Officials of Karangasem Regency are expected to take firm measures against violators that construct warungs and kiosks near Taman Ujung, Karangasem. The restoration of Taman Ujung costing Rp. 10 billion is not complete but is already popular with local people. Unfortunately, the view of the beach is blocked by the new warungs. (BP Mar. 23)
Drainage Project Decreases Business
The impact of the drainage project in Kuta has hit shops and restaurants in that area. For the last one month, the Rp. 27 billion project has decreased profits by 40-50 percent. “Now tourists are reluctant to stroll down Legian Street because it is uncomfortable,” said Nugra, a restaurant owner. (Denpost Mar. 18)
Burton’s Laptop Copied
To find evidence and additional data on the cause of death of Sandra Jean Burton, 62, Bali Police will study the data on her laptop. It is hoped that they will find clues to the cause of the suspicious death of Burton, a senior reporter of TIME. Other than confiscating her laptop, some witnesses were interrogated. They include her swimming instructor, security officer and masseur. Burton was found dead lying in her bathroom with some bruises on Saturday (28/3) in Villa Iskandar, Perum Batu Jimbar, Sanur, by her husband, Robert. She was brought to Sanglah Hospital but subsequently died. (Nusa Mar. 18)
Dengue Fever Patients Nearly 1000
The number of dengue fever (DB) patients in Bali has reached nearly 1000 from January until the middle of March. The number of DB patients in all regencies /cities in Bali has increased with the highest number in Denpasar: 571, followed by Badung: 171. The least infected area is Klungkung. “Up until Sunday (14/3), there are only two infected people there,” an official in Bali Health Office said. So far, the death toll from dengue fever in Bali is three. (BP Mar. 17)
Sodomy Victims
The number of children in Karangasem that were sodomized by suspect former Australian diplomat, William Stuart alias Tony, who is now on trial in Amlapura Court has increased to twenty. The evidence on the other victims was gained by the judge team from witnesses as well as victims, IB, 16, and IM, 14. Though the other 18 victims were sexually abused they did not report to the police. (Nusa Mar. 16)
Four Die in Arak Party
Four people died after drinking arak in Patas Village, Gerokgak, Buleleng on Friday (12/3). Another victim in critical condition is being treated in Buleleng Hospital. At a party, 13 people were poisoned, suddenly feeling dizzy, nauseated and fatigued. Iptu Burhanuddin from Buleleng Police said the police are interrogating some witnesses. The poison is allegedly from the methanol content in arak. The arak is being examined at the Forensic Laboratory of Bali Police. (BP Mar. 16)
Cyclone in Kupang
A cyclone turned Kupang, capital of East Nusatenggara Province, upside down on Monday (15/3). Tens of buildings, including Police Headquarters, and hundreds residential houses were destroyed. A witness said the cyclone started at 7:15 in the morning when strong winds and rain blew causing the zinc roofs of residential houses to fly away and people ran from their houses. A number of main streets are also blocked by the falling trees. (Nusa Mar. 16)
