Edisi 29 Juli 2010 | International Bali Post

16 Pages Number 143 2st Year

Afghan bus hits roadside bomb, 25 dead

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Thursday, July 29, 2010

A Pakistani rescue helicopter flies over smoke and wreckage of a crashed passenger plane in The Margalla Hills on the outskirts of Islamabad on July 28, 2010. A Pakistani passenger plane with 150 people on board crashed in a ball of flames in densely wooded hills while trying to land in Islamabad during bad weather, aviation officials said.

“Tanah Lot Art Festival 2010” attracts tourists PAGE 8

Once goofy Zac Efron gets serious about movies AFP PHOTO/AAMIR QURESHI

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Pakistan: 25 bodies recovered from plane crash Associated Press Writer

ISLAMABAD – A government official says at least 25 bodies have been recovered from the site of the plane crash in the hills surrounding Pakistan’s capital.

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Ramzan Sajid, the spokesman for the Capital Development Authority, has told The Associated Press that rescuers continue to search the wreckage for additional dead and wounded. The Capital Development Authority has a group that responds to emergency situations.

The cause of Wednesday’s Airblue crash was not immediately clear.

A passenger jet carrying 152 people crashed into the hills surrounding Pakistan’s capital amid rain Wednesday, officials said. At least five people were killed and five wounded, but many more were

feared dead.

The cause of the Airblue crash was not immediately clear, said Pervez George, a civil aviation official. He said the plane had left the southern city of Karachi at 7:45 a.m. for a two-hour scheduled flight to Islamabad and was trying to land during difficult weather. Airblue is a private service based in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city.

“The plane was about to land at the Islamabad airport when it lost contact with the control tower, and

later we learned that the plane had crashed,” George said, adding that the model of the plane was Airbus 321 and the flight number was ED202.

Guards with the forestry service said they had found some wreckage and seen at least five dead bodies, said Imtiaz Inayat Ali, an official with Islamabad’s Capital Development Authority. Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik said at least five wounded passengers had been rescued.

Continued on page 6

Tourism stake holder must cooperate To maintain the conducive situation IBP

Tourism industry in Bali is started to rise once more but the stakeholder must act wisely on this condition. The good situation must be maintained by everyone with the proper role and responsibilities Sri Utami Suarshana, the General Manager Hotel Bali Tropic Resort and Spa, said to International Bali Post (IBP) and Bali Travel news (BTN) that the government play important role in maintaining the good condition es-

pecially in term of security.

Several international events will be held in Bali and world leaders will attend the events so security is essential to carry out the event successfully.

On the other hand, she also thought that the businessmen and society must take part in maintaining the situation with their own proportion. “We as the businessmen will try our best to promote Bali in every event whether it is domestic of international events,” Sri added.

She said that she and other businessmen will handle thousand of tourists who come from a cruise ships. “It is important that every stakeholder in Bali cooperate to maintain Bali as one of the most famous tourism destination Bali,” she explained.

All tourism components in Bali also must increase their competence in tourism service started from the lower level to the highest one. There is great hope by carry out that step, tourists will be attracted to visit Bali. (pal)

Sri Utami Suarshana

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International

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Bali News

14 gamelan troupes compete in Baleganjur Festival of TLAF 2010 Bali Post

TABANAN - Tanah Lot Art Festival 2010 held on July 26 until August 1 poses the annual cultural extravaganza centered in Tanah Lot Tourism Object. The event is intended as an endeavor to preserve the cultural heritage introduced to the international community. Cultural preservation is conducted by providing a medium and opportunity for the artists to express their capability either through various gamelan music, dances, paintings, sculptures and so forth in Tabanan Regency. Over 3,000 artists certainly got involved in the grandiose event.

Various art activities were held every day, one of them was Baleganjur Festival performed on July 27, 2010 starting at 09:00 am to 15:00 pm Local Time taking place at Madya Mandala or middle courtyard of Pekendungan Temple and finished at Enjung Galuh Cape. Baleganjur Festival was quite appealing to the audience as evidenced by myriad of spectators crowded the venue. Such condition was also caused by the fact that each participant brought along their supporters. As a result, it added the density of the audience. According to Committee Chairman, the festival was intended to preserve the art of Baleganjur gamelan music and to foster creativity in arts among the

younger generation of Beraban Village.

