Bali Buzz #46

Vol. 1/july 9-july 15, 2015

Antique Koran Bali Ocean Swim

Saving

the world’s

surfing ‘mecca’

from THE editor

Rise of the eco-warriors The speed of development in Bali is overwhelming, to say the least. Take a short walk along Jl. Bisma in Ubud and, behold, three new shiny hotels stand on what was once an expanse of pristine rice fields, and one other is under construction.

The economy, or rather the stream of investment, is rosy. Good times often sedate us into forgetting that development has also brought problems. Environmental degradation is the island’s most visible problem triggered by the ongoing stream of investment and development. For decades, however, only a small part of the island’s population has been “fully awake” to the problem and pressed for solutions.

Fortunately, the tide has turned. In recent years, we have seen a growing number of individuals and organizations embark on a journey to protect and rehabilitate the island’s environment. This edition’s cover story shines a light on one example of such a journey.

Hopefully, it will inspire others to wake up from the lullaby of the good times and good money.

— The Editor

Cover Photo: Lukman SB

06 Street Art

Contents

04

05

Loloan village

Antique Koran

07 Bali Ocean Swim 08 Saving the world’s surfing ‘mecca’ 10 Sangeh 11 ‘Mabuang’ 12 Pengempu waterfall 16 Back to the ocean

PT BINA MEDIA TENGGARA i Editorial and General Department Jl. Tukad Musi VI/17 Kav.1 Renon Denpasar Bali

(0361) 265 436, 265 437

Fax (0361) 223 698

Jpbali@indosat.net.id, advertisingbali@thejakartapost.com, promotionbali@thejakartapost.com

Board of Directors Jusuf Wanandi, Cherly P. Santoso, Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, Riyadi Suparno I Editor in Chief/Guarantor Meidyatama Suryodiningrat Editor I Wayan Juniarta I Contributing Editor Rita A. Widiadana I Editorial Staff Desy Nurhayati, Bram Setiawan, Anton Muhajir, Alit Kertaraharja, Ni Komang Erviani, Luh De Suriyani, Wasti Atmodjo I Photographers Agung Parameswara, Lukman SB, Zul Trio Anggono, Anggara Mahendra Graphic Designer Budhi Hartono, Sunaryo, Mohamad Soleh General Manager Wiradiatma Wijoga I Advertising Kadek Ita Noviyanti, Ngurah Agung I Circulation Slamet Sunarno I Promotions Mirah Adi

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July 9, 2015

Images

Ruler of

the sky

Words and Photos Agung Parameswara

T

he sky is clear, the wind is strong and on every corner of the island, children, youths and adults alike are partaking in one of the Balinese’s favorite pastimes: kite flying.

Here kite flying is no trivial affair. It has its own deity: Sanghyang Rare Angon, and many banjar (traditional hamlet) still treat their kites as sacred objects: sanctifying them with offerings and storing them on the ceiling of the community hall so they do not touch the ground. A kite is also a symbol of social prestige, the very reason why the youth wing of every banjar always tries to outdo the others in the annual kite festival by crafting

the largest and most beautiful kite.

The youths of Dangin Peken hamlet in Intaran, Sanur, recently held a religious ritual for their sacred janggan (a dragon-head giant bird) kite in preparation for the annual competition. It was created in 1956 by Kak Rengkuh and is believed to be imbued with the power of Ida Gusti Ngurah Panji Sakti Landung, a deity at the local Agung temple.

Following the ritual, the youths carried the kite into the temple for another blessing before going to the competition venue at Padanggalak Beach.

This year, as many as 1,080 kites participated in the three-day competition.

July 9, 2015

3

Site

Loloan village “A historical Malay Muslim community”

Words and Photos eka juni artawan

Loloan has long been renowned as the largest Muslim settlement in Bali’s eastern regency of Jembrana.

Despite the existence of a mixed ethnic population, Loloan is always associated with the Bugis ethnic group being its original inhabitants.

There is a strong influence of Bugis and Malay culture here, brought some four centuries ago, long before the area become a Muslim village.

Haji Achmad Damanuri, an 82-year-old Muslim figure, explained the village’s origin.

Dating back to 1953, the presence of an Islamic community in Loloan began with visits from Bugis people.

“In the history of Sultan Hasanuddin’s king-

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dom, it is said that the Somba Opu fortress in Makassar was besieged by the VOC. The warriors were chased by the Dutch, so they ran here,” Achmad explained.

When they arrived at the Ijo Gading river estuary, these Muslim warriors stopped at a Balinese village in Perancak. A site called Sumur Bajo, which remains preserved still today, is proof of their existence.

During their stopover, they asked permission from I Gusti Arya Pancoran, the ruler of Jembrana, to stay in the village.

“As they built a close relationship, they established a new settlement in West Loloan, and later in East Loloan. They live peacefully together with the Balinese Hindus from Merta Sari,” he

said.

He added that the existence of Muslims in Jembrana was also proven by the presence of Buyut Lebai, a prominent Muslim scholar from Malaysia, in 1675. Thanks to the close relationship between Lebai and Pancoran, the scholar was allowed to teach Islam through his sermons.

This brought a strong Malay cultural influence to Loloan, which acculturated with the Bugis culture.

“The Bugis and Malay people then built the Baitul Qodim great mosque in East Loloan, which symbolized the presence of Islam in this area for the first time. In West Loloan, the Muslim community built Mujahidin mosque around 200 years ago.”

The Balinese and Muslim communities helped each other in trade, including when the Hindus gave financial capital to the Bugis to trade in their traditional pinisi ships.

