Edisi 11 Maret 2010 | International Bali Post

16 Pages Number 49 2st Year

Netherlands is potential market for Bali tourism

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Thursday, March 11, 2010

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e-mail: info_ibp@balipost.co.id online: http://www.internationalbalipost.com. http://epaper.internationalbalipost.com.

‘JihadJane’ recruited in US, Europe, Asia:prosecutors PAGE 8

Farrah Fawcett Omission From Oscar Segment No Accident PAGE 12

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Ogoh-ogh will take part in the parade to commemorate the Nyepi Day, Caka New Year 1932. One of them is the ogoh-ogoh Amrtamanthana from Banjar Abian Kapas Kaja, Denpasar

Turtle Conservation and Education Center in Serangan

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The number of turtles keep decrasing IBP

Denpasar – Turtles as the protected animal need to be conserved in order to prevent them from extinction. Turtle Conservation and Education Center in Serangan village is exactly doing that.

In addition to give education regarding turtles to the young generation, the conservation center is also giving turtles for all villages in Bali for the need of ceremonies.

However, there is some drawbacks face by the center in the past few months.

It is lacking of fund and the number of turtle newborn or tukik is also decreasing rapidly. What is

the current condition of the conservation center which was established in 2005? International Bali Post has the chance to get a closer look on the center on Wednesday, March 10th 2010.

The turtle conservation and education center is located in Banjar Pojok, Serangan, southern of Denpasar.

Continued on page 6

Mayors candidates posters put down Denpasar (Bali Post) –

The PDI-P party is started to put down the poster of their candidates in the next mayor election which will be held in May 2010. The party which supported the candidate I.B.Rai Dharmawijaya Mantra-IGN Jaya Negara is wanted to clean the city from all election materials before Nyepi day.

I Gusti Ngurah Gede, the head of PDI-P branch Denpasar, said that the party had ordered to put down all the election attributes. “We already told the entire party member to put down the attributes,” he added.

Continued on page 6

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International

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Bali News Polemic on Inauguration of Mangupura

Executive Judged to Have Violated the Presidential Decree Mangupura (Bali Post)—

Polemic around the inauguration budgeting of the name Mangupura continues. After being accused of using the polemic before the regent and deputy regent election to have political scent, now is the turn of Faction of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) to call the executive to have violated the Presidential Decree No. 80/2003 regarding to guidelines for the implementation of the procurement of government’s goods or services.

“In the decree is mentioned, the procurement of goods or services are prohibited to have binding agreements with providers of goods or services if they do not have sufficient budget or no budget available resulting in budget overrunning that sources from the National Budget or the Regional Budget. In this case, the budget for inauguration of Mangupura is not available. It means that the executive had violated the Presidential Decree No. 80/2003 Article 9, paragraph 4,” said the Head of Commission C Nyoman Satria who is also a member of the PDIP Faction, when contacted, last Tuesday (Mar 8).

According to Satria, his party could understand that the legal basis of the budgetary arrangement for the removal

of Badung Civic Center from Denpasar City area to the area of Mengwi subdistrict, Badung Regency was charged to the Regional Budget in accordance with Government Regulation No. 67/2009 Article 5. However, he asked the executives to understand about the duties and functions of the House in relation to legislation and budgeting functions.

“We will make a review on the proposal of government as long as the procedure and mechanism has been in accordance with the regulations and legislation. In article 4 of Regulation of Minister of Home Affairs No. 13/2006 concerning with the general principles of regional financial management stated that the regional financial management is done by the principle of orderly, transparency, obedience to the

legislation, effectiveness, efficiency, economization, and compliance with principles of decency, responsibility and the principle of benefit. We do not want to become just a rubber stamp,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a separate place, Head of PDIP Faction of Badung House, I Nyoman Giri Prasta, also said he understood very much about the Government Regulation. Giri Prasta who is also the Head of PDIP Badung stated there was no political element in addressing the proposed budget agreement.

“This is purely administrative matters and budget management procedures. There is no intention to undermine the incumbent, let alone make an effort distrust,” he said. (ded)

Two Snatchers Black and Blue Beaten Up by Residents, Fall Down and Crash a Motorcycle Denpasar (Bali Post)—

Detective Unit of Kuta Sector Police under the leader of Chief I Made Dayendra, managed to catch two perpetrators of mugging, last Monday (Mar 8) at 00:15 am Local Time. They were each named Edi Setiawan, 23, from Malang and Didik Harianto, 22, from Banyuwangi, East Java. Both suspects were arrested after committing their action in front of Galael Supermarket on Jalan Raya Kuta.

Before being taken to Headquarters of Kuta Sector Police, the two suspects were beaten up until black and blue by local residents. Because, after grabbing the bag of Lilik Fatmawati, 27, from Jember living at Jalan Sekuta No. 28 A, Sanur, Denpasar, the two suspects involved in a collision with other riders. Thus, the two suspects fell

down and could be captured.

Chief of Kuta Sector Police Dodi Prawira Negara, last Tuesday (Mar 9) explained the two suspects were still intensively examined in the investigation room. From the provisional results of examination, the suspect confessed to have performed a similar evil action around Jalan Danau Tempe, Sanur, South Denpasar. However, the action failed because he could not grab the bag of victims quickly.

Meanwhile, the second action was successfully performed. But unluckily, they fell after a collision at a junction of Jalan Kalianget, Blambangan, Kuta. Earlier, the suspect grabbed the victim’s bag around Jalan Raya Kuta.

Having taken the target, the suspect fled right away. “When in action, perpetrator used a motorbike Yamaha Jupiter MX DK 8358,” said Chief Dodi.

Knowing herself mugged, the victim riding the bike with her friend attempted to chase. Although it was dark, the victim’s intention to pursue was passionate. The victim stepped on the gas of her motorbike. “There was a romping action. Ultimately, right at the T-junction of Jalan Kalianget, Blambangan Kuta, the suspect was involved in a collision with other rider,” he explained.

The suspect fell down and was yelled at the victim’s thief. Local residents who happened to pass through the scene immediately arrested the suspect and beat them up until blue and black. Members of police patrol immediately drove to the scene to secure the suspect. Once arrived at the scene, the police promptly secured the situation. Both suspects were then dragged to Headquarters of Kuta Sector Police,” he added. (kmb21)

Again, Disnakanlut Carries Out Dog Elimination Denpasar (Bali Post)—

Since the cases of rabies have not subsided yet it is responded persistently by the ranks of Denpasar Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Maritime Services (Disnakanlut). The proof, other than performing mass vaccination, the institution also held elimination as carried out by officers of Disnakanlut Denpasar, last Tuesday (Mar 9) at Pemecutan Village, West Denpasar. At least, 88 dogs had been eliminated then.

This activity was done to overcome so that rabies would not continue to increase in the Denpasar City. The elimination was scheduled to take place for two days, from last Tuesday (Mar 9) to Wednesday (Mar 10). However, because all hamlets (15) have been targeted on Tuesday, so there was no elimination performed on Wednesday.

“Twenty six officers were assigned to perform the elimination,” said the Head of Denpasar Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Maritime Services, I Dewa Made Ngurah.

From the elimination last Tuesday, said Dewa Ngurah, the number of dogs eliminated amounted to 88. His party

did not only eliminate wild dog, but also dogs owned by local residents and dogs wearing a necklace as a sign they have been vaccinated. “Dogs eliminated came to 88. Not only wild dogs but also dogs owned by residents and some have been wearing a necklace,” added the Head of Services who has hobby in electronics.

Elimination to dogs belonging to residents and that wearing a necklace was made because of requests from the owners of dog themselves. The reason of owners to eliminate their dogs was those dogs were difficult to set. Most dog eliminations were carried out at Bumi Ayu Hamlet, even residents of this hamlet asked back to the Animal Husbandry Department to conduct elimination because there were many dogs roaming around including those belonging to residents and ownerless dogs.

“The most dogs were eliminated at the Bumi Ayu Hamlet. Residents at Bumi Ayu Hamlet asked us to do elimination again because there are many dogs roaming around,” said Dewa Ngurah. (kmb12)

Increases,Public Participation to Report Human Rights Violations Denpasar (Bali Post)—

Participation of victims due to domestic violence to report the case to the authorities already showed a progress. Like icebergs, a sense of fear and reluctance to report the deeds of husband or wife have already started to melt.

“We have received many reports about violations of human rights. Primarily domestic violence continued to increase each year. This proves, the women mostly becoming the victims had no fear anymore,” said Division Head of Legal Services and Human Rights of Bali Province, I Nyoman Sudira, after opening the Upgrading of Legal Technical Guidance, last Tuesday (Mar 9).

Unfortunately, the official who will be shortly serving in the Regional Office of Law and Human Rights of Surabaya did not remember about the exact number of cases on human rights violations in Bali Province. The cases handled included the custody of children, the expulsion of the head of the family from a village and other cases.

He said, some cases could be successfully resolved in familial atmosphere, but there were some cases that should enter into the court room.

It was asserted, the Bali Regional

Office of Legal and Human Rights was always open to receive public reports on human rights violations. All reports received should have been handled as good as possible. His party remained to hope, the community could actively participate by providing a report on something happening around their environment.

Technical Guidance

Meanwhile, the Technical Guidance on Legal Upgrading was followed by around 30 participants, coming from the Legal Upgrading Team of Bali Province, Legal Upgrading Team of Regency/City across Bali, Elements of Village Chief and Motivator Team of Family Education and Empowerment (PKK), and Elements of LegalAware Family and Administrative Village Youth across Bali. Many subject matters could be learned during the activity taking place for two days. Some of them were how to provide guidance and media relations regarding to law enforcement across Bali.

Sudira stated such Technical Guidance for legal counseling was essential. With such guidance, the upgrading teams were expected to have an additional knowledge in providing information to the public.(015)

z Founder : K.Nadha, z Chief Editor: ABG Satria Naradha z Managing Editor: Wirata,Palgunadi z Editors: Alit Purnata, Alit Susrini, Alit Sumertha, Darmasunu, Daniel Fajry, Diah Dewi, Mawa, Sri Hartini, Suana, Sueca, Sugiartha, Sutiawan, Wirya, Yudi Winanto zDenpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subagiadnya, Subrata, Suentra, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Pujawan, Buleleng: Adnyana, Gianyar: Agung Dharmada, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Bali Putra Ariawan, Tabanan: Surpi. Jakarta: Nikson, Suharto Olii, Indu P. Adi, Ahmadi Supriyanto, Achmad Nasrudin, Hardianto, Darmawan S. Sumardjo, Heru B Arifin, Asep Djamaluddin, Ade Irawan, Ipik Tanoyo. NTB: Agus Talino, Syamsudin Karim, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani, Nur Haedin, Suyadnya. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto. z Development: Alit Purnata, Mas Ruscitadewi. z Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp. (0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publiser: PT Bali Post

International

Bali News

The Fourteenth Rabies Victim Dies Tabanan (Bali Post) —

Rabies is still a frightening case in Tabanan. The 14th victim of rabies, Ni Ketut Ardini (45), finally died in a rabies treatment center in Tabanan Public Hospital on Monday (8 / 3) evening. She was bitten by her own dog. With the increasing victim of rabies, unsurprisingly, people would line up or pay a high price for the VAR (AntiRabies Vaccine).

The victim died 12 hours after entering the isolation room. The citizen of Banjar Paka, Sanda, Pupuan had allegedly been bitten by a rabies infected dog but was not immediately brought to the hospital. Secretary of Rabies Center in Tabanan Public Hospital Dr. Gede Sudiartha, on Tuesday (9 / 3) said the victim died at around 18:00. He said since being admitted to the hospital on Sunday (7 / 3), she was in critical condition and having shortness of breath, difficulty to talk, vomiting, excessive salivation and difficulty to swallow food.

