Bali Alive March 2016

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LOOKING AT THE ISLAND IN A LIVELY WAY

HOW NATURE TURNS INTO

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TRASH Page 6

March 2016 Volume 34 Number 2

UNHEARD VOICES BENOA’S FUSS

A LOST PARADISE, OR

…...

RUSTY PEARL A POLISHED SOCIETY

A

PARADISE

LOST?

MYSTICAL PAST

March 2016 STORKS AND ITS TALE

UNALIKE LENS Bali Alive THE LENS OF “TAKSU”

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WELCOME

Image: Made Anthony Iswara

Welcome...

This month I spent my one-month

break

to

venture in Bali. The big draw was the prospect of seeing the island in its

TALK TO US ON

SOCIAL MEDIA Bali Alive @balialive Bali alive

splendors. I hoped for a fleeting glimpse of one; but alas, all I can see are problems to be written.

The rate they churned up from the blue highlighted the urge of covering this into a magazine.

Whether the environmental issue discussed on p6 or the protest in p18 are merely a common “fluke” or not, I will say that my encounter with people that were a victim of these problems have been thought– provoking and

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broadened my horizon.

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CONTENTS

8

6

Environment When Green Turns Trashy

14

Social Issue Benoa’s Bay Reclamation

20 26 32 6

12

Culture Faces Of Tourism

Explore!

Petulu’s Mystical Past Profile My Melodious Journey

Bali Alive

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Art& Leisure

Lens of “Taksu”

38 Comics and Games March 2016

18

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Image: yandeardana.blogspot.co

34 Image: Made

What’s Alive?

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ALIVE MARCH ONGOING ISSUES

EXPLORATION

LIFESTYLE

Image: Made Anthony Iswara

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“

How did Bali get drowned in this big fuss in the first place?

THIS

”

MONTH’S HIP TALK Highlight

WHEN GREEN TURNS TRASHY The terms “heaven on earth” is not suitable anymore for the prevailing condition of Bali. With the huge success the island has acquired its society has ceased to preserve natures. The irony of the joyful of sight of children running and among the mountains of plastic

waste and glass shards is disheartening.

The rice fields, which was once hectares of lush green view, is now replaced with glimpses of plastic food wraps feasted by all kind of bugs among the grass as well as the nauseating smell of burned materials that lingers through the air. Ultimately, a bigger question arises: How did Bali get drowned in this big fuss in

the first place?

FIND OUT MORE Find details about the

trending issue at www.balialive.com and www.fite.org

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Image: Made Anthony Iswara

Image: Made Anthony Iswara

Image: Made Anthony Iswara

Image: Made Anthony Iswara

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PUNDITS ON THE

striped

TRASHY FLUKE

enough. There is a

M

any have tried to fill in the missing blank; and Mr Nyoman Urbanus is one of them. He is

no stranger between the environmentalist; from international seminars to local speeches, he never ceased to advocate the importance of Bali’s environment.

bali is the rubbish. It’s everywhere and It’s not managed well. he said with a hoarse voice and eyebrows

knitted.

Regulations are influential. Not only does

for

his

voice

need to develop

critical awareness without excluding a single individual in Bali.”

Indeed, there is a clash of conscience. Think of it this way; farmers who works day and night for his family in the paddy field would already struggle to modest life, and keeping the environment

will not be their upmost priority. The question whether it is justifiable to pollute ble to environmentalist around the world.

Made Subidya, another activist that has spent the past 15 years to find a solu-

“It’s everywhere and It’s not managed well.”

tion, realised this contradiction.

“Children

should be taught to be aware of the nature, would apply,” he answered with a weary,

governmrntal

organisations, industries, and regular citizens, but it also a starting point for further development.

heart, so that no one will dare to do it again,” he spoke with a grimace. regulations

but assertive tone.

To this, he also suggested confidently, “A philosophy that should be spread is that one should not merely think

“Make rules that puts fear in their

does

suddenly

hardened as he explained, “But that is not

it set

standards

But

and

when being in such state is still inexplixa-

“The most serious problem for

his

tie

of tomorrow, but rather to consider their action in a long-term time frame.”