According to Achmad, the close relationship between the Muslims and Hindus has been entwined for four centuries.

With the permission of the king of Jembrana, Syarif Abdullah, a Bugis man, built a fortress in East Loloan, which is now known as Benteng Fatimah. The fortress is named after his wife, the daughter of Sultan Banjarmasin.

His name has also been immortalized as the name of the bridge connecting East Loloan and West Loloan, which are separated by the Ijo Gading River.

Meanwhile, in the Baitul Qodim mosque, there is an inscription and a handwritten Koran, which is the oldest one in Jembrana. It is said that the Koran was written by Tuan Guru Datuk Yak Trengganau Malaysia in 1238.

Another historical relic is the tomb of Buyut Lebai and an Islamic boarding school, Manba ‘Ul Ulum, which uses the Malay language for teaching.

Sight

Antique “A Bugis legacy on Serangan island”

Words and photos Bram Setiawan

T

he fragrant smell of preservative material wafted from a glass box used to store an antique Koran kept in the family home of Haji Marjui, a direct descendant of first family of ethnic Bugis from South Sulawesi.

“The Koran marked the beginning of the arrival of the Bugis people in Bali in the early 17th century,” said 75-year-old Haji Mansyur, the caretaker of Assyuhada Mosque in Serangan.

The Bugis people made a massive exodus to several islands in Indonesia, including Bali, as they refused to recognize the Dutch colonial administration that was occupying their land in Sulawesi.

The Koran cover is made from camel skin and pages from wood fiber, which are vulnerable to weather, high humidity, aging and insects.

Mansyur explained that it was Syekh Haji Mu’Min who was believed to have taken the Koran with him when fleeing his land for Bali.

In Bali, the then king of Badung warmly welcomed the Bugis people, who had fought alongside Badung soldiers during the Dutch occupation in the 17th century.

In gratitude, the king provided them with a plot of land in Serangan and Assyuhada mosque, now one of the oldest mosques in Bali.

In the past, the Koran was kept in the mosque, but due to its fragility and security concerns, the antique Koran is now preserved in Marjui’s home.

“Some thefts occurred in the mosque, old stuff and

money from the donation box was taken,” he said.

The Koran was once displayed at the Istiqlal Festival in Jakarta, where experts and scholars conducted research to determine its age.

The study confirmed that the Koran was genuinely written in the 17th century.

In the Islamic month of Muharram, the Kampung Bugis residents in Serangan perform the annual ritual Megelicik Koran, which means a Koran parade in the Bugis language.

“The ritual aims to protect the village from destruction, illnesses and other calamities,” he said.

Long ago, a strange illness affected many village residents and one had a dream indicating that Megelicik Koran should be held in the month of Muharram.

The ritual is performed by dozens of men from the village, who carry the Koran to the northern part of the village and walk around the village three times. While walking, they chant shalawat, praise to the Prophet Muhammad. In each corner of the village, one of the men performs the call to prayer.

Fifty years ago, the ritual took place from Muharram 7 to 9, after which the villagers would organize a thanksgiving ritual at the mosque.

“Now, we only perform the ritual on Muharram 9 and have the thanksgiving the following day,” he said.

For the Bugis descendents, the Koran and the old mosque are symbols of their strong Islamic roots. But they are also a symbol of tolerance and acceptance from the island’s Badung king and his Hindu followers.

July 9, 2015

5

Sight

Street art

“Bringing art and social issues to the public sphere” Words and photos Luh De Suriyani

correctional institution in Karangasem, east Bali on Aug. 6 as part of the annual “Bali yang Binal” (Wild Bali) art event.

The event, now in its 12th year, will see local artists create art works on 30 walls across Denpasar city. The artists can portray social critiques on current issues such as the reclamation of Benoa Bay, ordinary Balinese life, the rapid growth of technology and other interesting topics.

In addition to creating murals, the participating artists will also produce paintings on large banners, posters and moving objects.

Meanwhile, a number of young artists from the Indonesian Fine Arts Institute (ISI) Denpasar were busy finishing their mural on Jl. Setiabudi in Denpasar.

The young artists are part of Komunitas Jamur (Mushroom Community) and have been actively campaigning to eliminate violence and

C

hildren are vulnerable members of society whose basic rights have often been denied and neglected. Long before the tragic death of 8-year-old Engeline in Denpasar recently, a number of young artists grouped in Komunitas Pojok (Corner Community) had been eloquently expressing their concern for children’s basic human rights and welfare.

“Children no longer have the space or time to play with their friends in a safe environment,” said Arie, a member of the art community, while painting a child sitting and smiling (or being forced to smile) on a street wall along Jl. Raya Tohpati in Denpasar.

Members of Komunitas Pojok believe that all types of street art, including murals, serve as a reminder for people; by bringing art into open

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July 9, 2015

public spaces passersby have the chance to interpret their contents and messages.

“The public have the right to know the process of making art and its meaning,” he said.

In the last few years, Denpasar’s city landscape has been adorned with many beautiful, creative and colorful murals that serve both as a medium for the artists’ expressions and social protest against certain subjects, such as violence against children and environmental issues.

So far, the murals and other street art forms have been an effective tool for young artists to bring their art to a wide audience and bring attention to social issues in the hope of shaping public opinion.

Komunitas Pojok plans to conduct an art project with young inmates in Karangasem

abuse of children, including child trafficking.

The mural shows a young girl wearing a blue and white striped dress with wings on her back holding a teddy bear. Many assume this is a portrait of the late Engeline, who was found buried in the backyard of her adopted mother’s house.