With all those symptoms and a history dog bite, she was finally moved into the Flamboyant isolation room in the Rabies Center. Since last Monday morning, the victim began to fear the water, wind and light. She had rebelled for several times and she was getting critical. In the afternoon the victim had breath failure and the nurse could only provide breathing assistance.

The lab results of victim’s cornea and saliva said Dr. Gede Sudiartha came up negative. He then had taken samples of brain fluid to be examined further and to determine the whether the victim

was rabies positive or not. Based on the observed symptoms, they all led to the conclusion of rabies.

Victim’s husband I Wayan Sukayasa said, her left thumb was bitten by their own dog about two weeks ago. But because of the small wounds, the victim did not want to be taken to a doctor or to the health center. There was never a VAR being injected into her body. The wounds were being cleaned with water only. Before being rushed to Tabanan Public Hospital on Saturday (6 / 3) the victim was still working on her field. Later in the afternoon, she admitted that she was very tired.

On Sunday (7 / 3), the victim had a fever and shortness of breath, and brought to Tabanan Public Hospital later at night. While Chief of Banjar Paka, Made Sukanata said the victim did not want to be taken to neither the doctor nor the hospital, despite the intensive rabies socialization that have been done.

The victim’s dog had also bitten four other people including the son of the victim himself. On Tuesday, the four people were driven to the Sanglah Hospital to get the VAR, while the dog has already been killed. (RTC 14)

Regional Autonomy Impacts on Destroyed District Roads Denpasar (Bali Post) —

Post-implementation of regional autonomy, which focuses on development in the district, has in fact caused many problems. One of the Regional Autonomy impacts that have been running for ten years is that many roads in districts were destroyed.

It was mentioned by four members of parliament after the recess to each electoral district at a plenary session of Parliament led by Chairman of the Bali Parliament AA Ngurah Oka Ratmadi on Tuesday (9 / 3). Chairman of the PDI-P faction from Tabanan, Made Sudana said society had lost hope after the ten year application of regional autonomy in the region and yet there is still no developments have been felt. ‘’Many roads have been destroyed,’’ he said.

Kesuma Putra legislator from Buleleng claimed road damages in Buleleng are worse. ‘’Many roads between villages were much damaged,’’ he said. Roads rom Menyali, Bebetin, Sekumpul, Leumukih, up to Wanagiri have been destroyed.

This condition is caused by the inability of the region to improve infrastructure in the region because of the small Regional Tax Income (PAD). ‘’Imagine Buleleng, the largest and densest district in Bali, only receive 50 billion of PAD,’’ he said. If members of parliament from Buleleng called road conditions in the region ‘worse’, Member of Parliament from Karangasem Ni Made Sumiati SH said that road damage in Karangasem is very severe. ‘’Roads in the eight suburbs up to hundreds

of villages were severely damaged,’’ she said.

Not to mention a number water reservoir that has been built by provincial government with billions of rupiah has now gone wasted because citizens can not utilized it. This condition occurs because there are no connecting pipes to the house residents. Hening Puspita Rini, legislator from Bangli also complained about the number of damaged roads in Bangli. She also complained about the lack of communal and agricultural facilities.

Chairman of the Bali Parliament AA Ngurah Oka Ratmadi, SH acknowledge this reality is due to the implementation of regional autonomy. Indeed, many districts in Bali are not ready to implement Regional Autonomy for they only receive small PAD. They expressed readiness before because there is a hope that district authorities will be given a greater role to explore income for the area. In Bali, Badung and Denpasar are the only regencies which ready to implement regional autonomy for their sufficient revenue to cover such areas.

Even Badung’s income is well above one trillion rupiah. The rest of the districts in Bali have not been able to implement Regional Autonomy in reality. Legislator Suania from Jembrana Bali even recalled her region’s PAD is only around 10 billion. ‘’How are we going to plan for development, if the entire PAD were used to carry out routine activities of the executives and legislators?’’ added Ratmadi, accompanied by his deputy Alit Putra and Ida Bagus Sukarta (029)

Thursday, March 11, 2010

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Victims of Sexual Abuse

Impacts of Community’s Ignorance and Figure Crisis Amlapura (Bali Post) —

Members of Karangasem Parliament Nyoman Sadra, BA, on Tuesday (9 / 3) in Karangasem expressed great concern over the number of sexual abuse and violence cases against minors. He said this phenomenon does not only occur in Karangasem, but almost everywhere in Bali. Its causes are very complex, one of which is figures crisis play an important role.

However, the lack of parents and public attention are the main cause of why the phenomenon kept happening. Complex causes, said Sadra, who is also Chairman of the Honorary Board of Karangasem Parliament, emerges as the influence of advance information technology become stronger, while, on the other many parents are ignoring this with their being busy reasons. They did not have time to watch let alone to accompany their children because the people of Bali and especially in Karangasem are experiencing fast amendments. Once, the social control was so good, but now it has become increasingly indifferent while the society becomes more and more permissive. The attitude that fosters sexual harassment, rape, pedophilia, and infidelity even becomes common and ordinary things to do.

This phenomenon is also indicated by a high number of broken homes that lead to domestic violence and divorce. ‘’Opportunities are there, and with the weakened social control this phenomenon of sexual harassment continues to occur and even tends to increase in its number of cases,’’ he said.

Crisis of figures or role models for younger generations in the middle of the rapid circulation of nasty photographs and videos trigger sexual harassment to be increasingly committed. Crisis of figures, in which the data has shown many teachers who are caught in abusive acts victimizing children, are exactly the right mix for disastrous number of perpetrators of sexual abuse. Even a former Regent of Karangasem also became perpetrator of sexual abuse of minors.

‘’How did the children not become reckless and thought nothing about the future consequences, when there are important role figures such as teachers and officials are searching for ‘younger leaves’ (minors), and acting as if affair has become casual act,’’ said Sadra.

Broken Home

According to this Parliament Members from Tenganan, there are greater opportunities when the prostitution locations are more and more developed in Karangasem. The targeted locations are generally buildings or projects that are less functional or have gone bankrupt.

Sadra exemplifies project of beach excavation location in Candidasa with initial budget of 24 billion rupiah. Nowadays, the hall has been turned into a prostitution site from when it was getting dark until morning.

Moreover, young couples are also allegedly doing adulterous in this unfinished and rocky location. ‘’I did not and have not wanted to pass on the beach for fishing, because of the trauma and shock I have gotten from the scene in the unfinished building’s hall,’’ said the coordinator of Gedongan Gandhi Ashram.

A counselor from Integrated Service Center of Women and Children Protection (P2TP2A) Ni Nyoman Suparni says the high number of sexual abuse cases in Karangasem also due to the high divorce rate.

It causes many children become victims of their broken future. According to her, from child sexual abuse cases that she had been taking care of, after being processed by the police the victim and perpetrator of abuse cases usually admitted that they were derived from broken homes. ‘’In three weeks there were two cases of sexual abuse with two students became victims.

The perpetrators were six men who are still studying in high school. There were also high school drop outs because their broken home conditions. The two victims were also products of broken homes,’’ she said. (013)

Villa Owners Who Break Coastal Limit

Given A Week to Dismantle Their Properties Semarapura (Bali Post) —

Often gaining accusations, and even tend to be analogized as a toothless tiger, Klungkung Regency Yustisi Team led by Klungkung Vice Regent, Tjok. Gede Agung plans to show its fangs in Nusa Penida, on Wednesday (10 / 3).

Involving the Pamong Praja Police Force and Licensing team, the team will go to villas that were built without permits in the area of Karangsari, Suana, Nusa Penida. ‘’We will go down to Nusa Penida tomorrow (10 / 3) to hand out the last letter of warning (SP) and ask the owner to disassemble their own villas,’’said Head of Klungkung Pamong Praja Police Force, Komang Darma Suyasa, on Tuesday (9 / 3).

One of the villas to be demolished belongs to foreign investors, Basudeva. Besides having no permit, the villa is located just on the beach coastal line which violates the beach and city building plan. ‘’We’ve given the first warning letter in January 2010 and the second in February 2010,’’ he said. Darma Suyasa said, when given the first and second warning, the owner

(Basudeva-ed) had applied for a permit to the Office of Integrated Licensing Services Klungkung. However, the license was rejected Basudeva’s application because the building is clearly sitting on coastal border and therefore a violation against the regional spatial rule and plan. ‘’If by the time limit we had specified, the owner has not packed his villa, the team that will be ready to execute it,’’ he added.

On the other hand, the Head Office of Licenses, Putu Suarta mention, referring to the Provincial Regulation of Bali in No. 16 of 2009 regarding spatial plan, permission request can not be passed for the construction of the villa in Karangsari because a minimum distance of a building is 100 meters from the highest high-tide line. Moreover, the area he had filed is a protected area.

After all, what the building owner filed is not in accordance with the fact on the field. In the request, building plans were listed to be 12 meters away from the coastal border. Yet, when being reviewed in the field, the building’s existing wall was just above the sea level. (kmb20)

4

News

Thursday, March 11, 2010

International

Indian media laud success of women’s quota bill AFP

NEW DELHI (AFP) – Indian newspapers Wednesday hailed a vote by legislators to reserve onethird of parliamentary seats for women after a debate that saw unruly protests and the suspension of several MPs. Sonia Gandhi, the matriarch of national politics, said she was “happy for all the women of the country” after the upper house passed the bill, which now heads to the lower house where more furious opposition is expected.

Regional socialist parties have campaigned against the law since it was first proposed 14 years ago, saying it would benefit only elite Hindus unless there were specific quotas for Muslim and low-caste women.

AFP/File

Congress Party president Sonia Gandhi

“Women Go From Home to House” ran the headline in The Times of India, which like other dailies described the vote as a major breakthrough for women’s rights.

“It is no secret that patriarchy runs deep in Indian society and women have been historically de-

nied social, economic and political opportunities,” the Times said in its editorial.

“India takes a giant leap for womankind” the Hindu newspaper declared after the vote was passed by a large majority.

The bill has threatened to split the Congress-led coalition that won last year’s elections but party president Gandhi, who has invested political capital in the policy, said she was committed to seeing it pass into law.

“Politics is always full of risks,” said the widow of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.

“Whenever there is something revolutionary and new, there is opposition, there are difficulties in all parties, perhaps in my party too,” she added.

The bill won the backing of 186 of the 248 members of the upper Rajya Sabha chamber, more than the two-thirds majority needed for the draft legislation, which would result in a constitutional change.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh welcomed the vote as “a momentous development in the long journey of empowering women”.

Women currently occupy 59 out of the 545 seats in the lower house and just 21 women in the 248-seat upper house.

When the bill was presented on Monday, International Women’s Day, the socialists forced repeated adjournments and at one point ripped up the law, threw shreds of paper at the speaker and grabbed his microphone.

Seven members were suspended over the uproar and a parliamentary security team was deployed to keep order on Tuesday.

Panchayats — local governing bodies in towns and villages — already reserve a portion of their seats for women and experts say the move has given women greater status in their communities.

Politics in India has traditionally been a male bastion, but women now hold prominent positions, including President Pratibha Patil and Sonia Gandhi.

AP

Members of the detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy Party

Law bars Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi from elections AP

YANGON, Myanmar – Myanmar’s military rulers have barred prodemocracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from running in upcoming elections and may force her own political party to expel her under a new election law unveiled Wednesday.