The key of the issue will not only

simply

settle the future of Bali, but rather the fate

solves the issue? It is far more com-

of its prospering tourism. If done right,

plex that one can digest

Bali can set a firm example, that despite of

He wondered briefly, held his red

all the growing issues, a will of change can transform problems to a fruitful ending.

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A DESTRUCTI OR A BRIGHT P

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Image: Made Anthony Iswara

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IVE SCHEME PLAN?

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Image: 16 Made BaliAnthony Alive Iswara

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Social Issue

AN UNHEARD

VOICE On the end of Benoa beach, its locals

preserved Benoa .

are spoiled by nature; on the horizon in

Looking back to the initial plan, it

every direction is the shimmering blue

seemed like a fresh idea; new house es-

streak of the ocean completed by the

tates, numerous tourist attractions along

echoes of seagulls that soas through the

with luxurious hotels and villas, the propo-

air.

sition looked like a compelling ‘reform’.

However, on 2009, this quick

In addition, not less than hundreds

dose of paradise slowly deteriorated as

of people will get employment, innocent

the thumping sound of gigantic cranes

foreigners will be enticed with the project

and the chatter of investors shaked the

and investors will enthusiastically watch

coast and its peaopl as they started to

every phase of the plan.

fill the ocean with land.

A Start of An End

T

So, where are other variables that does not concern profits ?

This edition will analysed the possi-

he voice of the people is

ble issues that may emerge.

now nothing more than a

“

meek squeak. Since 4 years people have tirelessly fight

to refuse the reclamation and even with that, the government insists despite

Where are other variables that does not concern profits?

further risks of adding more land to the

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THE FUTURE SLEEPS AMONG BENOA’S FISHES

P

icture the everyday life of the fishermen that has inhabited the area for a long time. With gruesome waves

policemen that is emotionally affected by the case. His eyes weary but alert seems

to be overflowed with emotion.

“The matter is nothing but a political subject that sacrifices us, including fellow fisherman” he said as his smile faded from his face.

and weather, they will go out in a haz-

While the plan has yet to be execut-

ardous expedition that can take weeks

ed, people will sure miss the sight of fish-

or even months to find at the best loca-

ermen that gathers off the shore in the af-

tions to cast their net.

ternoon. The beach will be lacking of

Only after a successful catch, they will carry their catch and carry it all the way to the market just for the hope of extending their modest life.

Now imagine the small new islets

sound of hearing them sharing their laughter with faces that are filled with eagerness to tell their proud story in their hazardous journey.

NO MAN’S LAND

shrimps, and crabs will essentially be

H

washed away back to the ocean and dif-

with it, it is not surprising that it is called

ficult the tasks of the fishermen.

the area of the Golden triangle.

was built. According to studies in 2014 by researchers in Udayana University, the reclamation will change the tidal patterns, meaning that the fish,

They then will obliged to immedi-

overing around hectares of lavish green mangroves,

the brightly colored corals that surrounds the bay, as

well as the gentle breeze that goes along

That enchanting view, howev-

ately transitioned themselves to tourism

er, could disappear easily with the

works. Not only that, but also they will

reclamation.

be also unaccustomed to the sudden

change of their environment.

The authentic smell of the sea

I Wayan Gendo Suardana, the coordinator of FORBali (Forum of Bali) is one of the few that wants to

will vanish, and the smell of pollution

conserve this charm. His bristly

occupy in return. The glimpses of sun-

coiffed hair and his intense regard

set are replaced by the sight of build-

exposes his dedication.

ings and skyscrapers blocking the view.

I Ketut Widia is one of the local

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Image: Made Anthony Iswara

He grit his teeth, but then lightheart-

sorts and trendy pubs will put a

edly state, “I’m only human, but I will still

smudge on its surface; a stain that will

try my best to refuse those greedy investors

not go away.

from running our beloved mother nature.”

The bay is surrounded by five differ-

I Ketut Sadia is one of the devo-

tee of Hindu. Every evening you can see

ent streams, meaning that the reclamation

him wander around Benoa, placing of-

will disrupt the flow of the seawater.

ferings on nearby temples with his

“The landfill will only makes the sea

worn out flip flops and his warm smile.

level rise,” he added in a thoughtful tone.