Another painting shows an adult man with children who have blurred faces, while one other portrays three young children holding pieces of papers, saying “Not for Sale”, referring to the gruesome fact of child trafficking.

Sumarjaya said that these art works aimed to show the public crucial issues related to children. “The late Engeline has become a symbol and a martyr. People can interpret these art pieces in their own way, but we are hoping that the message is clear: Stop violence against children.”

Soul

Bali Ocean Swim “A premier fundraising event to support disabled athletes”

WORDS DESY NURHAYATI PHOTOS COURTESY OF BALI SPORTS FOUNDATION

I

ndonesia is an archipelagic country, yet very few people learn how to swim well. Drowning is a common occurrence as the majority of people have no understanding of the inherent dangers surrounding activities near or in water.

In Bali, along the south coast between Seseh Beach and Nusa Dua, the Balawista Surf Lifesavers rescue almost 300 people each year, with approximately 5 percent fatalities. Many of those rescued are Indonesians on vacation with little or no water awareness and/or understanding of how to survive, according to the Bali Sports Foundation (BSF).

With the original idea of highlighting water safety issues, BSF in 2010 initiated the Bali Ocean Swim, an annual event that aimed to be one of the world’s premier ocean swim events.

Last Sunday was the sixth BSF-organized race, held at Kuta Beach. Overall, 104 swimmers registered to compete over three distance categories — 1.2 kilometers, 5 km and 10 km.

The 1.2 km race was divided into four categories: juniors for 12 to 17 year olds, adults for 18 to 35 year olds, masters for 36 to 55 year olds and veterans for over 55s. The 5K race comprised juniors, adults and masters, while the 10K category was an open event.

This year’s competition saw swimmers from Indonesia, Australia, the US, UK, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan, who competed in excellent conditions under a clear blue sky and with a gentle sea breeze.

Every year, the competition takes place on the first weekend of July, when the weather and waves are expected to be perfect.

As in the previous year, the Balawista lifeguards were responsible for setting the course and providing support and supervision for the swimmers throughout the event.

This sixth competition was even more special thanks to the participation of five swimmers with disabilities: four visually impaired and one deaf, competing in the 1.2 km race.

“A lot of children with disabilities are scared of water at first [learning to swim]. It’s a long process, and this year they have made progress and are ready for the competition,” said BSF founder Rodney Holt.

Having trained for around four years with the foundation, the five disabled youngsters were able to safely complete the course with the assistance of the lifeguards.

“This kind of event is good to improve their confidence,” Holt added.

Bali Ocean Swim not only highlights water safety issues but is a special event because the entry money is used for swimming programs at local pools and at beaches for children from low-income families and those living with disability.

Money raised through business or individual sponsorship goes to BSF for the Bali Swim4Kids program that offers children an ongoing program to develop water confidence, awareness and safety, as well as understanding of the inherent dangers of water-related activities.

During this year’s Bali Ocean Swim, BSF also awarded two special trophies in honor of two of the event’s supporters who tragically passed away within the past year.

The Barry Beardman Trophy, sponsored by Bali Gardens Hotel, was awarded to I Gusti Ngurah Sumadiana in recognition of his dedication and commitment and was presented by Sherri Beardman, Barry’s widow.

The Seth Richardson Trophy, in honor of a past BSF volunteer, was awarded to I Wayan Sudarta for good sportsmanship.

For the second year, the first swimmer to finish the 10K swim was a female swimmer, Jaime Bowler, from Perth, Australia, who narrowly beat last year’s winner, Caitlyn James, also from Perth.

The first male to finish the 10K event was Rohan John Hollick from Australia.

BSF will also use the proceeds from the entry fees to make a donation to the Balawista, including helping the lifeguard group’s Nippers program, an initiative to promote safe swimming and encourage young Indonesians to participate in an active healthy lifestyle.

“As the Bali Ocean Swim grows, the foundation’s ability to provide swimming programs to more children and youths living with disability in Bali, and hopefully more of Indonesia, will also improve, and more children will benefit from the program,” Holt said.

BSF is a registered Indonesian charity started by Rodney Holt, an international sportsman and businessman, and now governed by a Board of Trustees. Established in 2009, the foundation provides a variety of sporting opportunities to disadvantaged and disabled children and adults in Bali and eastern Indonesia.

July 9, 2015

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Cover Story

B

lessed with a yearlong swell, good weather and warm waters, Bali is a favorite surf destination for travelers from around the world.

Since the 1960s and 1970s, the island has been a mecca for surfers, thanks to the combination of good waves, sun and serenity, attracting hordes of boarders from beginners to professionals.

Saving the world’s surfing ‘mecca’

“A community project to restore Uluwatu to pristine beauty”

WORDS DESY NURHAYATI PHOTOS COURTESY OF PROJECT CLEAN ULUWATU

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July 9, 2015

With more than 50 surf spots scattered around the island, from Uluwatu all the way up to Canggu, surfers and holidaymakers are spoiled for choice.

Way back in 1972, the Australian classic surf film, Morning of the Earth, first unveiled Uluwatu – a renowned and iconic surf break, to the surfing world.

Two years later, world famous surf pioneer Gerry Lopez started visiting the island for a taste of this surfing sanctuary. He surfed the waves and launched Uluwatu into the mainstream spotlight.

Discovery of this world-class wave enticed surfers from all over the world to book Balibound tickets in order to experience this new surfing “mecca”.

Last month, Lopez returned to Uluwatu, his first visit in decades, to the fabled surf breaks he helped pioneer for the fund-raising event “The Gerry Lopez Yoga and Talk Story”.