The Political Parties Registration Law, published in official newspapers, prohibits anyone convicted by a court of law from joining a political party, making them ineligible to become a candidate. It also instructs parties to expel members who are “not in conformity with the qualification to be members of a party,” a clause that could force Suu Kyi’s expulsion. Parties that don’t register automatically cease to exist, the law says.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who has spent 14 of the past 20 years in detention, was convicted last August of violating the terms of her house arrest by briefly sheltering an American who swam un-

invited to her lakeside residence. She was sentenced to a new term of house arrest that is to end this November.

The sentence was seen as a way to keep Suu Kyi locked up during the election campaign. Last month, the Supreme Court dismissed her latest appeal for freedom.

The new election law was immediately criticized by Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party and by the United States and Britain.

League Deputy Chairman Tin Oo called the law unfair, politically motivated and designed to restrict activities of the party, which has already been battered by arrests and harassment.

“The fact that (party) registration

will be allowed only after expulsion of a convicted member is too much.

This is politically motivated” toward Suu Kyi, he told reporters.

The junta enacted five election-related laws Monday, two of which have now been made public. Three more are to be unveiled in coming days.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said Suu Kyi should be released from house arrest so she can “play an active role in the political life of the country going forward.”

“We’ve seen the first of five (laws). I think it would be fair to say that what we’ve seen so far is disappointing and regrettable,” Campbell said during a visit to Malaysia.

The registration law says existing political parties have 60 days from Monday to register with an Election Committee whose members are to be appointed by the junta.

The government currently recognizes 10 parties.

Biden’s West Bank tour clouded by settlement plans AP

RAMALLAH, West Bank – Israel’s new plan to build 1,600 homes for Jews in east Jerusalem is overshadowing Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to the West Bank.

Biden is to hold talks Wednesday with Palestinian leaders in an effort to ease their doubts about the latest U.S. peace efforts.

The talks are almost certain to address Israel’s announcement of new construction plans. Israel’s refusal to halt such building on war-won land has infuriated the Palestinians and undermined their faith in the U.S. as an effective mediator.

Biden rebuked the new plan as the kind of step that undermines the trust needed at this time.

The announcement was an embarrassing setback for Biden after a day of warm meetings with senior Israeli officials.

U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden, left, and his wife Jill, second from left, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, and his wife Sara, second from right, pose for photographers ahead of their joint dinner the Prime Minister’s residence in Jerusalem, Tuesday, March 9, 2010

AP

International IMIGRATION Australian Consulate General Jalan Tantular 32 Renon Denpasar Phone: +62 361 241118 Fax: +62 361 221195 (General) +62 361 241120 (Immigration)

General Info

Thursday, March 11, 2010

HOSPITAL Denpasar There are 4 major hospitals usually used by foreigners Denpasar General Hospital (RSUP Sanglah), Kasih Ibu Hospital, Rumah Sakit Wongaya and Rumah Sakit Dharma Husada.

HOSPITAL Bangli Bangli General Hospital Jl. Kesumayuda 27, Bangli Phone : +62 366 91521 Gianyar

Royal Danish & Norwegian Mimpi Resort Jimbaran, Bali Phone +62.361.701 070 The Czech Republic Jalan Pengembak No. 17 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.286 465 France Consulate Agency Jalan Merta Sari Gang II No. 8 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.285 485 The Federal Republic of Germany Jalan Pantai Karang No 17 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.288 535 The Republic of Hungary Jalan By Pass No 219 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.287 701 Italian Consulate Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai Jimbaran, Bali Phone +62.361.701 005 Honorary Consulate of Mexico Jalan Mohamad Yamin 1 A, Renon, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.223 266 Honorary Consulate of The Netherlands Jalan Raya Kuta 127, Bali Phone +62.361.761 506 Honorary Consulate of Spain Komplek Istana Kuta Galleria Blok Vallet 2 No 11. Jalan Patih Jelantik Kuta, Bali Phone +62.361.769 286 USA Consulate Agency Jalan Hayam Wuruk No. 188 Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.222 426 Consulate General of Japan Jalan Raya Puputan No. 170 Renon, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.227 628 Honorary Consulate of British Jalan Tirta Nadi No. 20 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.270 601 Swiss and Austria Consulate Jalan Patih Jelantik, Komplek Pertokoan Istana Galleria Phone +62.361.751 735 Honorary Consulate of Brazil Jalan Legian No. 186, Bali Phone +62.361.757 775 Honorary Consulate of Thailand Jalan Raya Puputan Renon 81, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.263 310 Embassy of India Jalan Raya Puputan Renon 42-44, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.241 978 Honorary Consulate of Sweden anf Finland Segara Village Hotel, Jalan Segara Ayu, Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.282 223 Honorary Consulate of Malaysia Alam Kulkul Boutique Resort, Jalan Pantai Kuta, Bali Phone +62.361.752 520

RSUP Sanglah is the main provincial public hospital. Its facilities have improved since the emergency ward had been built in 1991. Difficult/critical cases would not become a problem anymore since it has complete equipments. It is located on Jl. Kesehatan Selatan 1 Sanglah Denpasar with : Phone : 227 911 – 15 Fax : 226 363 Kasih Ibu Hospital is a private hospital which caters for less serious cases such as diarrhea, intestinal disorders, anemia, asthma and minor accidents. Kasih Ibu is also equipped to care for pregnant women. This hospital is located on Jl. Teuku Umar 120 Denpasar.

Phone : 223 036 Fax : 268 690.

Rumah Sakit Wongaya (Public Hospital; Psychiatric Unit) Jl. Kartini, Denpasar.

Phone : 222 142.

Rumah Sakit Dharma Husada , (Private) Jl. Sudirman No 50, Denpasar Phone : 227 560, 234 824 In relating with health, Bali also has insurance and medical evacuation company, that is: AEA International - SOS Assistance Bali.

PT Abhaya Eka Astiti, Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No. 24X, Kuta 80361.

Phone : 755 768 Fax : 755 768 One thing that should be noted by tourists here is that the Blood Bank in Bali normally carries no stock of Rhesus (Rh) Negative blood.

Badung Bali Medical Clinics There are some medical clinics that are well known by foreigners in Bali. Some of them are western owned and operated : Bali International Medical Center (BIMC) Bali International Medical Centre (BIMC) provides excellent Primary Health Care & Emeregency Medical Services for tourists, traveler, and expatriate living in Bali.

Emeregency Room, Ambulance, Clinic Services, Insurance & Medical Evacuations also available. Open 24 hours Phone : 761 2631. Located Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No.100X, Kuta, Bali 80361 - Indonesia. http://www.bimcbali.com International SOS Clinic Bali Opened in 1999, offers International SOS members and visitors to Bali comprehensive primary health care and 24-hour emergency medical service.

Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai 505X, Kuta 80361, Bali - Indonesia Phone : 720 100 Fax : 721 919 E-mail : info@sos-bali.com ttp ://www.sos-bali.com Bali Nusa Dua Emergency Clinic Jl Pratama No. 81 Phone : 771 324 Kuta Clinic Jl. Raya Kuta Phone : 753 268 Dental Clinic Dr Indra Guizot, Jl. Patimura 19, Denpasar Phone : 222 445, 234 375 DDS. Ritjie Rihartinah, Jl Pratama No. 81 Nusa Dua Phone : 771 324 Retno W. Agung, Jln. Bypass Ngurah Rai No.4A Br. Tamansari – Sanur Phone : 288 501

Clinic Mas Jl. Raya Mas, Ubud Phone : +62 361 974573 Toyo Clinic Jl. Pengosekan, Ubud Phone : +62 361 978078 Permata Bunda Clinic Jl. Patih Jelantik 50 X, Gianyar Phone : +62 361 942082 Ubud Clinic Jl Raya Ubud No.36 Campuhan, Ubud Phone : +62 361 974911 Gianyar General Hospital Jl. Ciung Wanara 2, Gianyar Phone : +62 361 943049 Karangasem Karangasem General Hospital Jl. Ngurah Rai, Karangasem Phone : +62 363 21001 Klungkung Klungkung General Hospital Jl. Flamboyan 40-4, Klungkung Phone : +62 366 21371 Negara Negara General Hospital Jl. Gelar, Negara Phone : +62 365 41006 Tabanan Laboratorium Clinic Jl. Gunung semeru No. 8, Tabanan Phone : +62 361 819260 Mengwi Clinic Jl. I Gusti Ngurah Rai 46, Tabanan Phone : +62 361 880550 Darma Kerti Hospital Jl. Teratai 16, Tabanan Phone : +62 361 812359 Tabanan General Hospital Jl. Pahlawan 14, Tabanan Phone : +62 361 811027 Singaraja Prodia Clinic Jl. RA Kartini 12, Singaraja Bali 0362 - 24-516 Singaraja Hospital Jl. Ngurah Rai 30, Singaraja Bali 0362 - 22-573 Pet Clinics Kayumas: (0361) 226934 Sayang Binatang: (0361) 483121 Satwa Kertha Husada: (0361) 263018 Pantai Sindhu: (0361) 287518 Sidakarya: (0361) 724492 Pedungan: (0361) 720026

TAXIS Praja Taxi : (0361) 289090 Bali Taxi : (0361) 701111 Ngurah Rai Taxi : (0361) 724724 Pan Wirthi Taxi : (0361) 723366 Komotra Taxi : (0361) 758855

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Thursday, March 11, 2010

News

‘JihadJane’ recruited in US, Europe, Asia:prosecutors AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) – A US woman operating online under the name “JihadJane” recruited jihadist fighters in the United States, Europe and Asia in a bid to carry out terror plots “or die trying,” prosecutors said.

US authorities said middleaged Pennsylvania resident Colleen LaRose, who was arrested in October 2009, spent more than a year networking with would-be attackers around the world.

She sought to recruit men and women, to raise money and even agreed to carry out the murder of a Swedish resident, pledging “only death will stop me,” an indictment charged.

The Justice Department unsealed the indictment against LaRose just hours after Irish police arrested seven people accused of plotting to kill a Swedish cartoonist.

She faces charges of “conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, conspiracy to kill in a foreign country, making false statements to a government official and attempted identity theft,” the indictment said.

LaRose, born in 1963, is also accused of recruiting women “who had passports and the ability to travel to and around Europe in support of violent jihad,” and of having stolen a US passport “and transferred or attempted to transfer it in an effort to facilitate an act of international terrorism.”

If convicted of the charges against her, LaRose could face life in prison and a one million dollar fine.

The indictment claims she received two messages in March 2009 from an individual in a South Asian country instructing her to kill an unnamed Swedish resident.

“Kill him... this is what i say to u,” the indictment quotes one message as saying. “Kill (the individual) in a way that the whole Kufar (non-believer) world get frightened,” the second said.

“I will make this my goal till i achieve it or die trying,” LaRose allegedly responded.

The Justice Department declined to comment on whether LaRose was connected to the arrest of four men and three women in Ireland over an alleged plot to kill Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks.

An Al-Qaeda-linked group has placed a 100,000-dollar (74,000euro) bounty on his head in response to a cartoon he drew depicting the Prophet Mohammed with the body of a dog.

LaRose allegedly “sent an elec-

AFP PHOTO/Prakash MATHEMA

Tibetan protestors chant anti-Chinese slogans as they stage a protest march at Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu on March 10, 2010.

7-year-old calls 911, saves family from attack AP

AFP/WPVI TV –

NORWALK, Calif. – A terrified 7-year-old boy begged emergency dispatchers to send police to his Southern California home where three armed robbers threatened his parents, according to a recording of the call released Tuesday.