These claims are not merely

His smile, however, diminished when he heard about the plan. “There

misleading. In

will be a day where we will have no

2002, a massive

more religious place.” he said in a grim

series of two meter

voice.

waves washed

The destruction that awaits in

away a landfilled

this land of awe is preventable if all of

beach of Sakenan,

its inhabitants joined this waging war

Moreover,

and not let their voice to be silenced.

building luxury re-

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March

A RUSTY PEARL, A POLISHED SOCIETY

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This Month’s Agenda

IN NEED, INDEED! The Many Faces Of Tourism

A

soft breeze tinkles in the coastline of Seminyak, fruits and vegetable from nearby market are neatly pinled in

baskets on the various counters, palm and banana leaves rustle in the side in unison with the blowing wind.

Well that was, at least, 20 years ago.

As a top-notch tourist destination, its

flourished with a breathtaking view of the coast is now replaced with a row of monstrous concrete -built hotels and fast food-chains.

There was no doubt its society thick in cultures. Men are seen swiftly moving barefoot on the rice fields, ploughing with all their might. Women, on the other side are carrying offerings and preparing for days ahead,

On special occasions, the spot becomes even more animated. Outside on the court of the temple you can see dancers moving effortlessly through the rhythm of gamelan, completed with the

citizen thrives to take advantage of the mass clatter of clapping hands by the tourism. As a result, the view that was once audience who were thrilled by it.

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Image: Made Anthony Iswara Then comes the ‘70s. “People

In every corner, glimpses of

started to consider travelling as a need of

constructions after constructions can be

leisure and not only an act of luxury,” said

seen. The cringing sound of hammer

I Gede Puja Astawa, an anthropologist

pounding the metal constructions

from Udayana University that has long

obstruct the peace that once existed.

researched about the case.

He look askance in front of him,

Its culture is also the growth’s victim. The sound of gong and the

shut his eyes as if recalling his memory,

hymn of prayers that vibrates through

and uttered “And since the place was

the air are giving a subtle warning about

untouched by the Dutch Colony unlike in

the catastrophe that awaits.

Java, there was a massive culture shock that the locals never encountered before.”

Since then, the flow of tourist has

The island is slowly submerging itself in a pitfall and shrieks for help.

Whether its population to catch the

been unstoppable. The locals, who mostly

island’s fall or let it collapse, the matter

were poor, saw tourism as a bountiful

is a combat that they must face with

blessing that prospers their moderate life.

great perspiration and tenacity.

This is where the tragedy initiated.

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Image: Made Anthony Iswara

Image:adit0k.wordpress.com

N

o doubt tourism brought benefits. Going inside hotels you will see hundreds of its inhabitants

being employed. On art shops, some people will be seen carving teak woods with among the intricately carved statues. In restaurants, an alluring scent of a wide array of food are being served and cooked by the locals.

Not only that, but it also creates more thirst for the productivity. A sculptor that once creates two to three

statues daily will now carve a hundred.

Farmers that traditionally planted rice now grows new spices. All in all, the façade of tourism looks harmless/ The thrive of earning money, however, is vicious “In the sculptor’s head

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all over the world for the past 15 years, The existing style of leadership, which primarily concerns the return of income and growth, has put the daily life is not to create arts to appease the God but rather they would only have money

on their mind,” he said calmly.

of the civilians in a constant strain.

Even the moment you step out of the door, you would already be faced

But then whose right to say Bali

with chaos. Lines of road traffics and the

should not develop? The immaculate gift

sickening odour of pollution due to tour-

seems to be more complex.

ism puts its citizen ina horrid state .

The change is inevitable; Bali cannot

To this, she added with a frown,

just stay in a time frame. “It also needs

“People may have more income, but so

develop like other countries ” said I

does the stress level of oneself.”

Wayan Sunaba, a civilian that have seen the island matured since 30 years ago.