As a dedicated yogi for over 40 years, he hosted a Yin Yoga session under the spectacular sunset atop the cliff at Uluwatu Surf Villas.

During the event, he also narrated a slideshow of his early adventures in Uluwatu and the surrounding iconic breaks, telling his story of the early days of surfing Indonesia — getting lost among the thickets and shrubbery trying to find Uluwatu, the rickety bemo (three-wheeled public van) rides from Kuta, the scarcity of water in Jimbaran, and 16-hour boat rides to G-Land.

A key figure in the history of Uluwatu, Lopez reflected upon the past and had these insightful words about the current wave of change hitting Bali. “In 1974, the first time I came to Bali, I found very few surfers at Uluwatu and waves of a quality and consistency that I had never experienced before. The surf combined with the languid lifestyle of Kuta Beach, plus the genuine and enviable contentment of the Balinese people, kept me returning year after year on a regular basis. What attracted me also brought more and more people and, as the surfing world grew, so did the crowds at Uluwatu.

“In the beginning, there were no plastic containers; water, drinks and food came in glass bottles, on plates or maybe banana leaves that would be reused or easily disposed of. Trash was dumped in the ravines, the rain washed it out to sea, and, once again, man used the ocean to clean up his mess. This might have worked if the waste was organic, but then came plastic containers and more people. Without the infrastructure to support the rapidly escalating use, the raw sewage and garbage issues reached critical mass in a short time,” he said.

As the number of visitors to Uluwatu has rapidly grown, there has been an explosion in commercial development of restaurants, food stalls and hotels.

The area currently welcomes over 500 visitors and surfers daily. An economic study in 2013 concluded that Uluwatu generated US$35.3 million in surf tourism.

Following this burgeoning influx of tourists, the inadequate waste management infrastructure could not keep pace with growth and development in the area. A lack of environmental responsibility further degraded the fragile ecosystem.

With no policy or environmental practices enforced, no government funding and no infrastructure in place, Uluwatu began to develop major environmental hazards. Few restaurants had their own septic tanks. Toilets were limited, often out of order and had no water supply. Oil and organic waste from food production was thrown directly into the ocean.

When surfers complained about the trash in the ocean, it was simply stockpiled in the ravine near the cave. The situation was dire.

In 2011, concerned local residents Jon and Ollie approached the local village and government in an attempt to rectify the situation but received little cooperation.

This prompted them to establish the Project Clean Uluwatu (PCU) committee and regenerative planning started immediately.

They envisioned turning the land and marine environment surrounding Uluwatu into a pristine world surfing reserve that benefits the present and future coastal community.

A sustainable, non-profit project assisted by the surf industry for the benefit of surfers, PCU is run by the local community for the benefit of the community and visitors, as well as creating a successful case study that can be replicated in other environmentally troubled surf areas in Indonesia.

PCU has since started to provide environmentally sustainable solutions for solid and liquid waste management in Uluwatu. The first phase of the project started with installing the Solid Waste Management System.

As garbage had started piling up in the ravine beside the cave, PCU and ecoBali tackled the mountain and hauled out tons of waste.

Every warung (food stall) was then given a trash can. The large warung received one bin for organic waste and one for non-organic. A large, permanent set of concrete bins, complete with metal lids, was built above the east stairs.

Ladies from GUS foundation carry the garbage up the stairs to the main bins every day. ecoBali then empties the bins three times weekly. All garbage from Uluwatu is now properly and responsibly processed.

Organics are composted, while plastics and glass are recycled. The remaining trash is taken to the government landfill for proper disposal.

The next step is to build an on-site composting area so none of the organic waste will need to be carried up the stairs and trucked away.

Liquid waste was also a problem in Uluwatu.

There are almost 50 shops and restaurants situated on the cliff side with no functioning liquid waste disposal infrastructure in place.

Improper disposal of liquid waste created an alarming problem. Many surfers and tourists noticed the unpleasant smells along the cliff edge and around the iconic cave.

PCU has worked hard to find a solution to the leaking sewage and noxious smells. After extensive surveys by engineers, PCU developed a design to solve the issue.

“In 2014, we installed a Liquid Waste Management System, linking all warung to a central bio-processing tank, ridding the surrounding ecosystem and ocean of pollutants and toxins. Water from the bioprocessing tank is further purified by a series of wastewater gardens. Our composting program processes all solid organic waste and converts the waste into nutrient-rich organic fertilizer for our community gardens,” said PCU’s Timm Phillips.

“By providing practical sustainable solutions coupled with beautification and education, we hope to create a model of success and community pride that other beaches in Bali can look to for inspiration.”

Underpinning the project is training and education to create positive environmental practices within the community. A part of this effort is an environmental education program being held in local elementary schools, in partnership with GUS Foundation.

All the funds raised from The Gerry Lopez Yoga and Talk Story event, totaling Rp 124 million (US$9,287), will go toward program

continuation for wastewater treatment, garbage removal, recycling, composting, community gardening and the completion of a wastewater garden facility, which further purifies wastewater and sewage after it has passed through the bio tanks.

“We will finish construction of our wastewater gardens. With design expertise from the Indonesian Foundation for Permaculture Resources (IDEP), these gardens reuse and further purify the water from our bio-processing tank,” Phillips explained.

“The water flows through the bottom of the garden beds, while plants growing on top utilize the nutrient matter remaining in the water. The water does not come into contact with the air, preventing odors and mosquito breeding. Now, the ocean, beach and surrounding environment are restored to a natural state and are free of the pollutants and noxious odors that previously plagued Uluwatu.