The festival itself was participated by 14 gamelan troupes existing within the Beraban Customary Village. First attraction was conducted in the middle courtyard of Pekendungan Temple for 10 minutes per gamelan troupe. Later on, participants walked further to the area of Enjung Galuh to show off the second attraction. Enjung Galuh area was also crowded by spectators where most of them were foreign tourists.

They were very enthusiastic to see the festival. Each participant displayed their ability in front of the jury panel passionately and confidently. Every single troupe would like to show off their best before the jury panel. To en-

sure the flourishing implementation of the festival, chairman of the committee also appealed to all participants in order they always upheld the values of sportsmanship.

Promptly at 3:00 pm Local Time, the festival ended and the audience entirely left the venue when the last participant had finished its attraction.

It was resumed with the presentation of day puppet shadow at 4:00 pm denoting the envoy of Gegelang Hamlet, Beraban. Barong Macan or tiger barong from Kelaci Kelod Customary Village then continued to jazz up the event at 7:00 pm and the ultimate show was held at 7:30 pm in the form of Classical Arja operetta presented by the envoy of Bengkel-Buduk. (kmb)

Hit by disaster, Chinese tourist visits to Bali drop by 2 percent Bali Post

DENPASAR - Chinese tourists taking pleasure in the panorama of nature and the uniqueness of Balinese arts and culture during the period of January-May 2010 was recorded to reach 83,819 people. The figure dropped by 2.32 percent over the same period in 2009 reaching 85,814 people.

Head of Bali Government Tourism Office (Diparda), I.B. Subhiksu annunciated the decrease of Chinese tourist visits to Bali due to natural disasters hitting the country recently. ”In addition to the season, the decline of Chinese tourist visits to Bali is estimated as the impact of natural disasters hitting the country. We have made coordination with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to find out a solution. Hopefully, in the period of upcoming August their visit to Bali could recover,” said IB Subhiksu in Denpasar last Tuesday

(Jul 27).

Further, he added that despite the visit of Chinese society to Bali diminished, but they were ranked number three out of ten countries supplying the most tourists to Bali after Australia and Japan. ”Chinese tourists have enough contribution in sustaining the growth of tourism in Bali amounting to some 65 percent of the total number of visits. Bali is considered a favorite destination, whether in terms of its nature, culture and tourism activities on offer like water sports,” he said.

According to him, Bali still encountered many obstacles in boosting the visit of Chinese tourists to the island of the gods. Aside from the lack of direct flight access, lack of promotions to various parts of the country had also become significant obstacle in promoting the number of their visit to Bali. ”This year, government of Bali

will target several areas in China to introduce Indonesia, especially Bali.

Hopefully, the intensive promotion to Chinese tourists would be able to increase their visit to Bali. We will also seek to increase the frequency of flights into the country,” he added.

Bali Government Tourism Office also noted four other potential markets for Bali tourism experiencing a decline. They were Japan falling by 23.65 percent, Malayasia (5.36 percent), South Korea (6.11 percent), France (0.44 percent). Meanwhile, the potential markets showing an increase consisted of Australia by 56.62 percent, Taiwan (15.70), United Kingdom (27.09 percent), the Netherlands (49.79 percent) and Singapore (53.64 percent). Total of tourist visits to Bali during the period of January-May 2010 amounted to 926,454 people or an increase of 12.02 percent from the same period in the previous year. (par)

Chikungunya threatens to be epidemic Bali Post

AMLAPURA – Rain coming down the past three days with its clouds when actually should be summer already (dry season) threatens Karangasem to have chikungunya and dengue (DB) epidemic. The past two months, two banjar: Ngis Kajanan and Ngis Kelodan, Manggis, hundreds of people got the disease spread by the garden mosquito. Meanwhile, this month dengue has spread to 55 people in different places in Karangasem.

Head of Karangasem Health Agency, dr. IGM Tirtayana, on Tuesday (27/7) confirmed chikungunya is going to be epidemic in Karangasem.

This is seen as many residents started to get the disease quickly and spreading. Besides in Ngis, it also spreads to the neighboring village Selumbung and also Seraya. In Seraya the residents knows the illness calls it rompot.

Seraya residents said the symptoms of the disease are the same as the ones attacking hundreds of Ngis residents.

It causes high fever, shivering and a sick feeling yet not vomiting. Besides that all joints in pain. Banjar Ngis Leader (Klian), Nyoman Suartawan, mentioned that he and his wife did get the disease and caused them couldn’t walk.