With the culture being an economic

There is also a need to have clear

laws. The ticket counters packed with visitors and the parking lot crammed

source, the locals are trapped in a dilem-

with vehicles fades the sacred atmos-

ma, whether they should eke out their

phere away that was once felt in temples.

modest living out of it and let the the influence take Then comes the question; How do one go on to take advantage of the mass tourism without spoiling it then?

A PRAGMATIC ANSWER The key is the government.

“Changes from the citizen will not come if the officials doesn't work well.’ said IAmandine, an activist that has travelled

March 2016

Inappropriate acts may arise too.

“People tried to climb the walls, thus destroying the site and disturbs the serenity of the prayers,” she articulated in a feeble yet convincing voice.

This fragile perfection is no doubt threatened by the sins of an imperfect world. This battle can only be put to an end with one thing: the willpower of the people that decide to change and antici-

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WILDLIFE

Animal Briefing

Flock With THE STORK

D

o you want to indulge in an experience where you can spot hundreds of snowy white herons? Then, Petulu village is absolutely the place to be.

Petulu village, located in the north of Ubud, is a spot

where one would never really see its uniqueness in a bilink of an eye.

From the surface, the place appears like an ordinary village; banana trees and flowers blossomed on both sides of the roads However, the moment the sky was basking in an orange sunset along with a chilled breeze, hundreds of Kokokan birds dashed after the leafy village to seek a suitable nest to spend their cozy evening.

With a closer inspection, one can spot the unique features of this locally called “Kokokan bird�. Its body mainly covered in an eggshell white, its long and sturdy ivory-coloured beak, as well as the slight amber in the make this stunning species unlike none others.

But as the story unravels, these birds turns out to be more than one 26can expect.

Bali

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IN FOCUS

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Image:musthafida.wordpress.com

MORE THAN JUST AN EYE

In the past though, the condition was not so uplifting.

As they started to nest in 1964,

APPEAL

the villagers was delighted, but not

T

this; one one side, you see numerous his creature is a mind blowing phenomenon; it only comes at the start of the dusk, as if trying to

for the right reasons.

Envision its past village like Kokokan bird perching on a frangipani tree with their eyes are cautiously observing their surroundings.

On the other side of it, a young

compete with the afterglow of the sun-

men, along with his bow an arrow, is

set that lingers on the horizon.

carefully approaching the herons. He

As we drew our gaze to the villagers, they seem to relish the ambiance as they peek at this marvellous occurrence with astonishment.

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then shoots mercilessly until the bird pushes its last cry and collapses.

Indeed, these white herons were used to be hunted. For a while, condi-

March

Image:potretbali.blogspot.com

tions were bountiful; until someone realised the consequences.

The massacre, whose blood smears all over its murderers, caused much more pain in return.

Nights became daunting; people starts to shriek during their sleep, claiming that they were threatened by a terrifying creature that warns them intimidatingly of their sins.

I Wayan Suardana, whose now a father of three children, is one of the few witnesses. With a simple batik and a cloth that wraps below his torso, he glared at the sky as numerous Kokokan bird soars above him.

“I remember my grandfather next door was crying for help when I

slept and said that a demon with a horrible face kept reappearing in his dream,” he speaks as he purse his lip while remembering.

As soon as they realised it was

Image: trihartadi.blogspot.com

a fluke, they then state an apology.

Multiple ceremonies are being held

ditional blouse or shirts along with a tray of

to purify the place.

fresh fruits and mouthwatering cakes over

“Our lack of yadnya (offerings)

their heads for the offerings. The sweet smell

made the universe angry,” he said

of incense sticks will also indulge you in a nos-

with a husky yet timid voice.

talgic vibe of India.

In today’s time, the ceremony

As an extraordinary tourist destina-

has become a part of . Every once a

tion, this place will never fail for those who

year, visitors could see roads full of

wants a breath of fresh air from the main-

locals wearing brightly coloured tra-

stream tourist attractions!

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ANOM DARSANA

Profile

MY

MELODIOUS JOURNEY

A

nom

has

always

been

unafraid

ingly as he recalls his past.

to

His love for music ultimately lured

speak his mind to

Anom to pursue Music Engineering at the

challenge

re-

same university. Slowly but surely, he im-

gional government. At the age of

mersed assisted remarkable festivals, no-

44, he is nowhere near ceasing

tably the Jazz Festival of Montreux and

his efforts.

