Balinese Language Programs Lacks Students
The study of Balinese language in private universities in Denpasar lacks students. Those who are interested in studying in this program are teachers: no graduates of senior high school apply for the programs. Two private universities that have Balinese programs include IKIP PGRI Bali and FKIP University of Dwijendra. Ironically, for two years the IKIP PGRI Bali has had no students in the Balinese program. (BP Dec. 2)
Malaysian Arrested at Ngurah Rai
Sabahah, 24, a Malaysian, was arrested in Ngurah Rai Airport. The crew of Malaysian Airlines and security officers found him after the airplane landed from Kuala Lumpur. Sabahan could not show his ticket, passport or boarding pass. Sabahah, who was hiding in the airplane said he was in a stressful condition after having been fired from his job. He was interrogated for several hours in Ngurah Rai airport and then returned to Malaysia with the Malaysian Airline flight in the evening. The trespass into Kuala Lumpur international airport was the first since it was first officially opened in 1997. (Nusa Nov. 30)
Another Stumbling Block for Bali Tourism
The Taiwan government appealed its citizens to cancel their visits to Bali after 25 Taiwanese were reported suffering from dysentery after returning from Bali. Head of Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies, I Gusti Agung Prana, said that he would trace the travel agency that handled those tourists. “This is to find out their activities and the sorts of food and drink they took” said Prana. A letter of objection was sent to the Taiwan Tourist Association. (Nusa Nov. 30)
House Robbery in Denpasar
A house belonging to Hari Jawan, 40, on Sarigading Street Denpasar was broken in by robber when he and his family left the house on Sunday (23/11). They went to the church at 8 am and when they returned home, they found that the door was open and the house was in a mess. Hari suffered Rp 100 million loss. The case was reported to City Police immediately. (Denpos Nov. 27)
Seven Bali Bombing Prisoners Get Remission
Of 186 Muslim prisoners that got remission, seven of them are prisoners involved in Bali bombing. “The seven prisoners are from the Kalimantan group. Each of them gets 15 day remission. Those who have the death sentence do not get remission,” said Head of Denpasar Penitentiary, Tulus Wijajanto. (BP Nov. 27)
Export of Bali-Made Crafts Drops 2.01 Percent
The drop in tourism to Bali has effected the export of Bali crafts. Craft exports in September 2003 earned USD 18.218 million, but on October it was USD 17.852 million, or 2.01% drop. Data from Industry and Trade Office Bali show that the export of Bali-made crafts declining, including its silver craft. “This is a challenge and chance as well to obtain the markets that were reached in the previous years,” said AA Puspa in training for developing and empowering small-scale business. (BP Nov. 27)
Teenager Commits Suicide
A teenager, I Nyoman Surdita, 17, hanged himself on a clove tree in a plantation in Banjar Lebah, Marga, Tabanan on Sunday (23/11). Suardita had a traffic accident on Saturday (22/11) where he hit a police car. The police took him home in Banjar Basa. He escaped from the house and then disappeared. On the following day, residents found his corpse hanging on the 6 meter clove tree. The police did not find any evidence of violence at the scene. (Denpos Nov. 24)
Rafflesia Flower Found in Denpasar
There have been 19 Rafflesia flowers found in Denpasar, eight on Gatot Subroto Timur Street, five on Padma Street and recently six on Nusa Indah Street, by the Art Center. (Nusa Nov. 22)