The total of Ngis residents to have caught the disease reached 125 people which is 50 percent more of its total residents 199 people. Meanwhile in

Ngis Kajanan there were 55 people who got the disease, “Besides fever and all joints in pain, people who got the disease and was late treated can cause them paralyzed or couldn’t walk.”

Connecting to the spreading disease, Tirtayana has formed a surveillance team. They are working 24 hours to see the development of the illness. It was said, the lab test result from the blood samples was not replied yet from Jakarta but it is certainly symptoms of chikungunya, “Besides surveillance, we also have formed a team to do fogging (spreading mosquito pesticide by smoking it) all day in quite a large area.

The fogging team will work five days all day and also giving out abate salt (to be put on waters to avoid dengue mosquitos).”

Tirtayana mentioned did not reject the many sufferers caused by the disease yet he hoped the data collected is valid and so he hoped sufferers will go get a treatment from community health centers or hospitals. It was said, chikungunya is easier to be treated than dengue. Chikungunya sufferers only need to be given fever medicine as in it also has pain reliever for the joints in the body. Even though, people should be aware of it otherwise it can be dangerous.

Tirtayana concluded, even chikungunya is reaching epidemic but it hasn’t been confirmed as extraordinary event (KLB). (013)

Tourists Complaining, Buleleng Tourism Image Damaged Singaraja (BisnisBali)-

A number of tourism players in Buleleng Regency are now complaining about the activities of persons acting as brokers of tourists who want to find accommodation in North Bali. In practice, these tourist scalpers do not even hesitate entourage tourists passing by on the highway to be directed to the particular hotel.

Chairman of Indonesian Association of Hotel and Restaurants (PHRI) Buleleng Chapter Dewa Ketut Suardipa, Tuesday (27 / 7), said the activity of brokers in its early stages had been troubling the perpetrator of tourism. Because the impact is very bad and can damage the image of tourism in Buleleng. The reason, many tourists who had reserved a hotel room, and when tourists arrive in Buleleng was even forced by their brokers picked to be directed to another hotel. According to him, these

brokers operating in the famous tourism object in Buleleng as in Lovina.

By relying on makeshift English capital, scalpers are to convince tourists that their services used. If its bid is not met, brokers insist that tourists desperate to use services offered. â € œKalau like disease, the practice of brokers has been a chronic tourists and we have often received complaints from guests who visit Buleleng, â €? Suardipa said.

Buleleng Regency Disbudpar Suardipa request to intervene to prevent the practice of brokers are not getting worse tourists. Efforts to be done are collect them and then be given technical assistance in serving the tourists who visit Buleleng. â € œAtas Buleleng PHRI names we’ve submitted this issue to Disbupdar.

Unfortunately, until now Disbudpar Buleleng did not respond, so that any practice of these tourist scalpers worse, â €? he said. (Kmb15)

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Bali News

International

Rubbish management has to be wise Bali Post

DENPASAR – Clean life pattern and wise treatment for the environment has to be planted on pupils since early days and so it’ll be carried always until adulthood. The environment condition will be better if there’s an awareness to guard its conservation from rubbish especially plastic ones as it cause pollution. “So we need to plant an awareness so they will be wise in managing plastic rubbishes,” Principal of Public Junior High School (SMPN) 4 Denpasar, Drs. I Wayan Dhania, M.Pd. mentioned on Tuesday (27/7).

He also said, the awareness has been spread to some pupils in this school who was predicated Adiwiyata Mandiri as this school consistently make sure to conserve and clean the environment. So in making sure the pupils had the awareness, the school traditionalized in separating organic and non organic (especially plastic) before being thrown out, “This habit will lessen the burden carried by the environment.”

He also mentioned, plastic usage as an essential is very worrying for the future as if it’s not managed properly it can cause serious damage to the environment. Plastic rubbish can’t be decomposed by living microorganism inside the soils. It also has potential to destroy soil’s fertility as it has dangerous chemicals substances in the plas-

tics which can also threaten human’s health, “It’s time we are wiser in managing plastic rubbishes. And if possible we lessen its usage and change it to other materials which are environmental friendly.”

The same thing mentioned by Principal of Public High School (SMAN) 5 Denpasar, Drs. I Wayan Winata, M. Hum. Besides traditionalizing in separating rubbishes, the principal of the school that got predicate Adiwiyata Mandiri as well, mentioned that the pupils should be educated to reuse rubbish becoming a valuable item. Organic rubbishes such as leaves are piled in a special container which is used to make compos later on. Meanwhile plastic rubbishes can be separated again and used as craft materials.