Gunmen broke into the boy’s home Tuesday morning and announced that they would take whatever they wanted, Los Angeles County sheriff’s Lt. Steve Kenny said.

The boy and his 6-year-old sister hid unnoticed in the locked bathroom while the suspects threatened his mother and father at gunpoint.

“There’s some guy who’s going to kill my mom and dad,” he said breathlessly. “Bring cops. A lot of them! ...

And soldiers, too.”

The suspects eventually broke into the bathroom and someone screamed.

The 911 operator sounded shaken as she explained what happened to her colleagues.

Kenny said the suspects grabbed the boy and asked who he called. He responded, “911.” The gunmen fled without taking anything or injuring the family.

“If not for the brave and educated actions of the 7-year-old boy, this might have ended tragically,” said sheriff’s Capt. Pat Maxwell.

The three men remain at large.

This undated image courtesy of WPVI-TV in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania shows terror suspect Colleen LaRose. tronic communication to the Swedish embassy asking for instructions on acquiring permanent residency status in Sweden,” the Justice Department said, adding that she “traveled to Europe with the intent to live and train with jihadists” in August 2009.

LaRose, also identified by the monikers “Fatima LaRose” and “JihadJane,” faces life in prison if convicted.

A MySpace page under the name “JihadJane” features a biography of a Pennsylvania woman who describes herself as having “reverted to Islam.”

“I live in Pennsylvania, originally from Texas. I have recently (a couple months) reverted to Islam and I can safely say that of all the things I have ever done in my lifetime, bcomming Muslim is what i am the proudest of.”

Elsewhere, the user lists her heroes as “Skeikh OBL,” an apparent reference to Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, and “The brothers in... Jihad.”

The indictment and material released by SITE, a US group that monitors extremists, suggest LaRose had an active online presence, despite being repeatedly banned from websites including YouTube and harboring fears she was under surveillance.

SITE released a message purportedly posted by LaRose on an English-language jihadist forum that directly addressed those she

thought were monitoring her.

“We are and have been aware of you and your infiltration in here and in other forums.... i hope you enjoy the videos and pictures of your comrades being blown to hell by the brothers well placed IED’s and the brothers sharp shooters blowing off the heads and other limbs of your comrades.”

The LaRose case “demonstrates that terrorists are looking for Americans to join them in their cause, and it shatters any lingering thought that we can spot a terrorist based on appearance,” said US Justice Department attorney Michael Levy in a statement.

In communications detailed in the indictment, LaRose is alleged to have said her appearance would allow her to “blend in with many people,” adding it “may be a way to achieve what is in my heart.”

Profile pictures on the “JihadJane” MySpace page include one showing a fair-skinned woman with blue eyes, her blond hair covered by a headscarf.

David Kris, assistant attorney general at the Justice Department’s National Security Division, hailed the indictment and said the government would remain vigilant.

“Today’s indictment, which alleges that a woman from suburban America agreed to carry out murder overseas and to provide material support to terrorists, underscores the evolving nature of the threat we face,” he said.

Turtle Conservation...

From page 1 The center look very well groomed, it has beautiful fence with Balinese style. The fence is needed because the location is very near with the camp sit for boys scout. The conservation center is often being visited by students from all levels including families on holiday. Lately, foreign tourists are also coming to the center to know more about turtles.

Wayan Geria, the founder of the conservation center, said “we started to cooperate with travel agents in order to attract tourists to visit the center.”

From the visit of the tourists, the center receive fund and some of the tourists even donate medicines or turtle food. Those things take most of the funding on the center. Mrs. Wang, a tourist from Taiwan, said that the center is very important in conserving the turtles.

The turtles need to be conserved in order to preserve the balance of eco-

system. She hoped that the turtles are placed in a big aquarium so the visitors can easily watch them.

Geria said that children who are coming to the center will receive a tour package of environment education tour.

The children will be taken throughout the mangrove forest using a boat. There is great hope that the package will develop the sense of awareness towards the environment.

Geria added that the conservation center could give the regular supply for the Hindus for the need of turtles for ceremonies. However, the supply of small turtles didn’t come every month.

“The Hindus in Bali need approximately need 200 turtles every year but now we only have 11 turtles left. If the turtles are not here then how we can give the education to the people,” Geria said. He asked the government to give the certainty on how many turtles can be sent to the center every month in order to make the management easier. (lun)

Mayors...

From page 1 Even tough the election committee allowed to put posters to socialize the election but the party chose to put down all of the posters. This is done to support the Hindus during the Nyepi day.

However, the party will not put down the posters that don’t belong

to the party such as the posters for the 18th anniversary of Denpasar.

Gusti Ngurah Gede, said “the anniversary posters are not our responsibility.”

The other candidate, Wayan Subawa-I.B.Gede Udiyana didn’t put down the posters yet. Their posters can be seen throughout the city.(kmb21)

International

Indonesia Today

Thursday, March 11, 2010

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Indonesia president confirms Bali mastermind killed in raid Agence France-Presse

CANBERRA - Indonesia’s president Wednesday confirmed the killing by police of a suspected Bali bombing mastermind and, in a historic speech to Australia’s parliament, vowed to hunt down Islamist extremists.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Dulmatin, an AlQaeda trained bomb specialist with a 10 million US dollar bounty on his head from Washington, was killed by police in a major blow to Indonesia’s Islamic militants.

“We can confirm that one of those that were killed was Mr. Dulmatin, one of the top Southeast Asian terrorists that we have been looking for,” Yudhoyono said through an interpreter in Canberra.

Yudhoyono also promised to keep up the pressure on militants including from Dulmatin’s Jemaah Islamiyah group, blamed for the 2002 Bali blasts which killed 202 people including 88 Australians.

“Just yesterday our police authorities raided an important terrorist cell in a suburb of Jakarta and put several terrorist operatives out of commission,” he told parliament.

“In any case, the Indonesian authorities will continue to hunt them down and do all we can to prevent them from harming our people.”

Dulmatin was a leader of the Southeast Asian militant group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI). The news comes as US President Barack Obama, whose country had offered the huge reward, prepares to visit Indonesia and Australia.

Dulmatin, one of Indonesia’s most wanted fugitives, was accused of helping plan and carry out the Bali blasts. Police had refused to confirm he was one of three militants killed on Tuesday after he was falsely reported dead in 2008.

His death follows Indonesia’s

success last September in killing Malaysian terror mastermind Noordin Mohammad Top in a raid which left his Central Java hideout a burnt-out shell.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd praised the operation, which took place on the same day Yudhoyono was given Australia’s highest civilian honour for overseeing the initial Bali investigation as Indonesia’s security minister.

“This has been a very professional operation by the Indonesian security forces and it comes on top of other successful operations in recent times,” Rudd said.

“The breakthroughs which Indonesia has made in undermining various terrorist networks have been significant.”

The announcement capped a triumphant visit for Yudhoyono, who became one of only a handful of foreign leaders to address parliament and pledged to crack down on people-smuggling in a wide-ranging new accord with Australia.

As the 21st boatload of asylumseekers this year was stopped off Australia’s north, he said Indonesia planned new laws which would jail people smugglers for up to five years.

“We have finally worked out a bilateral mechanism for cooperation to deal with this issue so that future people-smuggling cases can be handled in a predictable and coordinative way,” he said.

Australia has long complained about the rickety boats which arrive on its shores via Indonesia, ferrying

AP Photo/Indonesian National Police

This photo released by the Indonesian National Police on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, shows images of the most wanted Indonesian terror suspect Dulmatin, who was killed during a police raid on Tuesday. The topranked Southeast Asian militant wanted for planning the deadliest terrorist attack in Indonesia’s history has been killed in a shootout with police at an Internet cafe, the president confirmed Wednesday.

asylum-seekers from the world’s conflict zones and economic troublespots. Rudd said links between the countries had been upgraded to a “new level” during the visit, dramatically reshaping relations which were previously characterised by a series of flare-ups.

He said a move to hold annual meetings between their leaders, foreign and defence ministers put Australia’s giant, mainly Muslim neighbour in line with the United

States.

Yudhoyono also said the two sides had progressed from a “lovehate” relationship to a bold strategic partnership, as they bid to improve exchanges and work on a possible free trade deal.

But he warned they needed to overcome “age-old stereotypes” which painted Indonesia as a military dictatorship and Australians as pro-white.

Both sides preferred to sidestep

recent skirmishes over asylum-seekers, death sentences for three Australian drug-smugglers and Australia’s war-crimes probe into Indonesian troops’ 1975 killing of five journalists in East Timor.

Shirley Shackleton, widow of one of the so-called “Balibo Five” said she was stunned when Yudhoyono sent an envoy to receive a letter from her during a lunch at Parliament House, and to offer his personal sympathies.

Hundreds of houses in Boyolali submerged Indonesia to win European market at ITB Berlin Antara

BOYOLALI - Floods submerged hundreds of houses in three villages in Central Java’s district of Boyolali after heavy rains showered the areas for several hours on Tuesday.

The flood waters still inundated hundreds of houses and tens of hectares of paddy fields in Karangduren, Banyudono and Guwokajen villages until Tuesday at 07.00 pm local time.

The 50-centimeter-high floods submerged the houses in Tohudan hamlet, Sambon village, Banyudono sub-district, a local resident said.

The flood water had also cut off the roads linking Jembungan and Kuwiran villages due to the overflowing of a local river, Sukarmi, 49, said.

As a result of knee-high floods, several villagers had begun taking their belongings to higher places and evacuating their family members to relatives’ houses, he said.

The floods did not only inundate three villages in Central Java, but also five villages of Benjeng subdistrict in the East Java district of Gresik.

Tens of houses and hundreds of hectares of paddy fields in Deliksumber, Sedapurklagen, Munggugiyanti, Kedungrukem, and Lundo villages were inundated.

The worst-hit village was Sedapurklagen but the villagers have not fled their homes.

Suliono, a 40-year-old resident of Deliksumber village, said he would take refuge if the flood water’s level kept rising. So far, the height of the

flood water remained at 50 centimeters, he said.

According to the head of Sedapurklagen village Subur Kuatno, the floods had submerged around 400 hectares of his people’s paddy fields.

The flood-hit villagers deplored the absence of related authorities’ efforts to normalize the Lamong River to prevent their areas from being inundated again by future floods, he said.

Over the past three months, various parts of Indonesia have been showered by heavy rains, causing floods and landslides.

Last February, a landslide hit the Dewata tea plantation area in Tenjolaya village, Pasirjambu subdistrict, Bandung district, killing about 40 people.

Antara

BERLIN - Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik said Indonesia will be trying to win the European market share, especially of German tourists, in the world’s biggest tourism fair, ITB Berlin, at Messe Berlin from March 10 to 14.

“I come to Berlin with a high optimism,” Jero Wacik told London’s Antara correspondent following a dinner at the official residence of the Indonesian ambassador in Berlin Tuesday.

The minister was in the company of chairman of Commission X of the House of Representatives

(DPR) Prof dr H Mahyuddin Ns and House Deputy Speaker Rully Chairul Anwar and Destination Development Director General Firmansyah Rahim, and Foreign Promotion Director I Gde Pitana.

Last year European tourists to Indonesia reached 700,000, which are expected in the conducive domestic situation to reach one million.

“With hard work, and a favorable security situation, Indonesia may attract as many as one million European tourists, including Russians,” he said.

Jero Wacik also said that Garuda Indonesia’s plan to resume its flights to Europe in June this year increased the optimism.

