and travel agent as honored guest were having breakfast at Rustik Bistro & Bar in sequence of their trial stay. Harper is the brainchild of Archipelago International, an Indonesia based hotel operator with Hawaiian roots and an underlying portfolio of more than
150 Hotels and Resorts. Modern, yet infused with rustic charm, Harper Hotels convey a residential feel and a balanced functionality, offering unobtrusive service and never ending innovation - hotels for astute travelers who value individualism and character.
IBP/Courtesy of Harper Hotel
Calendar Event for August 24 through September 28, 2013 24 Aug Purnama Sasih Kawulu & Tumpek Landep Pura Mutering Jagat Dalem Sidakarya Desa Adat Sidakarya Denpasar Pura Pasek Gelgel-Pedungan Denpasar Selatan Pura Agung Pasek Tangguntiti Kaler Tabanan Pura Agung Pasek Selemadeg Tabanan Pura Pasek Tangkas Kediri Tabanan Pura Kerta Banyuninng Barat Buleleng Pura Dalem Tenggaling -Sengguan Singapadu Pura Kawitan Wangbang Pinatih Peguyangan Singaraja Pura Bujangga Waisnawa Tegalcangkring Tabanan Pura Taman Desa Bubunan Seririt Buleleng Pura Penataran Pande Dalem Batur Jati Banjar Pandean Mengwi Pura Dalem Pingit Banjar Tarokaja Tegalalang Pura Dadia Pasek Gelgel-Gobleg Desa Selat Sukasada Buleleng Pura Ida Ratu Pande Besakih Pura Penataran Agung Pinatih Tulikup Banjar Menak Tulikup Gianyar Pura Penataran Pande Kusamba-Klungkung Pura Kumuda Saraswati Ubud Pamerajan Alit Ubud Pura Batur Arya “Warih Kepaon” Cengolo Sudimara Tabanan Pura Dalem Majapahit Banjar Denuma Kukuh Marga Tabanan Pura Dalem batur Bangli Pura Buana Kawan Besakih Pura Ida Ratu Pasek Besakih Pura Dalem Suci Desa Dukuh Sidemen Karangasem 25 Aug Hari Redite Umanis Ukir Sanggah Gede Dukuh Segening Tegal Tugu Gianyar
28 Aug Buda Wage Ukir Pura Pejenengan Kawitan Arya Tauman Banjar Jelantik Kuri Batu Desa Tojan Gelgel Klungkung Pura Pasar Agung Besakih (Alit) Besakih Pura Pasek bendesa Pasar Badung Legian Kuta Pura Gede Gunugn Agung D u k u h Munggu Badung Hyang Agung Pura Ibuwanasari Tegal Pura Puseh, Desa di Bebablang Bangli Pura Dalem Peruncak Badung Pura Pasek Bendesa Hyang Selat Kerobokan Badung Pura Kereban Langit Desa Sading Mengwi Badung Pemerajan Sareng Kangin Baleran Ubud 3 Sep Anggarkasih Kulantir Pura Penataran Tangkas Sukawati Pura Dalem Lagan Bebalang Bangli Pura Puseh Lembeng Ketewel Sukawati Pura Pasek Gelgel Penulisan Kerambitan Tabanan Pura Gaduh Sanding Pura Dalem Gandamayu Klungkung Pura Sang Hyang Tegal Banjar Tarokaja Tegalalang 4 Sep Tilem Sasih Karo Banjar Pasek Tangkas Pasekan Kaler Tabanan Pura Gaduh Benoh Ubung Denpasar 8 Sep Redite Keliwon Tulu Pura Dalem Alas Harum Banjar Tegal Kepuh Kediri Tabanan 9 Sep Soma Umanis Tulu Pura Puseh Bale Agung Ubung Kupang Penebel Tabanan Pura Kawitan Sakula Gotra Pasung Grigih Banjar Tegal Kepuh Kaba kaba
Kediri Tabanan Pura Paibon Tangkas Kori Agung Ceningan Kangin Lembongan Pura Batu Medeg Besakih Pura Penataran Agung Penatih banjar saba 11 Sep Buda Pon Tulu Pura Catur Buana Sanding Tampaksiring 12 Sep Wrespati Wage Tolu Pura Peninjoan Besakih 18 Sep Buda Kliwon Gumbreg Pura Pasek Gelgel kukuh Marga Tabanan Pura Pasek Gelgel Dukuh Selemadeg Tabanan Pura Pasek Gelgel Mambang Selemadeg Tabanan Pura Puseh, Desa Guwang Sukawati Pura Dalem Setra Batu Nanggul Desa Swana Nusa Penida Pura Dadia Agung Pasek Gelgel Ketewel 19 Sep Purnama Sasih Ketiga Pura Gunung Sari Lombok Pura Kawitan Arya Gajah Para Tianyar Kubu Karangasem Pura Pedharman Arya Telabah Besakih Pura Bukit Mentik Gunung Lebah Desa Batur kintamani Pura Dadia Agung Pasek Salahin Desa Suwat Gianyar 25 Sep Buda Paing Wariga Pura Pasek Gaduh Kayubihi Bangli 28 Sep Hari Tumpek Uduh Pura puseh, desa Desa Batuan Sukawati Pura Pasek Bendesa Desa Kekeran Mengwi Pura Manik Mas Besakih
Balinese Temple Ceremony Every Temple and Shrine has a special date for it annual Ceremony, or “ Odalan “, every 210 days according to Balinese calendar, including the smaller ancestral shrine which each family possesses. Because of this practically every few days a ceremony of festival of some kind takes place in some Village in Bali. There are also times when the entire island celebrated the same Holiday, such as at Galungan, Kuningan, Nyepi day, Saraswati day, Tumpek Landep day, Pagerwesi day, Tumpek Wayang day etc. The dedication or inauguration day of a Temple is considered its birth day and celebration always takes place on the same day if the wuku or 210 day calendar is used. When new moon is used then the celebration always happens on new moon or full