Principal of Public Elementary

School (SDN) 11 Sesetan, Drs. I Wayan Gede Sutama, when met in grading cleanness and greenery competition last Friday (23/7) mentioned an Adiwiyata school candidate is very supporting the government’s program in conserving the environment. To actualize the program, pupils are asked to lookout the cleanness of the school’s environment and so it became a habit to have a clean pattern living, “The habit that’s planted since early days will be brought until they are adults.”

It was said, in supporting the program Bali Clean and Green, trees planting in schools have been done and yet not only cooling trees and flowers, but also medicine trees, “This tree planting is very important in anticipating global warming.” (08)

Thursday, July 29, 2010

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Suspected Trafficking

Badung Representatives Takes Serious Action Bali Post

MANGUPURA - Badung House of Representatives didn’t just stay put after hearing five Balinese girls were suspected human trafficking in Malaysia. In the near time, Badung Representatives will ask involved institute, manager of Tourism Education Practice (PLP) Nadhi Wisata Mengwinati, and also threats to close them down if they don’t have any permit.

Representatives are upset about it and asked Indonesian Government through the Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to go through the law processes as the law stated.

Vice Head of the House, I Ketut Suiasa, on Tuesday (27/7) mentioned besides calling the PLP, they also asked victims and its families also government officials sources which are Badung Education, Youths and Sports Agency and Badung Social and Workforce Agency, “The purpose is to know what really happened, so it can be known who is responsible and/or involved in this.”

Suiasa added, this is not a little problem as this connects with the

pride of the nation and regions. Trafficking is destruction to the humans’ pride and dignity, “And so this problem should be clarified straight away also the Indonesian government should take legal actions.”

This is important as any human using related could not just happened in a foreign country (out of Indonesia) as this gives bad precedent to the education or practice institutes in the coming future. If this is left happened, it will cause people not trusting the institutes to go overseas.

Commission A member of the House, IB Sunartha, mentioned PLP Nadhi Wisata definitely has no permit and Badung government should have closed it, “The institute is confirmed protruding. If so it can’t operate without permits and no life time permit as well.”

Meanwhile, Head of Badung Social and Workforce Agency, Tjokorda Ngurah Bagus Agung stated, his side have found an indication that PLP doesn’t have the essential curriculum. So they are going to check the curriculum and also the procedure of sending workers in the institution. (ded)

Tragedies of parents of human trafficking victims in Malaysia:

Pawning vehicle document, selling ducks up to tractor ANY parents will not have the heart to neglect the future of their children.

Instead, they will make every endeavor in the hope that one day they could become a family’s pride. Similarly, various efforts seemed to have been done by the parents of student’s alleged to be victims of human trafficking in Malaysia. Why not, a few of them should sell their properties and tried hard to seek a loan amounting up to tens of millions of rupiah, just to realize the dreams of their beloved children.

Unfortunately, their fate was just like the Indonesian proverb saying the rice had turned to become porridge.

Because, three out of five students graduating from D1 of Nadhi Wisata Tourism Education and Training Institute (PLP) at Mengwitani from Tabanan had to go home by emptyhanded when trying to speculate on the neighboring country since last April 2010. Now, the case had apparently an extraordinary social and psychological impact, especially on the victims. Victims and their family still seemed to be traumatized by these incidents.

As narrated by the father of Ni Luh Putu Era Yudi Astini,20, namely Ketut Astawa, 45, last Tuesday (Jul 27). The resident of Dukuh Gede Hamlet, Baturiti Village, Kerambitan subdistrict really did not expect if the fate of his daughter would end up like that. According to Astawa, now she preferred to take care of her grandfather who was ill severely. Even, one of three D1 graduates of Nadhi Wisata Mengwitani from Tabanan admitted to reluctant if

interviewed after the father contacted her via phone. ”By accident, my daughter is now going out. She (Era-ed) are caring for her grandfather. Unluckily, when contacted she told me that she would not like to be interviewed for this moment,” said Astawa, accompanied by his wife, Nyoman Rusmawati, 44.