Festival of Lausanne.

the

He grew up in a small town called Kesiman, where her exposure to

Home Sweet Home

music was limited to his high school

His

homesick

eventually

over-

friends. He found his first passion in

whelmed him. After 13 years in Switzer-

playing guitar, where he indulged

land, he finally returned to Bali in 2004

himself in band practices.

along with his wife, Tiziana, to start a

At the young age of 17,he moved to Switzerland, where he was exposed

whole new recording studio named Antida.

to the contemporary arts, and since

“With the knowledge I acquire in

then, he found himself attached to

Switzerland, I believe that I’lluse it to en-

music and all of its aspects.

hance the island” he said with a hoarse

At

University

of

Lausanne,

voice.

Anom began his studies in French Lin-

Due to his reputation, it did not

guistics. Prior to his bachelor in 1994,

take time for his little studio to expand.

he was not convinced that linguistic

After few months, local and international

was for him. “I should have thought of

artists quickly visited the studio to record

it first,” he said while laughing amus-

their own material.

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Image: the-mni.com

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Monthly Essay

A MELODY FOR A

CHANGE I was taunted to fight with a method that I knew was good at, and that is the art of music,”

A

s the issue of Bali Recla-

Image: balebengong.net

mation broke free it didn’t

take long

for

Anom to give a voice to

the cause. He, along with his friend from ForBali (Bali’s Forum for the Refusal of Reclamation), began their daunting journey to protest against

the issue.

“I was taunted to fight with a method that I knew

was good at,

and that is the art of music,” he speak as his thin voice suddenly took bands to painters, none was left out to join the fight. The event attracted a mass audience, and a pedantic tone.

In 2014, he successfully organized

an

revolutionary

conceryt

“After 5 weeks of tireless works, we

soon thousands of people was informed of what was really happening.

Anom Darsana’s quest to combat is in-

took a shot with something that was deed a long and tough path. But with the power new and fresh; a concert above the of determination, the protest will go a long sea,” he said proudly with an enthu- way. “We always have fight when we need to fight. And if we decide to fight, we should be siastic grin on his face.

The concert included art practicioners in all forms; from music

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steady and never forget our dreams and goals along the way,” he said with a voice thick with conviction.

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Art&Leisure

DANCE THROUGH A

LENS OF “TAKSU” With I Nyoman Carita

T

he minute a man with an ornately three-meter-long robe paced his step to the stage,, the hundreds of people who are fond of the art of Topeng Dance gasped in awe.

No doubt that it was an captivating show. The audience applauded again and

again with their eyes fixated in every move the dancer makes proves that the dancers has performed well.

ImageLdancegamelanbali.wordpress.com

But it is not the only thing that makes it appealing.

I Nyoman Carita is a man that can perfectly explain it. Since 9 years old he has already enchanted thousands of spectators.

Even after 54 years of experience, he still proudly stands as a dancer.

“The secret ingredient is Taksu. It is an aspect that makes a dance full of life and charisma,” he said as a whole-hearted grin appears among the wrinkles in his face.

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m

Image: inibangsaku.com

What is Taksu, you may ask?

The belief of Taksu, a word which has no adequate english translation, is tough to be explained to foreigners.

“It is a spiritual state that transforms a set of moves into a charismatic

and meaningful dance” he explained passionately as he puts his exhausted hands onto his laps.

To posses Taksu, one must not only endure physical strain for a flawless structure, but also they need to connect themselves to the spiritual side of their body.

March 2016

This is called Niskala. Think of it as a burning force within, churning up from the toes to the crown of your head.

“It is an energy that every human posses when they were born, and the only challenge, is to find it yourself,” he uttered as he tuck his knees in comfortably.

So, the next time you see a Balinese dance, ponder to yourself. If you are emotionally linked, then they have reached their peak of Taksu. The next step is crucial; enjoy the show and let the dance send shivers down your spine!

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mag-

https://www.facebook.com/bogbogcartoon/

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