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Internationa

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Bali Today Netherlands is potential market for Bali tourism Antara

DENPASAR – Netherlands, South Korea, Russia, and several other countries are the potential market for Bali’s tourism.

They are potential because most of the foreign tourists visited Bali in the past few years were coming from those countries.

Ida Komang Wisnu, the head of Bali Statistic Department, said “the government and other tourism components must intensify the promotion to those countries.” He added that the number of people from Netherlands, South Korea, and Russia visited Bali is increasing in the last few years.

“Previously, those countries are not counted as the countries that can supply a lot of tourists to Bali,” Wisnu said.

He also explained that the number of tourists from Netherlands visited Bali in January 2010 was 6,226. The number increased 40% compare to the same period last year which was 4,444 people.

While in 2009, the total number of tourists from Netherlands was 77,526 people. The number increase 22% compare to the previous year which was 63,471 tourists.

The tourists from Netherlands con-

tributed 3% from the total number of tourists visited Bali in January 2010.

Wisnu explained that other countries were also increasing in the total number of tourists visited Bali.

They were Australia which increased almost 60%, Russia and South Korea. While there is also deceased happened to some countries such as japan, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, France, and USA.

Tourists eating at one of the restaurant in Ubud, Bali Island. Netherlands, South Korea, Russia, and several other countries are the potential market for Bali’s tourism. They are potential because most of the foreign tourists visited Bali in the past few years were coming from those countries.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com

Ngurah Rai Airport, a gateway to Paradise Island (4)

Airport should improve its services, entice more tourists

By Diah Dewi On this last article about the role of Ngurah Rai International Airport in the tourism industry, some of tourism stakeholders try to share their opinion. Most of them want the airport to improve its services and image in order to lure more visitors to Bali. They mentioned several weaknesses that the airport now has, especially in the human resources sector.

Overall Ngurah Rai International Airport performance is not so bad.

In fact as the main gate to Bali Island, the role of this airport is very important. The tourism stakeholders that have been interviewed to make this article also confirm it. Panudiana Kuhn, Bali’s Chapter Chairman of Indonesian Enterpreneur (Apindo) said the services, in term of take off and landing, at Ngurah Rai are quite good. He stated that the existence of this airport help Bali in developing its tourism industry. ‘’In term of its role in the tourism industry, the ex-

istence of Ngurah Rai Airport is very good. Without this airport, Bali can’t improve its tourism industry just like today,” he said.

Although in general he see that Ngurah Rai Airport already give a big contribution to tourism industry, he still hoped that the airport will improve its services. According to Kuhn the ground handling and immigration still need an improvement. In his opinion the human resources in these areas need to be more professional so passengers can be satisfied with their services. He said ‘’There are many

complaints about immigration service and luggage handling. This things need to be improve so tourists can feel comfortable and secure when they visit Bali”.

Moreover, he also mentioned about the need to build another runway to anticipate the increase of passengers that come to Bali. In the next 50 years, he predicted the number of tourists that visit Bali will increase greatly and the airport will not be sufficient if it not improving its infrastructures.

The same opinion also expressed

by Bali’s Chapter Chairman of Association of the Indonesia Tours and Travels (Asita) Al Purwa. According to Purwa the airport must do some action to improve its performance.

Because, he reasoned, Ngurah Rai Airport has already being labeled as one of the poorest condition airports in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine. The report was gathered from its readers and Ngurah Rai Airport has been categorized as the poorest condition airport together with eleven other airports in the world.

Purwa, who also the Honorary Consul of the Netherlands, stated that in order to improve its performance Ngurah Rai Airport should involving all tourism stakeholders. The management should run the airport as professional as they can. They, add Purwa, should not let tenants who rent the space in the airport to run their shops just like their wanted to do. The management should make some rules so the airport terminals will not look like a market.

The management also needs to improve some services for the passengers. For example management should make passengers comfortable when they have to wait their flights by adding more comfy chairs to seat at. ‘’The toilets also need so much improvement and cleaning because the toilets are so dirty. Many tourists that have to go to the toilet cancelled their plan when they see the toilets,” he stated.

Besides all the inside improvement that need to be done, both of the tourism practitioners also mentioned the need to improve the ac-

cess into and out of the Ngurah Rai Airport. They said the access via Kuta is no longer comfortable to users because congestion often happened in that area, especially during holiday. Kuhn said that there is a need to widen the roads so tourists can be more comfortable when they go to their hotels or tourism objects. ‘’If this continue to happened, tourists will reluctant to go back to Bali”.

The flaws in Ngurah Rai Airport also have been realized by Ngurah Rai Airport management. General Manager of PT. Angkasa Pura (AP) I Ngurah Rai International Airport Heru Legowo said that progressively the development of Ngurah Rai Airport is being done. Hopefully it will become a proper representation for Bali and Indonesia in general. He knows that it will take the coordination of all elements within the society to ensure that the result is an international airport which is functional, comfortable, and subsequently become the pride of Indonesia. (End)

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Thursday, March 11, 2010

Balinese Culture Asia-Pacific countries discuss climate change in Bali Antara

DENPASAR - Asia-Pacific countries will discuss the climate change issue at an Asia Pacifik Global on Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) in Sanur, Bali.

The three-day symposium from March 10-12, 2010, attended by representatives from 26 Asia Pacific countries, was opened by Research and Technology Minister Suharma Surapranata MT on Wednesday.

“The main agenda to be discussed in the symposium is the climate change issue because countries around

the world are currently cooperating in their efforts to reduce the impact of climate change,” National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) spokesperson Elly Kuntjahyowati said here on Wednesday.

She said the symposium conducted by LAPAN would be an important and strategic opportunity for the Asia Pacific representatives to make an effective decision to deal with the environmental issue.

The Global Earth Observation System of Systems is simultaneously addressing nine areas of critical importance to people and society.

It aims to empower the international community to protect itself against natural and human-induced disasters, understand the environmental sources of health hazards, manage energy resources, respond to climate change and its impacts, safeguard water resources, improve weather forecasts, manage ecosystems, promote sustainable agriculture and conserve biodiversity.

“The result of the symposium will be a recommendation of the Group on Earth Observation (GEO) at a ministerial meeting in Beijing, China in November this year,” Elly said.

In Klungkung, 375 Ogoh-Ogoh Will Animate ‘Pangerupukan’ Night Police Put All of Their Personnel Semarapura (Bali Post) —

At least 375 ogoh-ogoh will enliven the ‘pangerupukan’, the night before the Day of Nyepi 1932, on Monday (15 / 3). To anticipate the hostility in pengerupukan, Klungkung Police will mobilize all personnel into each village. ‘’In essence, we are all out in securing pengerupukan night. So that the smooth and solemn celebration of Nyepi could be implemented,’’ said

Head of Klungkung Police Ops, Kompol. Nyoman Kuat, while accompanying the Police Chief, AKBP Moch.

Yudi Hartanto on Tuesday (9 / 3).

He said the power of all police personnel is currently more than 600 people. According to Kuat, pengerupukan security will use the pattern of dropping off personnel into each village as the activities being secured are customary and religious activities.

Sate Lilit Bebek (Minced Duck Satay) INGREDIENTS: 600 gr duck or chicken meat, minced 2 cups freshly grated coconut 5 kaffir lime leaves, very finely shredded

Admittedly, the police had not specifically identified areas prone to hostility in Klungkung. However, police will still anticipate the occurrence of such misunderstandings and friction.

Kuat added that the priority is the security in the city area. This is not because of the hostilityprone area, but based on the population density factor. Moreover, the Semarapura. (kmb20)

1 tsp black peppercorns, crushed 1 tsp salt 3-5 bird’s eye chilies, very finely chopped 2 tbsp chopped palm sugar lemon grass or satay skewers

SPICE PASTE: 12 shallots, peeled and sliced 6 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced 3 red chilies, sliced 2.5 cm galangal (laos), peeled and sliced 2.5 cm kencur, peeled and sliced 5 cm fresh turmeric, peeled and sliced 2 tsp coriander ½ tsp black peppercorn 3 candlenuts 1 tsp dried shrimp paste pinch of freshly grated nutmeg 2 cloves 2 tbsp oil

PREPARATION: Grind or blend all spice paste ingredients except oil.

Heat oil and sauté spice paste for about 5 minutes.

Cool then combine with duck and all other ingredients except lemon grass. Mould about 2 tablespoonfuls on lemon grass or skewers and grill over hot charcoal and golden brown. (www.baliguide.com/balifood)

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Thursday, March 11, 2010

Destinations

International

Kertha Gosa

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International Bali Post Classifieds Contact us

TICKET PROMO PLUS DELIVERY DPS - JKT DPS - JOG DPS - SUB Dps - Upg DPS - SIN DPS - BKK

360.000 330.000 280.000 470.000 $ 365.00 $ 635.00

WELCOME to Kerta Gosa at Klungkung Semarapura Bali which is one of the famous tourism destinations in Bali and many visited by tourist everyday. Kertha Gosa is located in the heart of Semarapura town and it’s name is taken away from a Sanskrit namely Kertha which is meaning Peaceful and Gosa from the Gosita word mean announcement. Thereby, the word’s meaning of Kertha Gosa is a building of a kind Jurisdiction in form of Bale for the king who announces the legislation, jurisdiction, penalization etc.

The building of Kertha Gosa is very unique and full of high art value so that this place is a unique place to visit in Bali.

This place also owns Taman Gili, a building floating or sees like floating because it is intentionally founded in the middle of a fish pond. The decorative painting at the roof of Kertha Gosa building is painted with the story motif. The painting is started from Panil at eastside with the plot rotate according to Pradaksina direction and finish at Panil north side. Kertha Gosa is founded in 18 century with unique building like the plafond come from asbestos which is dotted with the famous style of Kamasan painting in the year 1930. During Dutch colonization (1908-1942), Kertha Gosa remains to be wearied as a justice place for lawbreaker, especially criminal. Along with colonial governance, the punish system in Indonesia has changed from system of death duties Majapahit (traditional) become the continental punish system which is brought by Dutch. The evacuation system is non aim to as retaliation, but improve the perpetrator so that acceptable to its society. The painting decorating on the conference hall’s plafond is aim to awake all trespassers in order not to repeat the badness. Other building is called Bale Kambang and this building looked to be impressing float on the fishpond water. There is a museum which is called Semarajaya located on the right external of Kori Agung yard. This Museum is set in a building which is exDutch High School and its physical form is solidarity from Dutch style era architecture with the Balinese traditional architecture. In this museum we can see the ancient object, history object inclusive photos of documentation from Klungkung King Family and clan. (www.balistarisland.com)

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Thursday, March 11, 2010

11

BUSINESS US, Europe eye free-trade pacts with rising Asia Agence France-Presse

SINGAPORE - The United States, fearful of being sidelined as China and other fastgrowing Asian economies speed up their integration, is banking on a new trade pact to shore up its Pacific influence.

Talks opening Monday in Melbourne will focus on a proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement linking the US market with Australia, Brunei, Chile, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.

Officials hope the TPP will form the nucleus of a wider Asia-Pacific trade zone that would eventually rope in China, Japan and South Korea as well as key Southeast Asian nations.

The talks will follow the launch of negotiations on a free-trade agreement between Singapore and the European Union, which is also keen on expanding trade ties with Southeast Asia.

The United States and Europe have been shut out of a growing web of Asia-centric trade pacts spurred by the region’s 1997 financial crisis and by a lack of progress in the Doha round of global trade talks, analysts said.