Nevertheless, Astawa tried to tell a bit regarding to their daughter during the stay in Malaysia. It was mentioned, though not yet graduated, the girl had been promised to be employed at the Ritz-Carlton Malaysia. In reality, her early departure to Malaysia was not as easy as one might imagine because their daughter asked for money reaching tens of millions of rupiahs in order her aspiration to work overseas could be realized. ”I got so surprised to hear the request of such amount of money. However, for the sake of my daughter, I try thoroughly to obtain it,” he said. To get such amount of money, according to Astawa, he had been trying hard to apply for a loan to some local residents.

Even, the man having profession as farmer also briefly borrowed money in the local village credit agency (LPD).

Unluckily, Astawa was reluctant to mention the exact amount borrowed and the property should be sold out by force. ”I forgot how much the total amount.

Frankly speaking, it is more than 10 million rupiahs used to arrange the departure of my daughter. Meanwhile, the rest was used for the living expenses during in Malaysia,” he admitted.

Astawa himself admitted to be so shocked to hear the information if his daughter was not working at the RitzCarlton, but in an electronic factory.

Nevertheless, Astawa added, his daughter admitted that she never received sexual harassment while working for the company. But, Era along with her four colleagues also claimed to receive verbal abuse from the fellow workers. For bedroom, it was stated the five daughters had been provided with empty storehouse. Meanwhile, for the matter of daily consumption they were only given once meal a day. ”Likewise she complained that she was frequently scolded by her seniors.

What made me sad was when my child claimed to have run out of money,” he said.

When asked about their next steps, including demanding the return of money paid, Astawa only said to have submitted his fate and fully entrusted the case to the legal process. ”I do not understand about the legal affairs. Let the authorities handle it.

Obviously, I do not want if this incident happens again. Even, my daughter is still traumatized and confessed to need a rest for a while,” he said.

When confirmed separately, the father of Ni Komang Purnamasari, 22, Jero Mangku Wayan Sadra, 53, also claimed to have spent up to tens of millions of rupiahs. One of the ways was by pawning the three vehicle documents (BPKB) belonging to his brother’s truck. Jero Mangku Sadra clearly claimed to have spent the funds

reaching IDR 30 million for the departure of his daughter. ”Yes, if I am not mistaken I have spent up to IDR 30 million. Even, the parents of my daughter’s friends claimed to have sold out their ducks and hand tractor,” explained the resident of Demung Hamlet, Kediri Village, Kediri subdistrict.

Jero Mangku Sadra also added to have worried about the condition of his daughter while in Malaysia. Moreover, the third of five children cried because she often claimed to have pain on the legs. Nevertheless, Jero Mangku Sadra felt not traumatized over what happened to his daughter. Even, he asked his daughter to apply for another overseas job. ”Yes, it does not matter, simply take it as an experience. If we failed yesterday, never be frustrated. Let’s find another good agent, so we can settle the debt. However, all decisions will depend on my daughter,” she said innocently. Unfortunately, despite having waited for long time, Nyoman Purnamasari did not return home at that time. It was said she was exchanging ringgit at Tanah Lot and Kuta.

In line with the two other victims, Ni Luh Putu Ayu Rimadewi, 22, from Darma Tengah Hamlet, Riang Gede Village, Penebel subdistrict, could not be met at her home. Her younger sister, Made Rika Rahayu said her sister was in Denpasar. ”My sister is not at home. She told me that she went to Penamparan looking for bed cover.

Regretfully, I do not know for sure at what time she will be back home,” she

said.

Although she was sick with the hand wrapped in bandages, but Rika was willing to share stories about the experience of her sister. She mentioned their father, Nengah Kawinarta, that should sell their pet ducks had received a message from her sister about March 9. At that time, she claimed to have a problem in Malaysia. Inevitably, such bad news made the family so panic and immediately contacted the Nadhi Wisata at Mengwitani. However, the agent told Kawinarta to be patient because his daughter would be discharged a week later.

In fact, what was promised by the agent were all just nonsense because Kawinarta was informed if her daughter along with four colleagues were still in Malaysia. More ironically, his daughter was reported to work in one of the electronics manufacturers, not as a waitress at the Ritz-Carlton Malaysia as promised earlier.

