Bali Named “Most Favourite Destination”
Bali was recently named the most favourite destination in the world by the readers of Travel and Leisure World magazine in New York. In a survey carried out by the magazine, the readers named Bali as the best island in the three-year period. This is the second time Bali was named the most favourite destination, beating off rivals Hawaiian Islands. (Bali Post, July 14)
Villa in Kalianget Beach Burned
Two villa buildings at Alas Arum Beach, Kalianget, Seririt, yet to be opened, burned down last Thursday (July 15). Fire destroyed the thatched roof and supporting panels, but left some of the walls. Until Friday, July 16, cause of fire had not been revealed, although police suspected it to be a case of arson. Police officer Pande Made Sugiarta, who helped extinguish the fire, said his office received the fire report on Thursday night, at around 8:20 pm. At first the report was not responded to seriously as the person who reported it came in his underwear and was drunk. The villa was known to be owned by a Dutch national and maintained by a local. (Bali Post, July 17)
All Star and DJ Café Could be Closed
The Government of Badung has warned that All Star and DJ Café at Kartika Plaza Street that they could be closed since they were heard playing loud music during a sudden inspection on Sunday, July 18, at the dawn of day. According to spokesperson I Ketut Soma, currently the matter is still under analysis. If it is proven that the music played by both restaurants exceeds 67 decibel, both businesses will be closed down, following the fate of Uno Café, Warung Kita, O’D Café and Warung Indian in Seminyak Street. (Nusa, July 19)
Unemployed in Bali
Bali, which relies on tourism for its economic backbone, still cannot maximally employ workers, the Dinas Tenaga Kerja (Manpower) Bali, Komang Rai Sudjaka SH MH, said in a seminar in Tuban, recently. He said around 71,660 people are still unemployed in Bali, a figure which needs to be reduced. (Nusa, July 24)
Pelebon at Puri Ubud Packed With “Stars”
Pelebon or royal cremation for Tjokorda Istri Muter, held on Saturday, July 24 in Puri Ubud, was attended by thousands of visitors and invited guests. Also present in the rare occasion were VIP guests such as royal members, national political figures and Government officials such as Gusti Pangeran Haryo Dipo Kusumo from Keraton Solo and Andi Malaranggeng. (Nusa, July 25) See extended coverage of the Royal Cremation in a Special Feature on page 39
Australia to Film Bali Bomb Tragedy
Australian production house Kennedy Miller plans to create a mini-series regarding the Bali bombing. Miller’s spokesperson said the series, to be called Mango River, will film the activities of Australian and Indonesian police in their effort to reveal the criminals. Mango River is also supported by Showtime TV cable. The scenario of Mango River is to be prepared by Ian David, the man behind criminal drama “Blue Murder”. Kennedy Miller is the production house behind classic Australian mini-series such as The Dismissal, Bodyline, Vietnam and Bangkok Hilton, besides Babe and Mad Max. (Nusa, July 25)
British Man Dies of Heart Attack
British citizen who lived in Sanur, Row Botton Asllan, died in Sanglah Hospital on Saturday, July 24, due to heart attack. The death of the 59-year-old man was reported to the police by his friend, Tiasna Hanafiah. (Denpost, July 26)
“
Spiderman” in Indonesia
An unusual sight was seen on Sunday, July 25, at the Indosat office in Jakarta. French citizen Alain Robert, nicknamed “Spiderman”, climbed Indosat’s 25-floor office, using only four hooks and powders. He successfully reached the top floor without any ropes or safety equipment normally used by climbers. Alain even waved to the people below in the middle of climbing. Alan was once seen climbing Petronas Tower in Malaysia, in 1997, and on Sears Tower, Chicago, in 1999. In 2003 he climbed the headquarters of oil company Total Fina Elf in La Dofense (outside Paris) in a protest of invasion to Iraq. (Bali Post, July 26)
Meal Poisons Party Attendees
More than 20 residents of Desa Wanasari, Denpasar, were poisoned after eating nasi bungkus in a birthday party of one of the residents, on Thursday night, July 22. Until July 24, one of the party attendees was still being treated in the hospital for some serious poison effect. (Nusa, July 26)
Megawati-SBY Goes Into Second Round
The presidential election committee (KPU) has finally named partners Megawati Sukarnoputri-Hasyim Muzadi and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY)-Jusuf Kalla as the candidates who would enter the second round of the election. In the final count, SBY-Kalla received 33,574% of the total votes, while Mega-Hasyim received 26,605%. (Bali Post, July 27)
1 August, Power Bill Gets More Expensive
Starting August 1, customers will need to pay more for electricity, as PLN, the national electricity company, has decided to charge around Rp. 40,000 to Rp. 60,000 for installation - checking fee. According to PLN spokesperson, Doni Simanjuntak, the installation checking is crucial as a safety precaution from fire. Doni also said the fee is various, depending on the voltage. The fees are as follow: Rp. 40,000 for 450 W, Rp. 45,000 for 900 W, Rp. 50,000 for 1,300 W and Rp. 60,000 for 2200 W. (Nusa, July 27)
Money Arrived, Australian Free
Australian Michael Edward Gibson, 48, who was reported to the police as he could not pay his accommodation fee at Hotel Agung, finally received the money to settle the bill. The money was sent by his sibling in Australia, on Monday (July 27). Michael admitted that he could not pay for the fee as he has no money left after returning from his travel in Lombok. Hotel staff I Gede Sugiantara reported Michael to the police, after unsuccessfully trying to call the Australian Consulate. Michael’s room and food bill amounts to Rp. 1 million. (Denpost, July 27)
Bali Bomb Legislation Cancelled, Australia Disappointed
The Majelis Mahkamah Konstitusi (Indonesia’s Constitutional Court)’s decision to cancel Legislation Number 16/2003 - or the Bali Bomb Legislation, as it is now famously known - is a big disappointment for Australian Consulate for Indonesia, David Ritchie. He revealed the disappointment during a meeting with Bali Governor, Dewa Made Beratha, on Monday, July 26. The court cancelled legislation regarding punishment for terrorism acts. (Denpost, July 27)
Sanur Big Winner in Kite Festival
Sanur came out as the winner in the recently-held 26th Bali Kite Festival in Padang Galak. Sanur teams swept off the first, second, and third prizes for janggan kites. (Nusa, July 27) See extended coverage of the Bali Kite Festival in a Special Feature on page 23
