Parachuter Dies After Breaking Record
A tragic fate overcame one of Indonesia’s best skydivers, Theo Mandagi. After breaking the record of skydiving with some 100 participants, Theo’s parachute failed to open and he fell to the swamps in the southern side of Ngurah Rai Airport. He was found dead by local residents on Wednesday (August 11). Prior to the incident, Theo, on his third attempt, managed to break the record of 100 skydivers forming a huge propeller shape, with skydivers from Australia, USA, Russia, UK, Germany, Belgium, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Norway and New Zealand. The cause of the parachute failure is still under investigation. (Nusa August 12)
After Six Months, VoA Needs Re-evaluation
As the Government promised, the Visa on Arrival (VoA) policy needs to be re-evaluated six months after the implementation. The same recommendation was voiced by the tourism industry association (Asita Bali) in a recent meeting. Spokesperson Sudibya claimed that Government’s view on the VoA is different from the tourism industry’s view. (Bali Post August 14)
Guest Falls on Stairs, Dies
Falling on the stairs, Lavec Vilp, a 53-year-old Frenchman, died in Hotel Haris Resort, in Pantai Kuta Street, Kuta, last Friday (August 13). The man was walking to room 302, where he stayed, when he suddenly fell on a stair which had just been cleaned by the staff. According to the information, Lavec bumped his head on the floor & became unconscious. Seeing the guest fall, hotel staff immediately rushed him to the clinic in the hotel. He received medical treatment, but at 1.30pm he passed away. (Denpost August 14)
Poisoned by Nompeh Fish, Government
Officials Hospitalized
Around 22 Government officials were rushed to the Sanglah hospital, Puri Raharja hospital and Surya Husada hospital, on Friday (August 13), after being poisoned from nompeh fish they ate at Warung Makan Lembongan, Renon. Three of the officials said they did eat the tuna-like fish at Warung Lembongan, and claimed to suffer from dizziness, vomiting, and rapid heartbeat half an hour later. (Denpost August 14)
535 Prisoners Receive Remission on
Independence Day
Thanks to the spirit of the Independence Day, some 535 prisoners in all prisons in Bali received remission. The remission was symbolically given by Bali’s Governor Dewa Made Beratha, following the flag raising ceremony in LP Denpasar Kelas II in Kerobaokan, Kuta. Of the 535, 55 were immediately freed. The remission was granted, based on President’s Decision Letter regarding the subject. Currently there are 1,006 prisoners occupy in Bali prisons. (Bali Post August 18)
Underwater Flag Raising
To celebrate Indonesian independence day, 33 divers, who are mostly Bali’s ocean journalists, dived in Tulamben, at the Liberty wreck, and planted the flag there. Some 22 journalists and 11 local divers entered the sea at around 10 am, and managed to plant the flag at 11 am. This is the third such event organized by the ocean journalists, since 2002. Several foreign tourists who happened to dive at Tulamben joined in the event. (Nusa August 18)
2005, No More Fiscal?
The Indonesian Government is considering to wipe out the Rp 1 million fiscal payment for overseas travel in 2005. If implemented, it will in turn decrease the national income. According to Taxation Directorate-General Hadi Purnomo, the potential loss income from the policy would amount to Rp. 1,2 trillion. Current fiscal policy, which requires anybody traveling overseas to pay Rp. 1 million tax, is based on regulations regarding income tax. (Bali Post August 19)
American Beaten by a Crazy Person
Dave, 24, an American staying on Poppies Street, had to have his nose checked-up, after being beaten by a crazy person in his residence. On Wednesday (August 18), Dave who was about to enter his house was suddenly attacked by the crazy person who frequently passes by in front. On Thursday his nose swelled and he had trouble breathing, he then decided to go to the Sanglah hospital. (Nusa August 20)
Megawati in the Top Ten of Most Powerful Women
President Megawati Soekarnoputri, Vice PM of China, Wu Yi, India’s Sonia Gandhi and Philippines’ President Gloria Arroyo all recently entered the list of the most powerful women in the world, Forbes’ version. Megawati is listed in the eight position, followed by Gloria Arroyo. On the top of the list is Condoleezza Rice, the national security advisor for US President George W. Bush. Wu Yi is the runner-up, followed by Sonia Gandhi. Another Asian listed is Bangladesh’s PM Begum Khaleda in the 14th place, New Zealand’s PM Helen Clark in the 43rd place, Sri Lankan Chandrika Kumaratunga (44) and Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi (45). (Bali Post August 21)
“
Buruan Cium Gue” Stops Playing
Following many protests from religious leaders and some senior artists, teenage Indonesian movie “Buruan Cium Gue” (literally translated as “Hurry, kiss me”) was removed from national cinemas. (Nusa August 21)
Win Gold, Taufik Gets Rp. 2 Billion Bonus
Indonesia’s own Taufik Hidayat, top badminton player notorious for his bad temper, finally contributed the first gold to the country at the Olympic Games in Athens, having won the men’s single, beating South Korean player Shon Seung-Mo at 15-8, 15-7 in the final game on Saturday (August 21). (Bali Post August 22)
Villa, Hotel Thefts “Old Modus” for Insurance Claim
Bogus theft cases in villas or hotels with foreign guests as the victims are not a new modus of operation. The cases are normally used as an excuse for guests to get an insurance claim out of the goods they brought to Bali, claimed local police. By bringing a theft report from the police, a foreigner can get insurance reimbursements from his country. This is an old modus,” police Wawan Ridwan Sik said. (Nusa August 22)
Australian MPs Visit Bali
Two Members of Parliament from New South Wales, Australia, visited DPRD Bali on Monday (August 23). Jefry Hunter and Tony Steward were received by head of Komisi A DPRD Bali, Nengah Sumardika, and other members of Komisi A. In the meeting, both MPs said they felt safe and comfortable while in Bali, and have promised to promote the island in their country. While in Bali, they also visited the development of Sanglah Hospital, which receives help from the Australian Government. Later they also visited the Australian International School. (Denpost August 24)