Fortunately, the five students allegedly became the victims of human trafficking in Malaysia, last Monday (Jul 26), had arrived safely in Bali. As soon as arrived in Bali, the five students of PLP Nadhi Wisata, Mengwitani directly underwent an examination at Bali Police. Those five female students were Ni Nyoman Endra Martini, 25, from Mendoyo, Jembrana; Ni Luh Sayu Hary Sudewi, 23, from Mengwi, Badung; Ni Komang Purnamasari, 22, from Kediri, Tabanan; Ni Luh Putu Era Yudi Astini, 20, from Kerambitan, Tabanan; and Ni Luh Putu Ayu Risma Dewi, 22, from Penebel, Tabanan. (dir)

4

News

Thursday, July 29, 2010

International

UK court blocks extradition of ex-Bosnian leader Associated Press Writer

LONDON – A British judge has thwarted an attempt to force former Bosnian leader Ejup Ganic to stand trial for war crimes in Serbia, blasting Belgrade’s attempt to extradite him as abusive and politically motivated.

Ganic’s release ends a fivemonth-long legal battle that reignited tensions between the former Balkan foes, who have been making fitful progress toward reconciliation after the end of the 1992-1995 Bosnian conflict.

Judge Timothy Workman said Tuesday that he believed the extradition proceedings “are brought and are being used for political purposes, and as such amount to the abuse of process of this court.” He blocked the extradition and freed Ganic immediately.

Ganic’s daughter, Emina, burst into tears when the verdict was read out, hugging her father and other supporters. Ganic’s son, Emir, said the family was traveling home and would be in Sarajevo, Bosnia’s capital, by Wednesday.

“We’re all extremely satisfied,” Emir Ganic told The Associated Press. “This shows how dishonest the Serbian prosecution was.”

Serbian prosecutors said they would appeal, but it was unclear how such a move could be carried out, particularly since Ganic is leaving the country.

Ganic was alleged to have taken part in war crimes in the chaotic opening days of the Bosnian war, when the country’s capital was under siege and its president had been captured.

Serbian prosecutors say that Ganic, who took over as Bosnia’s acting president on May 2, 1992, personally commanded a series of attacks on illegal targets across the city, including an officers’ club, a military hospital and what the Serbs

describe as a medical convoy making its way out of town.

But Workman dismissed the allegations, saying the officers’ club was a valid target and that the medical convoy was in fact packed with army vehicles and military equipment. As for the hospital, Workman said it was unlikely to have been hit on the day Ganic took charge.

And while he acknowledged that war crimes may have taken place against Serbian troops as they left Sarajevo, he said there was nothing to indicate Ganic had been involved.

Workman was scathing in his criticism of Serbian prosecutors, noting that two separate investigations had already found insufficient evidence to charge Ganic with any crime.

He said he could see only two explanations for the attempt to extradite Ganic: “That of incompetence by the Serbian prosecutors or a motive for prosecuting that is based upon politics, race, or religion.”

Ganic, 64, told reporters outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London that he believed he’d been arrested in an effort to divert attention from Serbia’s role in the conflict.

“They abused the system here, and kept me here for five months,” Ganic said. “They are messing around in the international scene to cover up the war crimes they are responsible for.”

Ganic, who was briefly imprisoned and has since been held under strict house arrest, then walked off to celebrate with his family.

Serbia’s war crimes prosecutor, Vladimir Vukcevic, who attended the hearing, maintained that there was no abuse on his part. Speaking through a translator, he said he needed to review the judge’s decision before responding to it in detail.

Reuters

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi addresses the media as he leaves the venue of the African Union (AU) Summit

We can build United States of Africa, Gaddafi says Reuters

KAMPALA – Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi said on Tuesday his dream of a United States of Africa was still alive and this week’s African Union summit was another step toward that objective.

Gaddafi has been pushing for an African unity government for years, saying it is the only way Africa can develop without Western interference, but many African states say the idea is impractical and would encroach on their sovereignty.

Like previous African summits, this week’s gathering in the Ugandan capital Kampala discussed steps toward creating an African government, but the issue was overshadowed by chaos in Somalia and an international arrest warrant for Sudan’s president.

“I am satisfied that Africa is going along its historic and right road,” Gaddafi told a small group of reporters in Kampala at the end of the summit. “One day it will become similar to the United States of America.”

“We are approaching the formation of the African Authority, and each time we solve African problems and also move in the direction of peace and unity. We deal with problems step by step. We are continuing to do that,” Gaddafi said.

Gaddafi held the African Union’s rotating chairmanship last year, and he used it to push for the

organization’s small executive body to be granted enhanced powers and remodeled as the African Authority.