“Also, we built several garden beds in and among the beach warung to beautify the area. Our composting program provides nutrient-rich fertilizer for community vegetable and herb gardens.”

PCU is a remarkable initial effort for dealing with the ever-growing problems of waste management and environmental awareness.

The restoration of Uluwatu to its natural state and the garden initiatives have already received positive feedback. These efforts set a precedence on how to get the local community and visitors involved in working toward a waste management and environmental solution.

July 9, 2015

9

Site

Sangeh “A tourist destination with a rich mythology” Words and Photos Agung Parameswara

Shakespeare’s Hamlet is not the only realm where a moving forest changes history. The people of Sangeh, a tourist attraction some 20 kilometers north of Denpasar, have a similar myth. It is said that Sangeh, a lush woods with a large population of long-tailed macaques, was “transplanted” from another place.

The mythology places the original site of the woods on the slope of Mount Agung, the island’s tallest peak and the abode of the island’s prime deities, including the highest deity, Bhatara Hyang Putra Jaya, whose daughter was sent to Mengwi kingdom to serve as the guardian deity of the powerful monarchy.

The nutmeg trees that comprised most of the forest on the slope of the mountain were sent to escort and protect the goddess on her nocturnal journey to the kingdom.

Unfortunately, when the entourage reached Sangeh, a local man spotted the strange entourage. The gaze of a mortal froze the group and since then a nutmeg forest has stood at the center of the village. The Mengwi

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kingdom later built a temple, now known as Bukit Sari, inside the forest in homage to the goddess and declared the forest a sacred sanctuary.

The locals believe that the monkeys are the physical manifestations of the goddess’ unseen guards, thus, treat them with reverence.

This sacred sanctuary is very popular among domestic tourists and, in the last few years, the number of local visitors and foreign tourists has steadily increased.

Presently, Sangeh is also known as a culinary destination, featuring some of the island’s best traditional dishes, including lawar kebo (minced buffalo meat and skin mixed with chopped vegetables and spices) and pork satay.

The village lies next to a major road connecting Denpasar to Plaga, a hilly agricultural center, and Kintamani, a famous tourist destination with a view of Mt. Batur and its volcanic lake. A one-day trip along that route will introduce visitors to some of Bali’s most scenic areas.

Rite

‘Mabuang’ “A ritual to create balance and harmony” Words and photos Luh De Suriyani

L

ast Tuesday, the residents of Pekarangan village in Karangasem, east Bali, held a special ritual as the climax of the annual three-day Ngusaba Puseh ceremony — Mabuang, a ritual libation, or pouring out.

Hundreds of residents walked to the main temple, while women carried huge offerings containing colorful, fresh tropical fruit.

As instructed by the village council, families could only present native fruits in their ritual offerings, to promote local produce.

A number of young unmarried men, members of the Sekaa Teruna youth organization, approached the temple barechested ready to perform the Mabuang dance.

They wore the long traditional kamen cloth with a keris slipped into their belts.

Older members of the village served them with a flow of tuak palm wine while waiting at the main hall.

The tuak is drunk to bid farewell to the ancestral deities, who return to nirwana, or heaven.

“We have to hold a cheerful party to say farewell to the gods. Sipping a glass of tuak is in honor of the gods,” maintained I Wayan Madia, one of the influential figures in Pekarangan village.

During the symbolic party, tuak was also poured onto the soil to please the bhuta kala, the underworld creatures.

Balinese Hindus strongly believe that the world consists of both sekala, the seen, and niskala, the unseen. Both worlds must be in a state of balance so that the world will prosper.

Disturbances in one world cause imbalance and thus result in calamity affecting people, nature and the universe.

Several pemangku, Hindu priests, performed a ritual for the bhuta kala to prevent them from disturbing the “upper world”, accompanied by the loud sounds of the selonding gamelan orchestra.

At 2 p.m., a pair of dancers starting to perform the Mabuang battle dance in the center of the temple.

The sounds of a group of gamelan players from the neighboring Buitan village resounded through the temple. After 30 minutes, the battle dance became intense with other male dancers joining in on stage, forming two groups, with each group running fast around the temple while pointing their keris upward.

The gamelan musicians hit their musical instruments harder and harder, creating roaring sounds to accompany the battle dance.

Some dancers stabbed their bodies with their own keris. Dozens in the audience, men and women, entered a trance state, believed by local people to signify that gods were present at the ritual.

The women in trance grabbed canang pajegan, containing a flower arrangement, slices of banana and betel leaves and danced in a corner of the temple.

Those in trance moved aggressively in every direction around the temple creating a chaotic situation. While in trance, the local people believe that they serve as a medium, bridging the heavenly and earthly worlds to tell the priests whether or not a ritual is complete and had met with the gods’ demands. They can also transmit the gods’ messages for better ritual processes.

This time, the ritual ended before sunset and the villagers looked happy and relieved, understanding what they had accomplished through this sacred ceremony — a better and harmonious life for the future.

July 9, 2015

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Sight

Pengempu waterfall “A recently discovered Insta-moment” Words and photos Bram Setiawan

O

nly a few people had visited Pengempu waterfall in Cau Belayu village, Marga, Tabanan in the last few years until it became a sensation when someone posted photographs of it on Instagram.

“This is the first time I’ve visited the waterfall. I saw it on Instagram,” said Simon, a student of Udayana University’s School of Architecture.

Most of the visitors who came to see the waterfall last weekend were young people, perhaps because they are the most familiar with the social media means of communication.

Located in Tabanan, just 20 kilometers or a 40-minute drive from Denpasar, Pengempu waterfall is perhaps the closest to Bali’s capital.

