Christian Fritz comes from Munich , Germany . He was educated
in economics, specializing in international taxation and intellectual
property. Before moving to Bali he worked as a tax consultant
and financial controller. He now works as a financial advisor
for Tropical Homes, a socially responsible enterprise, and
has an keen interest in promoting Bali and diversifying the
island’s economy. Believing that a healthy economy is
essential for a healthy society, Christian is a strong supporter
of the Kuta Small Business Association and EuroBali Export
Network which attempts to generate more awareness about corporate
social responsibility not only for multinational companies,
but also for small and medium-sized businesses.
When did you first come to Bali ?
My first visit was during a vacation to Lombok in 1998. Arriving
from unspoiled Lombok, I found Bali rather chaotic, but full
of culture and opportunity.
Why did you choose Bali as a place to live?
Based on my previous experience and impressed by Bali’s
culture and society I was attracted by the challenge it presented,
so in April 2000 I decoded to move to Bali for good. Luckily,
I met a wonderful woman, Komang in May 2000 and we have been
together ever since. Over time I feel that Bali has made me
a better person, as I’ve learned to involve myself with
my community and thus started to see things in a different
way.
Who came up with the idea of the Kuta Karnival?
Many individuals have contributed to the concept - Balinese,
Indonesians and Expatriates alike – but the most thanks
has to go to our chairman, I Made Supatra Karang, Steve (Surfer
Girl), Paul (Billabong), Nigel (TJ’s), David (Papa’s),
who were the major driving forces behind it. We also got strong
and ongoing support from the surf industry and many other
small and medium-sized businesses.
What is the idea behind the Kuta Karnival?
The first Karnival was held September 11th to October 12th
2003 to commemorate the tragic events in New York and Bali
. It was quite successful with many national and international
supporters attending. John Howard, the Australian Prime Minister
attended our closing ceremony on the beach. I consider that
the Karnival’s most significant achievement was to bring
the Australian and Balinese communities closer together after
what had happened. From the first Kuta Karnival we learned
that a more compact program and a shorter duration would be
more appealing and so this year shortened the event to 9 days.
Why is it called an “international” event?
We always have international participation, either among the
organizers, in the performances and programs themselves, or
among the entertainers and musicians. Fortunately we do not
have to depend on big names to have a successful event, but
often they just volunteer to participate. This year we will
have Sasha, one of the head organizers of the Asian XGames,
John and Drew from APOLO (Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard
Association), ABC Radio Australia , and many others joining
in on the fun.
What are going to be the highlights of the Kuta Karnival this
year?
The musical highlight will definitely be the Beat Rock Fest
on September 23rd. On the 17th of September we are collaborating
with the UN WTO to hold the Bike Festival with 2,500 participants.
The Bali Food Festival, to be held on the 23rd and 24th, will
be another main attraction with up to 15,000 visitors a day.
Also, for the first time this year, Bali Design Expo with
around 40 Indonesian SMEs (Small and Medium sized Enterprises)
will display high-end export quality products.
What will it cost to attend?
The Kuta Karnival is for the enjoyment of everyone, so there
are no attendance or entry fees. The Bali Food Festival will
offer special local prices on international menus items. Participants
can also win prizes in our charity auction.
How are the organizers going to handle traffic congestion
and parking?
We have a dedicated coordination team to handle traffic and
parking, including the parade, which will go through Jalan
Legian and Jalan Pantai on Sunday the 24th of September starting
at 2 pm. Istana Kuta Galeria, OSO, Angrek Hotel and the two
new parking lots on Jalan Legian close to the monument are
set aside for parking. If people don’t want to take
their cars, public transport by bemos as well as Komotra buses
from Istana Kuta Galeria will be available, as well as taxis,
motor bikes or bicycles.
Won’t all the hotels be full during the event?
We have very good support and coordination from the Bali Hotels
Association and other stakeholders. There will be sufficient
accommodation available during the whole period of the Kuta
Karnival. Some travel agents are promoting special Kuta Karnival
packages and advertising has been placed in order to promote
the event.
What other information would be useful?
On Sunday the 24th of September, Jalan Legian and Jalan Pantai
will be closed and restricted for traffic for the Kuta Karnival
Parade. As the event is family oriented, we have activities
for everyone. Parents can stroll through the Bali Food Festival,
Kuta Street Expo or watch the skateboarders, while kids can
enjoy supervised sandcastle competitions or painting classes.
For the kids programs please contact 081311257789. We will
also have an information tent on the beach (tel. 08553708888/08179792414).
The Kuta Karnival Secretariat: tel. 0361 751848; Security
Hotline: tel. 081338413134/08124671313. For additional information,
go to: www.kutakarnival <http://www.kutakarnival/> .com.
For anyone interested in being considered for Siapa, please
contact : <pakbill2003@yahoo.com>
Copyright@2006 Al Hickey
You can read all past articles of Siapa
at www.BaliAdvertiser.biz