Asked about that proposal on Tuesday, Gaddafi said: “Studies are still continuing and it is not finished yet. Experts and the people responsible are still studying the documents. They might be completed at the next summit or after.”

Some African leaders say they cannot be expected to cede sovereignty to any African bloc just decades after they wrested it away from their colonial rulers.

But Gaddafi’s idea has had a sympathetic response in some states, helped by his reputation in parts of the continent as a champion of the developed world and also by the millions of dollars in aid his oil-exporting country spends in Africa.

China to send 2 pandas to Japan in diplomatic move Associated Press Writer

AP

Bosnian former Vice President Ejup Ganic with his son Emir leaves the Westminster Magistrates Court

BEIJING – China has announced plans to send two of its prized giant pandas to Japan, the latest installment of panda diplomacy aimed at warming the two countries’ often-strained relations.

The official Xinhua News Agency reported Wednesday that China will send Bi Li and Xian Nu, both five-yearolds from China’s Wolong Nature Reserve, to Japan early next year for a 10-year stay at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo. The giant panda is unique to China and is regularly sent abroad

as a sign of warm diplomatic relations or to mark breakthroughs in ties. For more than five decades, Beijing has used panda diplomacy to make friends and influence people in countries ranging from the United States to the former Soviet Union.

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, July 29, 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

5

6

Thursday, July 29, 2010

News Iran to pay for new babies to boost population Associated Press Writer

TEHRAN – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad inaugurated a new policy on Tuesday to encourage population growth, dismissing Iran’s decades of internationally-acclaimed family planning as ungodly and a Western import.

AFP/File –

Afghan bystanders and security personnel inspect the site of a suicide attack in southwestern Nimroz

Afghan bus hits roadside bomb, 25 dead Agence France-Presse

HERAT – A roadside bomb ripped through a crowded Afghan bus Wednesday, killing up to 25 civilians in a southwestern province on the Iranian border in one of the deadliest such attacks in months.

The bomb exploded as the bus travelled on a highway through Nimroz province, provincial governor Ghulam Dastgir Azad and the interior ministry said.

Although there was no claim of responsibility, officials blamed the attack on the Taliban, which is fighting to overthrow the Afghan government and evict nearly 150,000 foreign troops in a nineyear insurgency.

Azad said more than 20 civilians were killed in the blast. The interior ministry in Kabul put the death toll at 25 with more than 20 others injured.

“The bomb was planted by the enemies because this morning a coalition convoy was supposed to cross the area,” Azad said, referring to NATO forces.

“Coalition forces helped us to evacuate the injured.”

Afghan civilians are bearing the brunt of the war, suffering death and injury in crossfire, suicide attacks and from roadside bombs or improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which kill and maim indiscriminately.

Surveys show that most civilian casualties in the war are caused

by Taliban attacks. Roadside bombs are the militants’ main weapon.

A NATO spokesman said civilian casualties caused by coalition’s operations had fallen by nearly 11 percent in recent months while the number of non-combatants killed in militant attacks had increased by nearly 40 percent.

The force was doing “all we can” to protect civilians, German Brigadier General Josef Blotz, spokesman for NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), told reporters.

President Hamid Karzai issued a statement “strongly” condemning the bombing.

Thousands of Pentagon files leaked earlier this week indicated that civilian deaths have been covered up and that Iran is funding the Taliban eight years after the 2001 US-led invasion ousted the radical Islamist regime from power.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad denied those charges in an interview, telling CBS television: “We do not support any group” but calling the US-led invasion the “root cause” of the violence in Afghanistan.

Many Afghan people also blame the violence on the presence

of the foreign troops.

US and NATO deployment is set to peak next month, as an extra 30,000 troops ordered into Afghanistan by President Barack Obama have mostly arrived in a bid to carry out his counter-insurgency plan to speed the end of the war.

Most of the troops have been sent to the volatile Taliban heartland in the southern provinces of Helmand and Kandahar, though the US is also beefing up other regions as the influence of the insurgency spreads.

A report by the US National Bureau of Economic Research this month analysed data on military clashes and incidents in which more than 4,000 civilian casualties in a 15month period.

It found that civilian casualties were fuelling the insurgency, and that rules of engagement aimed at cutting the number of ordinary Afghans killed and injured also led to a decline in attacks by insurgent fighters.

“Civilian casualties are affecting future violence through increased recruitment into insurgent groups after a civilian casualty incident,” the report said.