While the United States is “unquestionably” a Pacific power, it “lacks a comprehensive Asia strategy”, said Ernest Bower, a Southeast Asia expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington.

“The lack of consistent US focus in the region has enabled the ascendance of Chinese power,” Bower said, adding that it could slowly undermine US business interests and eventually degrade US security capabilities.

The new trade attention from the

West comes as Asian countries lead the rest of the world in recovering from the global economic downturn.

“That the US and the EU are knocking on Asia’s doors is a recognition that the centre of economic power is shifting, or has shifted, to our region,” an Asian diplomat closely involved in trade issues told AFP. “They know very well that ignoring Asia will be at their own peril. China is already a major trade partner for many Asian countries and is leading efforts toward regional economic integration,” he said on condition of anonymity.

Deputy US Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis warned that Washington “faces the daunting prospect of getting locked out” by Asia-specific trade pacts.

A study by the US-based Peterson Institute for International Economics showed that discriminatory policies under an East Asia free trade zone could cost the US economy at least 25 billion dollars of annual exports and lead to the loss of “about 200,000 high-paying jobs”.

The United States has free-trade accords with Australia and Singapore and has also negotiated a trade pact with South Korea, but this has yet to be implemented due to fierce disputes over cars and beef.

China has been more aggressive

in wooing regional partners.

An agreement between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) covering nearly two billion consumers went into effect this year, creating the world’s biggest freetrade area in terms of population.

There are also efforts to form a larger, all-Asian free-trade zone spanning China, Japan, South Korea and the 10 ASEAN states.

C. Fred Bergsten and Jeffrey Schott of the Peterson Institute hailed Washington’s decision to join the transPacific talks in Australia.

“Deepening US engagement with countries in the Asia-Pacific region is crucial for the advancement of both US economic and foreign policy interests,” Bergsten and Schott said in a recent paper.

Such a bloc would “draw a line” in the middle of the Pacific Ocean by discriminating against US exporters and investors, and excluding the United States from major regional economic and security forums, they said.

Marantis acknowledged that overcoming crisis-hit Americans’ opposition to free-trade agreements is a key challenge.

Surveys suggest that only about one in 10 Americans think that trade pacts create jobs, while more than half believe the accords lead to job losses at home, he said.

Passengers check in at an arrivals desk for Hong Kong-based air carrier Cathay Pacific at Hong Kong’s international airport on March 10, 2010.

AFP PHOTO/MIKE CLARKE Cathay Pacific booked a profit for 2009, earning 606 million USD, or 1.19 per share, on revenues of 67 billion Hong Kong dollars, down 23 percent from 2008, reversing a year earlier loss even as the carrier’s sales dropped amid turbulence in the global economy.

Cathay Pacific returns to profit in 2009 Agence France-Presse

HONG KONG - Cathay Pacific said Wednesday it returned to profit in 2009 even as the Hong Kong-based carrier’s sales dropped amid turbulence in the global economy.

The airline said the bulk of its 4.7 billion Hong Kong dollar (606 million US dollar) profit came from cost cutting and gains on fuel hedging bets, which had sparked Cathay’s massive 8.7 billion Hong Kong dollar loss in 2008.

Cathay said it posted a modest 285 million Hong Kong dollar operating profit last year as it wrestled with weak demand.

Revenues in 2009 were down 23 percent year-on-year to 67 billion Hong Kong dollars, it said.

“The global economic slump last year resulted in extremely challenging business conditions for the Cathay Pacific Group and commercial aviation in general,” it said in a statement.

“While there was some pick-up in the airline’s passenger and cargo businesses towards the end of 2009, overall there was a deep downturn in

key markets which in turn led to sharply reduced revenues.”

Fuel prices reached “uncomfortably high” levels in mid-2009 while Cathay and its Dragonair unit carried 24.6 million passengers last year, a 1.6 percent drop from 2008, it said.

Cargo revenue tumbled almost 30 percent in the midst of “exceptionally weak” freight business during the first half of the year, Cathay said.

In April, chief executive Tony Tyler said the global economic crisis hit Cathay harder than the SARS outbreak and September 11 attacks on the United States. In response, the company slashed flights and asked its 20,000 staff to take unpaid leave to deal with the slowdown.

On Wednesday, Cathay chairman Christopher Pratt said weak demand for first-class seats and lower-than-usual sales remained a concern.

“While we welcomed the improvement in business in the latter part of 2009, we remain cautious about the prospects for 2010,” he said in a statement.

Cathay shares were up 1.9 percent to 14.8 Hong Kong dollars in midday trading.

Japanese stocks end almost unchanged Agence France-Presse

TOKYO - Japanese stocks closed almost flat Wednesday, edging slightly lower on profit-taking as investors looked to trading cues later this week.

The Nikkei-225 index edged down 3.73 points, or 0.04 percent, to end at 10,563.92. The broader Topix index of all first section shares slipped 1.94 points, or 0.21 percent, to 922.44.

Trading stayed within a narrow range after

AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye

A man walks in front of the electric stock board of a securities firm in Tokyo Friday, March 5, 2010. Japanese stocks closed almost flat Wednesday, edging slightly lower on profit-taking as investors looked to trading cues later this week.

Japanese core machinery orders, a key indicator of capital spending, met market expectations, Yumi Nishimura of Daiwa Securities Capital Markets told Dow Jones Newswires.

Core private-sector machinery orders fell 3.7 percent in January from the previous month, official data showed Wednesday.

The drop reversed a robust 20.1 percent rise in December, which followed an 11.3 percent fall in November, but was still greeted by the market as a relatively good result for the sector.

Investors were cautious ahead of consumer price data from key export destination China due on Thursday that could stoke concerns about further steps by Beijing to cool its fast-growing economy, dealers said.

Shares in troubled automaker Toyota closed down 1.4 percent after news of an accelerator-related incident involving a Prius model in the United States.

12

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Entertainment

International

Farrah Fawcett Omission From Oscar Segment No Accident Ryan Seacrest’s Alleged Stalker Pleads No Contest THE man accused of harassing American Idol host Ryan Seacrest pleaded no contest to felony stalking at a court hearing on Tuesday.

Chidi Uzomah, a special forces reserve for the U.S. Army, was charged in November with a felony count of stalking and two misdemeanor counts of violating a court order after he was found wielding a knife at Seacrest’s Los Angeles office.

The 25 year old pleaded not guilty to the charges at a hearing

in L.A. on November 3rd, but was arraigned again last month after the case was moved to a different court.

He was due back in court on March 9th for a pre-trial hearing, where he entered the no contest plea, reports TMZ.com.

Seacrest has been awarded a protective order against Uzomah, which bans him from going within 500 yards of the TV presenter. According to TMZ, Uzomah could serve up to two years behind bars if convicted.

Cindy Crawford Extortionist Found Guilty A German man has been sentenced to two years in prison after he was found guilty of attempting to blackmail supermodel Cindy Crawford.

Edis Kayalar, 26, was charged with attempting to extort $100,000 from Crawford and her husband Randy Gerber after threatening to sell a controversial photo of the couple’s young daughter to the media.

The image showed the girl, who was seven years old at the time, tied to a chair and wearing revealing clothing during a game of ‘cops and robbers’. Gerber is believed to have paid Kayalar, an acquaintance of the family’s former nanny, $1,000 to keep the photo under wraps but turned to officials at America’s Federal Bureau of Investigation when the crook made further demands for cash.

Kayalar left the U.S. in September but surrendered himself to police in Germany in November after U.S. authorities appealed for international help in tracking him down. He was convicted of attempted blackmail at a court in the town of Kirchheim unter Teck, in southern Germany, on Tuesday and handed a two-year prison sentence, according to German w e b s i t e Thelocal.de. Judge Joachim Spieth told the court, “The attempt at blackmail was well-advanced until it failed.”

The executive director of the film academy said Tuesday that Farrah Fawcett wasn’t included in the Academy Awards’ In Memoriam segment because the actress was better known as a TV star. It was a difficult decision for the committee that assembles the segment to omit Fawcett, said Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences executive director Bruce Davis, who added that he’s not surprised some fans and family members are upset.

Fawcett’s family issued a statement through a publicist Tuesday saying they were “deeply saddened” and “bereft with this exclusion of such an international icon who inspired so many for so many reasons.”

Davis said the academy committee debated about including Fawcett and Gene Barry, a longtime TV actor who died in December at age 90, in the memorial segment but ultimately omitted both.

Davis and his colleagues thought that while the two actors appeared in movies, they were better known for their “remarkable television work” and would be more appropriately honored by the television academy at the Emmy Awards. The group “was kind of figuring that probably the Farrah Fawcett and Gene Barry omissions would be the ones we’d get the most comments on,” he said. He acknowledged that he “did get one letter about Miss Fawcett.”

The academy director said “an unusual number of extremely distinguished screenwriters” died this year, and the academy tried to honor many of them in the short memorial segment. “In every category, you’re going to miss some wonderful people,” said Davis, who has helped assemble Oscar’s In Memoriam montage since it began in 1993.

When asked why Michael Jackson was included when actors were left out, Davis explained that Jackson had appeared in a popular theatrical film recently. Fawcett and Jackson both died on June 25. “Think of all the blogging we would have gotten if we had left him out!” he said.

Hilary Duff Is Writing Young Adult Novels Singer/actress Hilary Duff is following in the footsteps of Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling by penning a children’s book. The 22 year old will work on a series of young adult novels with publishers at Simon & Schuster.

Duff’s first book, “Elixir”, is scheduled to be published in October, and will feature the harrowing adventures of international photojournalist Clea Raymond.

The singer, who has written about her own parents’ separation in songs “Stranger” and “Gypsy Woman”, also plans to put pen to paper for a non-fiction book about children coping with divorce. That book is scheduled for a 2012 release. Former “Beverly Hills, 90210” co-stars Garth and Spelling recently announced they would be expanding their literary credentials, with planned releases for their own young children’s books this and next year.

Life Style

International

Thursday, March 11, 2010

13

Scientists tease DNA from eggshell of extinct birds Agence France- Presse

PARIS – In a world first, scientists in Australia announced on Wednesday they had extracted DNA from the fossilised eggshells of extinct birds, including iconic giants such as the moa and elephant bird. The achievement marks a major step towards drafting the genome of birds wiped out by human greed, although the scientists warn this does not mean an extinct species should — or even can — be resurrected in the style of Jurassic Park.

AFP/File/Shaun Curry

A man holds an egg from an extinct elephant bird. In a world first, scientists in Australia announced on Wednesday they had extracted DNA from the fossilised eggshells of extinct birds, including iconic giants such as the moa and elephant bird.

The team, led by Michael Bunce of Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia, say they isolated DNA from desiccated inner membranes in fossil eggshells, found in 13 locations in Australia, Madagascar and New Zealand. Ancient genetic material was coaxed from the eggshell of the moa (Dinornis), a flightless cousin to the ostrich that reached up to four metres (13 feet) in height and was hunted to extinction by New Zealand’s Maori by the late 18th century.

DNA was also extracted from the elephant bird (Aepyornis), like the moa and ostrich a species of ratite, said the study, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B. Growing up to three metres (10 feet) high, the bird was wiped out by European colonisation of Madagascar by 1700. Other successes were reported using eggshells from an Australian owl and a New Zealand duck of unknown date.

The oldest egg sample was from an emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), some 19,000 years old.