moon. The day of course can differ the religious celebration of a temple lasts at least one full day with some temple celebrating for three days while the celebration of Besakih temple, the Mother Temple, is never less than 7 days and most of the time it lasts for 11 days, depending on the importance of the occasion. The celebration is very colorful. The shrine are dressed with pieces of cloths and sometimes with brocade, sailings, decorations of carved wood and sometimes painted with gold and Chinese coins, very beautifully arranged, are hung in the four corners of the shrine. In front of shrine are placed red, white or black umbrellas depending which Gods are worshipped in the shrines. In front of important shrine one sees, besides these umbrellas soars, tridents and other weapons, the “umbulumbul”, long flags, all these are prerogatives or attributes of Holiness. In front of the Temple gate put up “Penjor”, long bamboo poles, decorated beautifully ornaments of young coconut leaves, rice and other products of the land. Most beautiful to see are the girls in their colorful attire, carrying offerings, arrangements of all kinds fruits and colored cakes, to the Temple. Every visitor admires the grace with which the carry their load on their heads.
I N T E R N A T I O N A L
I N T E R N A T I O N A L
16 Pages Number 169 5th year
Price: Rp 3.000,-
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Music Review: Another portrait of Bob Dylan
Entertainment
WEATHER FORECAST 23 - 32 Dps
California Rim Fire showers ash on reservoir
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Associated Press Writer
e-mail: info_ibp@balipost.co.id online: http://www.internationalbalipost.com. http://epaper.internationalbalipost.com.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
United, Chelsea draw 0-0 in Premier League
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Japan postpones launch of new, cheaper rocket
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In the latest entry of his ongoing vault-diving releases, Bob Dylan revisits one of his least-heralded albums. “Self Portrait,” released in 1970, is remembered less today for its music than the classic first line of a Rolling Stone magazine review by Greil Marcus that greeted it: “What is this (expletive)?” It was hard not to see why. The cultural icon baffled his fans with a badly-produced collection of minor compositions, some live cuts, covers of traditional folk and blues songs a n d ev e n contemporary songs like “The Boxer.” Marcus, who writes the liner notes for this four-disc box set, wisely doesn’t step back from that assessment. He shouldn’t. Time doesn’t improve the work. It seems amazing four decades later that an artist of Dylan’s caliber would take such a hands-off attitude toward his art, packing up his basic tracks and sending them to a Nashville producer who adds some truly cringe-worthy arrangements. Maybe that was precisely the point. Two of the discs in this b o x a r e primarily
Dylan’s original recordings with several outtakes, most with minimal arrangements. They’re almost uniformly better than what was on the original “Self Portrait.” There are a handful of interesting curios: a version of “If Not for You” with a haunting violin accompaniment, an unreleased studio session with George Harrison and a full band version of “I Threw It All Away.” Disc three is a recording of the 1969 concert at the Isle of Wight festival, which interrupted a period of seclusion for Dylan. Hard to go wrong with a recording of Dylan performing with The Band, but the performance has a tentative, almost rushed feel to it. Although the “Self Portrait” sessions seemed strange at the time, Dylan’s subsequent work gives it more context. Still performing regularly at 72, Dylan’s concerts keep his formidable catalogue alive along with an American blues, rock and folk tradition that predates even him. These 1970 recordings make clear that even back then, Dylan was constantly inspired by it. Marcus has another theory to explain “Self Portrait,” suggesting it was Dylan’s attempt to step away from people who worshipped him as a musical genius, a voice of his generation. “He was trying to quit, but no one would accept his resignation,” he wrote. Fine. So why would anyone want to buy a four-disc resignation statement? Through the years, Dylan’s bootleg series has provided some real thrills, and interesting new perspectives on his work. This one doesn’t. Only completists will find something interesting.
