Bali Police in Padangbai arrested La, 55, who was found to be carrying 50 small finger-size explosives. Chief of Karangasem Police AKBP Drs Martanto made the announcement on Monday (14/7) in Amlapura. Rp. 8 million cash was also found on him. La said he got the explosives from a man on the ship who told him to sell the explosives to fish bombers in Pasuruan, East Java. (BP July 14)
Sunset Road Slum Houses Mushrooming
Slum houses along the Sunset Road in Kuta are mushrooming. It was reported that there were 24 slum houses from Simpang Dewa Ruci to Abianbase. (Denpost 12 July)
Mastermind of Bali Bombing Reportedly Arrested
The mastermind of the Bali bombing, Hambali alias Ridwan Isamudin alias Encep Nurjaman and Dr. Azahari was reported to be arrested on Tuesday (8/7) in Bumi Serpong Damai Housing complex, Tangerang, West Java. But, Indonesian Police General Da’i Bachtiar only said two fugitives of Bali bombing were arrested without mentioning their names. (Nusa July 11)
Casino in Bali Prohibited
The plan of deputy regent of Klungkung Dewa Gede Sena to invite investors to build a gambling area in Nusapenida was rejected by some groups. “Any investment related to gambling is not permitted. It is regulated in the list of negative investments in Presidential Decree No. 96 Year 2000,” said Head of Legal and Public Relation of Local Investment Board Body K. Suadnyana in Nusapenida on Wednesday (9/7) in response to the rumors of the construction of a casino. He said Klungkung does not need a casino to attract investors. (BP July 10)
Pemaron Gas Plant
PT Indonesia Power is optimistic that a gas plant can be constructed in Pemaron, Buleleng though some tourism groups in Lovina reject the plan. Equipment and construction materials have been brought to Buleleng Harbor. The unloading on Sunday (6/7) attracted the attention of local people as the project is controversial. The project has not yet been granted a Building Permit from Buleleng Local Government. (BP July 7)
Visa on Arrival USD35
Ministry of Justice and Human rights on behalf of the Indonesian government finally decided on a USD 35 fee for a visa on arrival to enter Indonesia. This will be effective September and early October. A number of tour operators in Bali were surprised and disappointed with the decision. The Bali tourism industry had proposed a fee USD 25 per person. (Nusa July 4)
Local Boy Admitted Helping Imam
The role of Masykur Abdul Kadir in the Bali bombing has been uncovered. It was found that he sought the rented house for Imam Samudra on Jalan Pulau Pinang Denpasar. “He bargained the price,” said witness Suandewi in Denpasar Court on Thursday (3/7). Imam who called himself Andre was with other two men, Idris and Ali Imron. (BP July 4)