But the team were unable to get DNA from far older samples in Australia, estimated at 50,000 years old, from an extinct megafaunal bird called Genyornis. The technique entails reducing the shell to powder, extracting the DNA with lab chemicals and then amplifying it us-

SpaceX aborts rocket engine test event on this pad, we decided to scrub for the day to get a good look at the rocket before CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida – Space trying again. Everything looks great at first Exploration Technologies aborted a test fir- glance,” spokeswoman Emily Shanklin said ing of its Falcon 9 rocket on Tuesday, in what in an e-mail to Reuters.

The rocket is perched on a refurbished was to be a key milestone in its quest to fly cargo — and eventually astronauts — to the oceanside launch pad at Cape Canaveral Air International Space Station. The test was Force Station, just south of the space shuttle aborted two seconds before engine ignition launch pads at the Kennedy Space Center. The at the privately owned company’s Cape motor firing was expected to be rescheduled Canaveral, Florida, launch site, where the for later this week. California-based SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is being prepared for a com- is owned and operated by Internet entreprepany-sponsored demonstration flight this neur Elon Musk. It is building launch vehicles and spacecraft to take over the job of deliverspring.

During the test, flames and small puffs ing cargo to the space station, which has up of smoke could be seen around the base of to now been government-run. It holds NASA the rocket via a NASA video camera. In a contracts for 15 Falcon 9 flights — three test statement Tuesday night, Space Exploration flights and 12 cargo resupply missions to the Technologies, or SpaceX, said the flames space station — worth about $1.9 billion.

Options for additional flights would boost were from the burn-off of liquid oxygen and kerosene and that the Falcon’s engines didn’t the cargo-delivery contract to more than $3 ignite. “Given that this was our first abort billion. U.S. President Barack Obama, who plans to hold a summit on space in Florida next month, wants to add $6 billion to NASA’s budget over the next five years to spur development of space taxis that can transport astronauts to and from the space station. With the retirement of the space shuttle fleet later this year, NASA already has turned over station crew transportation to Russia, which charges the United States about $51 million per seat for rides on its Soyuz rockets.

SpaceX shares NASA’s commercial rocket development and cargo REUTERS/SpaceX/Handout delivery services with VirginiaThe Falcon 9 vehicle undergoes final integration in the hangar at the SpaceX launch site in Cape Canaveral, in based Orbital Science Corp, which an undated photo. The vehicle’s nine Merlin 1C engines plans to debut its Taurus II rocket and Cygnus spacecraft before April are at far left, and second stage is at far right.

2011.

Reuters -

ing polymerase chain reaction, or PCR — a standard tool used by forensic scientists, for instance, in getting the famous “genetic fingerprint.”

Bunce said the team extracted in each case only a tiny amount of DNA — just 250 base pairs, the “rungs” on the ladder-like genetic code, and this is less than a fraction of one percent of the bird’s genome.

“The point was proof of principle, to show that it can be done,” he said in a phone interview with AFP. “We didn’t go out to get very long pieces of DNA. That’s obviously the next step.” Bunce said the exploit would give palaeontologists a new window into creatures of the past.

Until now, DNA has been teased from bones — for instance, providing most of the genome of the Neanderthal, our enigmatic extinct cousins — and also from preserved hair. Eggshells, overlooked as potential source material, turn out to be astonishingly robust at protecting DNA. They are a tough biomineral matrix of calcium carbonate and are less prone than bones to infiltration by bacteria, which contaminates samples. And they are also plentiful. Archaeological sites have yielded harvests of eggs plundered from nests by early humans, eager to keep a store of protein at hand.

It could be possible to go back further than fossilised eggs that are older than 19,000 years, if the shells come from a permanently cold environment, the scientists hope. But eggs that are completely “mineralised” — in other words, like rock — over hundreds of thousands of years are not a likely option. Could the moa, the elephant bird or the dodo, which was hunted to oblivion for food and hat feathers, ever walk again? “We can reassemble the genome to get an idea of what an extinct species looked like. But (resurrecting it) is still in the realm of science fiction. It’s completely hypothetical, and frankly not a debate I really want to have,” said Bunce.

On latest guitar game, players strum real strings Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK – An upcoming musical video game lets players strum a real six-string electric guitar instead of tapping buttons on a fake instrument. “Power Gig: Rise of the SixString” is a game first and foremost. But its maker, Seven45 Studios, said players will be able to plug the guitar that comes with it into a standard amp and play real music.

“The leap to (playing) guitar will be seamless,” said Jeff Walker, vice president of marketing at Seven45. Games such a “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band” soared to popularity over the past several years. But lately they’ve been faltering, in part because customers have been reluctant to shell out big bucks for the fake musical instruments needed to play the games.

Seven45 hopes “Power Gig” will lure gamers ready for a new challenge, one that feels closer to playing a real instrument than strapping on a “Rock Band” accessory and

tapping buttons. It helps that Seven45 shares owners with musical instrument maker First Act; the two are working together to make the game. The game includes a “beat-matching” mode that players of “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band” are familiar with. In this mode, players must follow on-screen beat sequences with their instruments.

In a challenge that comes closer to playing an actual guitar, “Power Gig” players hit specific strings to produce chords. Boston-based Seven45, which is introducing “Power Gig” at this week’s Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, hasn’t announced a price, but said it will be comparable with existing music games, which now cost as little as $70 and as much as $200 for a limited edition “The Beatles: Rock Band” bundle.

It will be available in the fall for the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360 gaming consoles. The “Power Gig” guitar will work with existing “Rock Band” and “Guitar Hero” games.

In this undated photo provided by Seven45 Studios, the Power Gig: Rise of the SixString, is shown.

AP Photo/Seven45 Studios

14

Sport

Thursday, March 11, 2010

International

Henin, Clijsters look to shake things up at Indian Wells Agence France - Presse

INDIAN WELLS, California – Former world number ones Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters of Belgium will provide some early headaches for top seeds at the WTA Indian Wells tournament which begins Wednesday. The 4.5 million-dollar event, played in conjunction with an ATP event that starts Thursday, also could see a potential third-round rematch of last year’s final between defending champion Vera Zvonareva and 24th seed Ana Ivanovic.

With 32 seeds receiving firstround byes, the early star of the show figures to be Henin, the 27year-old who lost to Serena Williams in the Australian Open final and US Open champion Clijsters at the Brisbane final. Henin, who won at Indian Wells in 2004, opens against Slovakia?s Magdalena Rybarikova and if she advances will face 31st-seeded Gisela Dulko of Argentina for a possible third-round encounter with fifth seed Agneiszka Radwanska of Poland.

Russian fourth seed Elena Dementieva is also in Henin’s quarter of the draw. Clijsters, a 14th-seeded two-time Indian Wells champion, opens with a second-round tie against Germany’s Andrea Petkovic or Czech Barbora Strycova Zahlavova. She could face top seed Svetlana

Kuznetsova in the fourth round. Russian star Kuznetsova’s path to a third career Indian Wells final could also see her face Serbian sixth seed Jelena Jankovic or Italy’s ninth-seeded Flavia Pennetta in the quarter-finals.

Kuznetsova opens in the second round against either Alize Cornet of France or Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain. Last year, Kuznetsova suffered her earliest loss at Indian Wells when she fell to Poland’s Urszula Radwanska in her opener. Russian 12th seed Zvonareva beat 2008 champion Ivanovic of Serbia to take the 2009 crown and opens her title defense against either a qualifier or Czech Lucie Hradecka. Ivanovic opens with a qualifier or Latvian Anastasija Sevastova.

Zvonareva or Ivanovic could face eighth seed Samantha Stosur of Australia in the fouth round with two-time Indian Wells champion

Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia or third seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus possible quarter-final foes.

Danish second seed Caroline Wozniacki could meet Russian 10th seed and 2006 Indian Wells winner Maria Sharapova in the quarter-finals. But Sharapova, who won last month at Memphis, could face two Australian Open semi-finalists from China in her path to the last eight 18th seed Zheng Jie in the third round and seventh seed Li Na in the fourth round.

Former world number ones Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters, pictured on March 1, of Belgium will provide some early headaches for top seeds at the WTA Indian Wells tournament which begins Wednesday.

(AFP/Getty Images/File/Jeff Zelevansky)

Roy has 19 in Blazers’ 88-81 win over Kings Clottey Will Take it to Pacquiao Agence France - Presse

PORTLAND, Ore. – Brandon Roy scored 19 points and hit a clinching jumper with just over two minutes left, leading the Portland Trail Blazers to an

(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Portland Trail Blazers Brandon Roy (7) battle with Sacramento Kings Francisco Garcia for a loose ball in the second half of their NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 9, 2010, in Portland, Ore. The Trail Blazers defeated the Kings 88-81.

88-81 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night.

The Kings pulled to a 74-all tie in the final quarter, but Roy’s jumper with 2:07 remaining made it 85-78 and all but sealed it for the Blazers, who have won five straight against the Kings.

Tyreke Evans had 18 points for the Kings, who have lost three straight overall. Carl Landry finished with 17 points and eight rebounds. Roy added eight rebounds for Portland. Nicolas Batum and Andre Miller each scored 14 points. Marcus Camby returned after sitting out the Blazers’ last game, a 118-106 loss at Denver, with a sprained left ankle.

Portland acquired Camby in a trade with the Clippers last month to help Juwan Howard at center in the absence of Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla. The Blazers lost both their big men to knee injuries earlier this season. Portland opened the fourth quarter with a 7362 lead, but Francisco Garcia hit a 3-pointer to touch off a 10-0 run capped by Evans’ layup that closed the Kings to 73-72.

Jason Thompson’s layup tied it at 74, but Camby made an 18-foot jumper to keep Sacramento at bay.

Miller’s falling-down jumper put the Blazers up 8176, before Landry hit a pair of free throws to make it 81-78 with 3:35 left. After Batum hit a layup, Roy made his jumper and Portland pulled away. The Blazers led by as many as 10 points early in the game before the Kings went ahead 21-16 on Beno Udrih’s pullup jumper and a 3-pointer.

The Blazers took back the lead when Rudy Fernandez’s 3-pointer made it 34-33, and they stretched it to 40-33 after Howard’s dunk. Portland opened its biggest lead at 52-40 on LaMarcus Aldridge’s layup and free throw, but Landry dunked to close out the half at 52-42. Landry’s jumper narrowed it to 58-56 midway through the third quarter.

Landry, acquired from the Rockets in a three-team, nine-player trade last month, had scored at least 20 points in the last three games.

Joshua Clottey is predicting fireworks when he meets Manny Pacquiao in Dallas on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 1&HD1. Filipino hero Pacquiao was due to face Floyd Mayweather Jr in a pound-for-pound showdown before he pulled out following a row over drug testing procedures. Ghanaian grinder Clottey has stepped in and he will fight for the WBO light welterweight title against the Pacman in front of 40,000 fans at the new $1.1 billion Cowboys Stadium in Texas.

Now based in the Bronx in New York, Clottey has proved a tough opponent in the past and his 35-3 record does not include a stoppage defeat something which Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach has promised to change.

Clottey though says it will be far from a battle for survival against Pacquiao,

and believes it will be an exciting battle with him too promising to come forward and attack.

“It will be an exciting fight, as they are predicting,” said Clottey. “I’m always coming forward to face my opponent and fight like a man, not like I just come in like that, I come forward with timing. Everything is in my head, I’m always looking, and the truth is I’m a forward fighter.” Former IBF light welterweight champion Clottey has been a stubborn man to fight in his career, but has crucially never managed to bea the best around.

Pacquiao is a big favourite to continue his magic run despite being at a disadvantage in size and strength.

Clottey has also lost to Miguel Cotto, who was destroyed in 12 rounds by Pacquiao in the Filippino’s last fight.