“The views are incredibly beautiful and the steps are already safe for visitors,” added Simon.

A green belt area adjacent to the protected Sangeh Monkey Forest surrounds the 20-meter high waterfall and Tukad Yeh Penet river flows nearby in the shady forest reserve.

Putu Sudianta, a caretaker at the waterfall recreational park, said people often went rafting along Tukad Yeh Penet.

Sudianta said the waterfall’s name derived from the phrase mpung-empu, the sound of stones thrown into the river to measure its depth.

“Our parents used to do that when they wanted to know the depth of the water. That’s why they called the waterfall Pengempu,” he said.

Near the waterfall is a 30 meter cave. The interior is dark and cold and it is advisable to carry a flashlight if you want to explore it.

“This is a historical cave. We are now working on obtaining a comprehensive history and information for visitors,” added Sudianta.

The recreational site is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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Blue Med Bioresonance theraphy in front of Pecatu Graha. Please contact 087860133047 for more information.

Home made jewelry. Silver and gold. Good price with high quality product. Call 081 7477 9129

British photographer services available. Specialist in product & culinary photography. Fully equipped modern studio facilities. Call 08123 883532

Indonesian freelance cook. Text Elok 0813 902 36628

CV Yazna Villa Management. Professional service for all needs. Located at Jl. Majapahit No.76 Kuta. Office 0361 767 108. Mobile 0812 382 3731 Do you need a consultant for your F&B outlet? Contact Fokus Hospitality for one-stop solution. 0361 274 0619 Driver, speaks English, freelance, honest. Good price.

Contact: 081 797 81005 English private tutor offers English/Math tuition for children 5-12yrs. 7 years experience as a classroom teacher in UK & Australia. Call 0817 470 3070 Freelance driver, speaks English, is honest and reliable.

Contact: 0819 9996 1750 Freelance pool cleaner and garden services. Please call 0878 6017 0659 Funding available for real estate projects or business expansion. Non-recourse, no pre sales, low interest rate 4%-7%. www.ajoyacapital.com Get your website on Google’s first page for more customers. Call/SMS 0811 380 151 Grand Master, Babaji Maharaj, offers yoga, medita-

Indonesian lessons for foreigners provided at your home / office, native teacher. Sms/call: Ms. Asima 0821 468 50175 / email gemilangcourse@gmail.co, www.balipages.biz.learn.speak.indonesian.

Indonesian lessons, free trial class. Contact: 0878 616 37555, nika.wirawan@gmail.com Jonsen Pet House. Dog boarding and playground. 0361 2727 645 / 0812 6304 5125. jonsenpethouse.com Made to order: bags, wallets, jackets, leather. Pls call 0819 3621 9030 Need a building contractor? Call 0881 460 2907 / 0812 360 9639 Painting courses, professional artist. Call 0361 837 2501 Private courses in the Chinese language. Simple system.

Call: 0818 055 60595 / 0813 382 17788 Private Indonesian language classes for foreigners. Call Dwi 0813 3870 5158

Private piano lessons for kids. Contact Steven, 0813 393 21615 / 089 651 434612 Private yoga lessons: in a studio, in a villa or in the comfort of your home. British teacher. All levels catered for.

0817 470 3070 Relaxing Thai massage for women. Contact: 0822 3760 3026 Relaxing yoga, private classes. For more info, please call 0822 3760 302 Saxophone or guitar lessons at any level. SMS 0813 398

07682 Doug.

Soap-making class, 4 hours, Rp 1 mill. Call 0813 287 16169, kesambibali@gmail.com Swimming, private courses. For more information please call 0818 054 19300 Web design, SEO, and video editing service. Portfolio : www.creativewebdesign.com Contact : 0819 9938 5206 Wood & composite decking specialist & carpenter. Email : woodworking.bali@yahoo.co.id 081999857305 www.BaliShoot.com. Affordable commercial advertising photography.

Island Buzz Luxurious Padma Resort Ubud opens

Swiss-Belhotel Petitenget opens

Situated in an untouched river valley overlooking the bamboo forests of Payangan in Ubud, the 149-room Padma Resort Ubud features five-star amenities and facilities.

With panoramic river valley and tree top views, artisan-crafted furnishings, state-of-the-art media, private balconies and spa-inspired en-suite bathrooms, the 11-hectare resort also features an 89-meter infinity swimming pool and worldclass dining venues. Kids are also catered to with a kids club and children’s swimming pool.

The highly trained Indonesian therapists at Padma Spa deliver results-driven treatments and therapies, inspired by Asian rituals, as well as global cutting-edge trends. Only the finest spa product lines are utilized, including Elemis.

There is a fully appointed fitness center and a 3.4-kilometer jogging track meanders through the resort’s tropical gardens and alongside the river.

The Pool Café & Bar is the perfect place to indulge in a fresh fruit smoothie or signature cocktail with friends and family.

Overlooking the resort’s infinity swimming pool and gardens, with 180-degree views across the bamboo forest and out to the terraced rice paddies beyond, the indoor and al fresco The Puhu Restaurant & Lounge showcases an international menu, while the air-conditioned library offers a tranquil place to indulge in afternoon tea or to socialize over a fine wine from the glass-front cellar.

Leading global hotel management chain Swiss-Belhotel International has increased its award-winning Indonesian portfolio with the launch of mid-scale property SwissBelhotel Petitenget, Bali.

The hotel has 111 rooms combining contemporary decor with traditional Balinese touches for a peaceful and relaxing ambiance.