Equity of tourism has not been realized
Damon, Panettiere get Environmental Media Awards Associated Press Writer
LOS ANGELES — The Environmental Media Association is honoring Matt Damon and Hayden Panettiere for their dedication to ecological causes. The organization announced Monday that the two actors will be honored at its 23rd annual Environmental Media Awards this fall. Damon will receive the Ongoing Commitment Award for his work with Water.org, the organization he co-founded that aims to bring safe water and sanitation to people around the world. The 42-year-old actor says he hopes the award brings attention to Water.org’s efforts “to bring clean water to communities around the world and inspire new friends and partners to join the fight.” Panettiere will accept the Futures Award, which recognizes younger entertainers for their potential to be environmental activists. The “Nashville” star is active with the Whaleman Foundation, an oceanic research and conservation group. The 24-year-old actress said she’s excited to talk about her work with the Whaleman Foundation and “using my voice to protect our oceans and their amazing inhabitants.” The prizes will be presented at a ceremony on Oct. 19 at Warner Bros. studios in Burbank, California.
Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/ AP, File
FILE - In this Aug. 2, 2013 file photo, Matt Damon attends a photo call for “Elysium” at the Four Seasons, in Los Angeles.
ANTARA FOTO/Dewi Fajriani
Tourists enjoying panorama at traditional harbor. The hotel and restaurant trade sector (PHR) poses the greatest contributor to the growth of tourism growth. Contribution of hotel and restaurant trade to the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) up to the second quarter of this year reached 29.83 percent. Bali Post
DENPASAR - The hotel and restaurant trade sector (PHR) poses the greatest contributor to the growth of tourism growth. Contribution of hotel and restaurant trade to the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) up to the second quarter of this year reached 29.83 percent. However, so far the equality of Bali tourism has not been achieved because the tourism activities remain to be concentrated on Southern Bali. Chairman of the Bali Regional Tourism Promotion Board (BPPD), Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati, said that tourism growth in the future should be equitable and sustain the contributions to the development of Bali. On that account, it was required serious ef-
forts to fix the existing destinations by constantly featuring cultural tourism. “The tourism development in Bali still refers to cultural tourism. It’s the culture becoming the spirit of Bali tourism. When shifted, it will kindle complicated problems
later on,” said the man familiarly called Cok Ace, in Denpasar. He explained the total tourist arrivals to Indonesia through the Ngurah Rai Airport (Bali) had contributed 35.60 percent. Meanwhile, the result of survey made by Bank Indonesia for Region III Bali Nusra in May 2013 indicated there was tendency of increase in the foreign tourist arrival this year. Besides, the indicator of tourist spending was also higher than the same period in 2012 reaching USD 150.23 per person with the longer length of stay of foreign tourists this year than the same period the previous year, reaching 8.55 days.
The high interest of foreign tourist in visiting Bali should be poised by doing promotions. Chairman of the Indonesian Tourism Industry Association (GIPI) of Bali, Ngurah Wijaya, said the BPPD Bali had an integrated promotional plan putting an emphasis on the five divisions, namely the sport division, MICE division, silver division, leisure division and creative division. “We will strive to jointly develop the tourism in Bali so that it can realize the even distribution in the future,” he said. Meanwhile, the Representative Head of Bank Indonesia for Region III Bali Nusra, Dwi Pranoto,
said the survey conducted by Bank Indonesia Region III indicated that most foreign tourists (96.30 percent) visited Bali with a major purpose of spending holidays and came with family (54.17 percent) as well as with relations or friends (30.72 percent). By and large, they stayed at star hotel (70.11 percent), non-star hotel (30.72 percent) and villa or apartment (16.36 percent). “Hotel and restaurant trade sector has become the most widely worked on,” said Dwi Pranoto while adding that tourism industry was a major driving force for the economic performance of Bali. (kmb27)