(AP Photo/LM Otero)

Joshua Clottey works out in Grapevine, Texas, Monday, March 8, 2010. Clottey squares off with Manny Pacquiao in a welterweight title bout this weekend at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Sport

International

Thursday, March 11, 2010

15

Bayern lose but scrape past Fiorentina on away goals Agence France - Presse

FLORENCE, Italy – Bayern Munich booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday despite losing 3-2 to a valiant Fiorentina in a topsy-turvy encounter at the Artemio Franchi stadium. The German side, who had won 2-1 in Munich, went through on the away goals’ rule after the aggregate scores finished 4-4.

In the end, Miroslav Klose’s controversial 89th-minute goal in the first leg, which replays showed was yards offside, proved decisive.

“We’ve been eliminated thanks to the collusion of referee (Tom) Ovrebo in the away leg,” complained Fiorentina president Andrea della Valle.

“It’s tough to go out after winning 3-2 even without thinking about the first leg. But Florence can be proud of the way that Fiorentina played this evening.”

Bayern coach Louis Van Gaal could understand his rival’s sentiments.

“I can understand that it’s hard for Fiorentina because Klose’s off-side goal in the first leg proved decisive,” he said. Van Gaal added: “We made a lot of individual defensive errors that’s why this match became difficult. What saved us was that we continued to believe and we knew how to score two beautiful goals.” The home side went two goals up inside 54 minutes through Juan Vargas and Stevan Jovetic before Bayern captain Mark van Bommel’s strike on the hour mark began a flurry

of superb goals.

Jovetic grabbed his second with a solo effort but man-of-the-match Arjen Robben broke Viola hearts with a stunning 30-yard strike. After the late and controversial drama in Munich in the first leg, the match began tentatively with a string of misplaced passes as the sides struggled against a strong gale.

Vargas tested Hans-Jorg Butt after five minutes with an audacious 40-yard free kick but it was the German side who settled better with Franck Ribery and particularly Arjen Robben causing danger down the wings.

Fiorentina, backed by a vociferous home support as well as the wind in the first half, had created little until the 28 minute when Marco Marchionni picked the ball up 30 yards out and instantly let fly. A surprised Butt fumbled to Vargas who somehow outmuscled Daniel Van Buyten and, from a tight angle, found the top corner with his favoured left foot. Bayern should have equalised six minutes later when Bastian Schweinsteiger’s deep header found its way through the heart of the Viola defence to Robben 15 yards out.

Van Gaal: ‘Offside goal decisive’ Bayern Munich Coach Louis Van Gaal admits that Fiorentina have every reason to be upset at their exit. The Germans lost 3-2 on the night, but qualified on the away goals rule, 4-4 on aggregate. “I understand it is very difficult for the Viola to accept being knocked out this way and that the decisive goal was the one in the first leg that was offside,” confessed Van Gaal.

It had been 1-1 in Munich until Miroslav Klose scored at the final minute when several yards offside. “Tonight I saw a game with many individual errors and it became a difficult encounter. It wasn’t easy for us, but we played the ball to feet and this saved us in the second half. We scored two wonderful goals and are very happy to be through. In the final 10 minutes we could’ve even taken advantage of the extra space to equalise. We always tried to play our football and that was our saving grace. It’s a shame at the end that Fiorentina scored more goals than we did.”

Meanwhile Cesare Prandelli has regrets about the first leg in Munich, but focused on his “pride for a Fiorentina

that won six of its eight games.”

The Tuscans lost their opener in the Champions League, but then notched up five straight victories to top their group and beat Bayern Munich 3-2 tonight.

“Clearly we’re very upset, but also proud of taking the team to win six of its eight games. I’m proud of the lads who gave their all and were also attentive tactically,” he said of the exit on away goals, 4-4 on aggregate. “It’s a great shame that the goal from the first leg proved so important. My players should not feel frustrated,” continued Prandelli.

“They are working to become great players and games like this can help you realise that you can take on absolutely anyone. When playing at this level and defeating Bayern Munich, you can only be proud.

We are trying to tell the team that when they are united and can read both attack and defence, they can achieve great things. Unfortunately we went into an emergency situation with five injuries that lasted several months, so that meant the same players had to do extra work and inevitably lost sharpness.”

(AP Photo/Fabrizio Giovannozzi)

Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben, left, celebrates with teammate Bastian Schweinsteiger after scoring against Fiorentina during their Champions League, second leg, round of 16 soccer match, in Florence’s Artemio Franchi stadium, Italy, Tuesday, March 9, 2010.

Wenger eyes revenge mission against old rivals Agence France - Presse

LONDON – Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits he would love the chance for a revenge mission against Manchester United or Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-finals. Wenger’s side swept into the last eight with a majestic 5-0 victory over Porto at the Emirates Stadium that sealed a 6-2 aggregate triumph in the second round tie.

Nicklas Bendtner was the Gunners’ hero with the first hat-trick of his career, but sublime displays from Samir Nasri, who scored a brilliant solo goal, and Andrey Arshavin put Wenger in unusually fiesty form after Tuesday’s match. Winning in such style without captain Cesc Fabregas, key defender William Gallas and star forward Robin van Persie clearly got Wenger’s juices flowing as he claimed

Arsenal would fancy their chances against Premier League rivals United or Chelsea.

Arsenal have already lost all four league meetings with United and Chelsea this season, as well losing the Champions League semi-final to Sir Alex Ferguson’s team last season and the FA Cup semi-final last year against Chelsea. But Wenger insisted he would be happy to play either in the next round of Europe’s elite club competition.

“I have a funny feeling maybe it’s good for us to play an English team,” Wenger said. “We have not done well against Chelsea and against Man U this year and it would be a good chance to show we can do it against them. If we get them we can’t do worse than we did in the Premier League. What I don’t want is a negative obssession with avoiding Chelsea or Man Utd. We

are happy to be in the last eight. It is never easy to be in the top eight in Europe. The negative side of that is you only have good teams left now.”

After being widely written off several times this season, Arsenal showed they are made of sterner stuff than many believed with the kind of magical display that suggests they could yet end their five-year wait for silverware.

They are still in the hunt for the title and will fancy their chances against anyone in Europe on this form, yet Wenger admits there is still plenty of room for improvement.

“At the beginning of the season nobody expected this team to be where they are but it is important to improve more. There are still some weak moments in the game when we need to improve,” he said. “Before we think about Barcelona, Chelsea or Man Utd we need to improve.”

Arsenal’s Samir Nasri, at right, is congratulated by his team mates after scoring against Porto during their Champions League soccer match at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in London, Tuesday, March 9, 2010.

(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

16

Thursday, March 11, 2010

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

Sport

Tyre advantage boosts Sauber’s hopes BMW Sauber has a real chance of becoming a thorn in the side of Formula 1’s ‘big four’ teams this year because its car is so good at looking after its tyres, Bridgestone analysis has revealed.

With the Swiss-outfit’s C29 having already shown some strong pace in pre-season testing, the team’s hopes of delivering some surprise results are boosted by the fact that early data reveals it suffers less tyre degradation than Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull Racing and Mercedes GP.

BMW Sauber has a real chance of becoming a thorn in the side of Formula 1’s ‘big four’ teams this year because its car is so good at looking after its tyres, Bridgestone analysis has revealed

Schumacher eager to kick off 2010 fight MICHAEL Schumacher says he is raring to go and fully prepared for the challenges of his Formula 1 comeback in Bahrain this weekend - even though he is not expecting a strong start to his campaign. The seven-time champion’s efforts will be one of the main focuses at the season opener at Sakhir, even though both he and his German car manufacturer team does not believe it will hit peak form until much later in the year.

And although pessimistic about his chances for early success, Schumacher is adamant that Mercedes GP has what it takes to pull through and triumph in the end.

When asked in a preview interview posted on his official website if he was ready for a long hard title fight, Schumacher said: “Absolutely, yes.

This is what I am here for, and I am confident we can play a role in this fight. “If we win it at the end will be a different question, as always in sports. But our entire team is extremely motivated, as am I. The guys have won both titles last year, and now, with Mercedes power on board, they want to repeat this success.”

“We all want to win. The season will be long and hard, no doubt about that, but I love this fight - it is

because of this fight that I came back to Formula 1.” The Mercedes GP W01 has not appeared to be the quickest car in pre-season testing, although its ultimate form remains unclear with the team only due to fit its definitive 2010 diffuser package at Bahrain this weekend.

That leap forward could be

AP

Michael Schumacher says he is raring to go and fully prepared for the challenges of his Formula 1 comeback in Bahrain this weekend - even though he is not expecting a strong start to his campaign.

enough to haul it right to the front of the grid – and Schumacher is hopeful that the extra development time the team has gained from introducing its parts so late should pay off.

“The car has not been completely at the level of other teams’ cars at the end of the tests, true, but the amount of fuel was massively influencing this impression,” he explained. “It seems we were driving more fuel than others most of the time and therefore we look quite good I would say. But then it is hard to judge who [has] played all his cards yet. Our car also has not been at the final configuration - something we had deliberately wanted.

We wanted to use the two weeks development time between the last test and the race in Bahrain.”

And although Schumacher is well aware that only more success will be good enough for his return to F1, he does not think the pressure on him to succeed is too high. “I said it quite clear from the beginning: we do not have to - and probably will not - be in the position to win right from the start,” he explained. “It is important to be close and then use the long season to be at the top at the end. It is not the start which is important; it is the finish.”

That ability to look after its tyre could prove crucial on two fronts this season - by first of all allowing the team to use a softer tyre than its rivals in Q3, but also in delivering it greater consistency over the course of a race when there will be a premium on looking after the rubber now that refuelling is banned.

Hirohide Hamashima, Bridgestone’s director of motorsport tyre development, says there is little separating the big four teams in terms of tyre degradation – but Sauber is a different case. “We have compared many teams’ data and looking at the quick [four] teams – their degradation tendency is very, very similar,” he told AUTOSPORT. “Once they have the 150kg start weight, with both the medium and soft compound, then there is little difference – so we could expect a very close pace. However, Sauber is more consistent.”

Although this weekend’s race is Bahrain will not be too punishing on the tyre front, Hamashima believes the difference between Sauber and the other teams is enough to offer the outfit strategy options that others do not have. When asked if there was a chance for Sauber to opt for more marginal tyres than their rivals to help boost qualifying performance, Hamashima said: “Yes, it is possible.

“With an easy car, you can have the possibility to do that. Somewhere like Barcelona will be very interesting – because the circuit is severe and the softer tyre may only be good to get one lap time before suffering big degradation in the race. But even places like Monaco and Bahrain, which are very, very easy on tyres, the specification that shows the best lap time should be the best race tyre – which could make it interesting as well.”

BMW Sauber’s technical chief Willy Rampf acknowledged that the C29’s tyre performance was one of its main strengths. “The car doesn’t have any stability problems, and its performance and balance on high fuel loads is a strong point,” he told AUTOSPORT in an interview. “We will build on this – it’s a very good thing. Our car is not too heavy on its tyres, so we can do reasonable long stints without killing them. That will help keep the strategies more flexible, if you’re not forced to stop by tyre wear.”

Hamashima also believed that the competitiveness at the front of the field had closed up in the final pre-season test at Barcelona, as McLaren and Red Bull Racing delivered car improvements. “At the first three tests, Ferrari it seemed had a little bit of an advantage over one lap. However, in Barcelona, McLaren and Red Bull used their latest cars and the picture was very mixed. It’s now very difficult to judge.”