Swiss-Belhotel International Chairman and President Gavin M. Faull said: “Spectacular rice paddy views are the signature of North Kuta, which is surrounded by excellent restaurants and cafes, beach clubs, shops and lifestyle hubs. Swiss-Belhotel Petitenget is the ideal choice for those who love life, whether they are leisure or business travelers or families.”

To celebrate the opening, Swiss-Belhotel Petitenget is offering guests 35 percent discount on room rates for stays from July to September this year.

The launch of Swiss-Belhotel Petitenget has increased the group’s Indonesian portfolio to 44 operating hotels and resorts, with other properties in the pipeline. Swiss-Belhotel International has been named the Leading Global Hotel Chain at Indonesia’s Travel and Tourism Awards the past five years.

“We have forged a long-standing, special relationship with Indonesia through our high level of professionalism and passion,” Faull said. “That has enabled us to cement excellent partnerships, and that tradition is in a constant state of evolution as we continue to open new properties there.”

July 9, 2015

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Promote your event with us! Call : 0361 265 436/7 or email to promotionbali@thejakartapost.com Made’s Warung Live Performances Balinese Dances Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday Live Music Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday Salsa Dance Every Sunday Made’s Warung Jl. Raya Seminyak, Kuta : (0361) 755297 Petani Restaurant Special Performances Every Friday – Balawan Starts 7:30 p.m.

Alaya Ubud Jl. Hanoman, Ubud : (0361) 972200

W presents Sunset Session with Michelle Owen (Exploited Recordings/Rejected/AUS) July 12 From 4 - 10 p.m.

Woobar at W Retreat Bali Jl. Petitenget, Seminyak : (0361) 4738106

Events Amazing Sunday Brunch July 12 Starts 11 a.m.

Nikki Beach Bali Nusa Dua

Denpasar

Black Canyon Amaris Jl. Teuku Umar No. 139, Denpasar : (0361) 9378042 / 9378043

The Grind presents Mel DeBarge July 9 Starts 10 p.m.

Mirror Jl. Petitenget 106, Seminyak : 0811 399 3010 Ito Kurdhi & The Gang feat. Marina Sidik July 11 Starts 8 p.m.

Jazz Café Jl. Sukma No.2, Ubud Jazz and Blues Session Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday From 9 p.m. – 11:45 p.m.

Mannekepis Jazz and Blues Bistro Jl. Raya Seminyak, Kuta : (0361) 8475784 Ku De Ta: I’m an Angel July 11 Starts 2 p.m.

Renowned day party charity fundraiser with food stalls

by Bali’s favorite restaurants.

Jl. Kayu Aya No. 9, Seminyak Kul Kul Farm Bali Open Day Every Thursday From 8 - 11 a.m.

Come and join the fun of sharing farm duties, workshops, etc.

Kul Kul Farm Bali Jl. Raya Sibang Kaja, Br. Saren, Abiansemal, Badung E-mail: kul@kulkulfarm.com

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Sunset Beach Bar & Grill Every Saturday Chill-out music, snack-style menu, true Balinese hospitality.

Intercontinental Bali Resort Jl. Uluwatu 45, Jimbaran : (0361) 701888

Food & Drinks

BBQ and Beats Every Friday and Saturday From 4 – 7 p.m.

Cocoon Beach Club Jl. Pantai Double Six, Kuta

July 9, 2015

Denpasar

Ubud

Barong & Keris Dance Everyday Starts 9 a.m.

Jl. Waribang No. 11 Kesiman, Denpasar : (0361) 224596

Legong Dance Every Friday Starts 7:30 p.m.

Balerung Srinertya Waditra (Balerung Mandera) Br. Teruna, Peliatan, Ubud : (0361) 972124 or 970503

Jimbaran

Topeng Jimat Every Wednesday Starts 7 p.m.

ARMA Museum & Resort Jl. Raya Pengosekan

Robosonic – Koh Friday July 10 Starts 11 p.m.

Koh Jl. Camplung Tanduk, Kuta

Watch Worldwide Sports Events Live sports coverage at Meads, watch live AFL, NRL, Super Rugby, cricket, tennis, F1.

Meads Boutique Villas Hotel Jl. Pratama No. 99, Tanjung Benoa : (0361) 776604

Calendar of Events

ART & CULTURE CORNER

Kerobokan

Bumbak Coffee Authentic Umalas coffee.

Jl. Bumbak No. 170, Kerobokan

Kuta

Black Canyon Discovery Shopping Mall Jl. Kartika Plaza : (0361) 3700379

Museums Kecak & Fire Dance Everyday Starts 6 p.m.

Uluwatu Temple Jimbaran, Badung : (0361) 9041163

Kuta Traditional & Modern Performances Every day (Except Wednesday) Starts 8 p.m.

Kuta Theater Jl. Kartika Plaza No. 8X, Kuta : (0361) 762750

Silversmithing Classes – Studio Perak Recommended by Lonely Planet. A relaxing place to explore your creativity and make that piece of silver jewelry you’ve been dreaming about!

Jl. Hanoman, Ubud. : (0361) 974244 info@studioperak.com

Tour & Travel Agent

Tuban

Black Canyon Ngurah Rai International Airport : (0361) 8491805

Agung Rai Museum of Art Jl. Pengosekan, Peliatan, Ubud Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. except holidays Bali Museum Jl. Letkol Wisnu, Denpasar Open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. except Mondays Obin Batik Museum Paviliun Alang –alang Beachwalk Jl. Pantai Kuta, Kuta

Shopping

Nirmala Supermarket Jl. Uluwatu II no. 10 Jimbaran, Phone (0361) 81470919 Jl. Uluwatu Ungasan, Phone (0361) 705454 Jl. Uluwatu Pecatu, Phone (0361) 7472303 Jl. Uluwatu II no. 10 Jimbaran, Phone (0361) 81470919 Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 81 Jimbaran, Phone (0361) 4729081

Activities Courses Dance Lessons Dance for life.

Jl. TangkubanPerahu No. 100x : (0361) 7452045 Gamelan Course – Mekar Bhuana Learn more about Balinese culture and music.

Jl. Gandapura III No. 501X, Denpasar : (0361) 464 201 Gaya Ceramic Arts Center Private tutelage for individuals and small groups — potter’s wheel throwing techniques to hand-crafted sculptures.

Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud : (0361) 7451413 or 976220 Sherrat Gallery/ BCAC Surrealism painting and art class with Bruce Sherrat Jl. Raya Andong Gg. Sawah, Ubud (between Gangga Sukta and BSA cargo) : (0361) 978617 www.baliartclasses.com

Perama Tour & Travel Bali, Lombok, Flores, all over Indonesia.

Easy and safe at a reasonable price, all for your convenience.

Head Office Jl. Legian No. 39, Kuta : (0361) 751551, 751875, 750808 www.peramatour.com

Rafting

Sobek Bali Largest transport network in Bali. Comfortable, airconditioned vehicles linked by radio to monitor client journeys.

Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No. 257, Suwung Kangin, Denpasar : (0361) 729016

Bintang Perum Dalung Permai Pertokoan A11 – A15, Kerobokan Kaja Jl. Raya Seminyak No. 17, Kuta Jl. Raya Campuhan No. 45, Ubud

Papaya Fresh Gallery Jl. Mertanadi, Kuta

Where to go Bali Arts Festival

Until July 11 Explore the creative handicrafts exhibitions and enjoy stunning performances of traditional music and dance arts.

Bali Arts Centre Jl. Nusa Indah, Denpasar

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Calonarang Dance Every Thursday, Sunday Starts 7:30 p.m.

Mawang Village, Ubud

2

Menjangan Island SINGARAJA LOVINA

Pulaki Gilimanuk

Mt. Sangiang

Mt. Batur Mt. Musi

West Bali National Park

Besakih Mt. Agung

NEGARA Pura Rambut Siwi

AMLAPURA Sangeh

BANGLI

Ubud

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4

KLUNGKUNG

TABANAN

GIANYAR Tanah Lot Kerobokan

1 3

DENPASAR

Canggu Seminyak Legian Kuta Ngurah Rai Int’ Airport

Jimbaran Pura Luhur Uluwatu

Sanur

Benoa

Pura Batu Madan

Penida Island

Nusa Dua

MÉTIS Restaurant, Lounge & Gallery Bali

French Mediterranean dining in a heavenly setting, an uber-chic lounge serving scrumptious tapas and cocktails, complemented by top-notch entertainment.

Jl. Petitenget no.6, Kerobokan : (0361) 4737 888 E-mail: info@metisbali.com www.metisbali.com

3 Kamandalu Resort

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Escape to the peace and tranquility of Kamandalu Ubud, 1 5-star boutique resort situated amid lush paddy fields in the green hills of Ubud.

Enjoy 20% off from the Best Available Rate (code: N515) Kamandalu Resort Jl. Andong, Br. Nagi, Ubud : (0361) 975825 reservation@kamandaluresort.com www.kamandaluresort.com

July 9, 2015

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Soul

Back to the ocean “Turtle hatchlings create a stir on Seminyak Beach”

Words Amanda O’Connor Photos Chris O’Connor

L

ast Thursday, on Seminyak Beach by W Retreat & Spa Bali, an excited horde gathered to witness 80 one-week-old turtles being released into the sea. A team of W Bali security talent carried several large plastic boxes full of shallow water and baby turtles out to the sand, where a short prayer for the turtles’ safety and longevity was said.

Dozens of excited hotel guests and passing tourists flocked to see these tiny creatures and excited children, and some fortunate adults, were given the opportunity to hold a baby turtle. The hotel management spoke briefly about the excitement and declared W Bali’s support for environmental sustainability, then the gathered crowd stood back and watched the scurrying black shapes head to the sea.

Cheered on by their audience, who monitored their progress and helped those who seemed to be struggling, the turtles were

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July 9, 2015

escorted into the ocean where the rushing waves scooped them up and out to sea.

The W Bali baby turtles were discovered on June 26 by the resort’s security talent, who found three nests with about 150 eggs in total; while one nest has hatched, two are due to hatch anytime soon.

Opportunities such as these are relatively frequent during turtle hatching season in Bali, especially on Kuta Beach where releases can take place almost weekly. However, this was the first time in two years that W Bali had had the pleasure of caring for baby turtles; after hatching, the babies had been looked after by resort staff for a week to improve their chance of surviving the return to the sea.

While in the past, turtles were left to their own devices to lay eggs, hatch and return to the sea – and many were lost to poaching, these days in Bali there are active programs designed to protect them. Volunteers from

organizations such as Bali Sea Turtle Society (BSTS) scour the beaches each night looking for nests and newly laid eggs are usually taken from the nests to hatcheries where they can be safeguarded and monitored. The baby turtles are usually kept for a week prior to release.

Perhaps the turtles waiting to hatch by the Woobar at W Bali hope that they can celebrate their birthday at the resort’s annual SPF day party on July 26!

For more information on BSTS and turtle releases taking place on Kuta Beach, visit baliseaturtle. org or follow the society on Facebook.