The new government initiative will pay families for every new child and deposit money into the newborn’s bank account until they reach 18, effectively rolling back years of efforts to boost the economy by reducing the country’s once runaway population growth.

“Those who raise idea of family planning, they are thinking in the realm of the secular world,” Ahmadinejad said during the inauguration ceremony.

The plan is part of Ahmadinejad’s stated commitment to further increase Iran’s population, which is already estimated at 75 million. He has previously said the country could support up to 150 million.

The program would be especially attractive to the lower income segments of the population formed the backbone of Ahmadinejad’s support in the 2005 and 2009 elections.

Throughout his tenure, the president has promoted populist policies in Iran, where 10 million people are estimated to live under the poverty line.

It is unclear, however, where the

funds would come from as the government is already having trouble paying for basic infrastructure projects.

Starting in the early 1970s, Iran waged a successful family planning campaign across the country, including banners in public health care centers reading “two children are enough.”

It was reversed after the 1979 Islamic revolution only to be brought back 10 years later when the population ballooned and the economy faltered.

Throughout the 1990s, Iran reduced population growth by encouraging men and women to use free or inexpensive contraceptives, as well as vasectomies. The government brought down the country’s population growth rate from its 1986 height of 3.9 percent to just 1.6 percent in 2006.

Ahmadinejad caused public outcry, however, when shortly after he was elected in 2005 he said two children per family were not enough and urged Iranians to have more.

Pakistan...

From page 1 Pakistani news channels showed what appeared to be wreckage of the plane as a helicopter hovered above the heavily forested hills to assess the situation. Fire was visible and smoke was blowing up from the scene. The army said it was sending special troops to the area to help out along with helicopters.

At the Islamabad airport, hundreds of friends and relatives of those on board the flight swarmed ticket counters desperately seeking information. A large cluster of people also surrounded the list of passengers on the flight, which was posted near the Airblue ticket counter.

“Nobody is guiding anyone.

People are running from one counter to another,” said Arshad Mahmood, whose brother, Maulana Nawab Ulhasan, a prayer leader in a town near Islamabad, was on the flight.

“I’m praying for his survival, but I think there is little hope,” Mahmood said.

Arshad Ali said his cousin, Raza Ali, was supposed to be on the flight but missed it in Karachi on his way from Canada.

“We are happy he missed the flight, but things here are in shambles at the airport,” Ali said. “For God’s sake, take care of the worried people, the relatives of those who were on the unfortunate plane. They have no information and are just running here and there.”

Saqlain Altaf told Pakistan’s ARY news channel that he was on a family outing in the hills when he saw the plane looking unsteady in the air.

“The plane had lost balance, and then we saw it going down,” he said, adding that he heard the crash.

Officials at first thought it was a small plane, but later revised that.

George said 146 passengers were on the flight along with six crew members.

Raheel Ahmed, a spokesman for the airline, said an investigation would be launched, but that for now the focus was to find survivors. The plane was no more than eight years old, and it had no known technical issues, Ahmed said. He added that to his knowledge, the pilots had not sent any emergency signals.

Airblue flies within Pakistan as well as internationally to the United Arab Emirates, Oman and the United Kingdom.

The only previous recorded accident for Airblue, a carrier that began flying in 2004, was a tailstrike in May 2008 at Quetta airport by one of the airline’s Airbus 321 jets. There were no casualties and damage was minimal, according to the U.S.-based Aviation Safety Network.

The Airbus 320 family of medium-range jets, which includes the 321 model that crashed Wednesday, is one of the most popular in the world, with about 4,000 jets delivered since deliveries began in 1988.

Twenty-one of the aircraft have been lost in accidents since then, according to the Aviation Safety Network’s database. The deadliest was a 2007 crash at landing in Sao Paolo

by Brazil’s TAM airline, in which all 187 people on board perished, along with 12 others on the ground.

International

Indonesia Today

Thursday, July 29, 2010

7

Hundreds protest against Buddha Bar in Indonesia Agence France-Presse

AFP PHOTO / ROMEO GACAD

Indonesian Buddhists carrying placards displaying images of what they claim goes on in the Buddha Bar, stage a protest in Jakarta on July 28, 2010.

JAKARTA - Hundreds of people protested in Jakarta Wednesday against the local branch of the Buddha Bar chain, demanding its closure and saying it threatened interfaith relations.

About 300 people from a group calling itself “People’s Alliance to Close Buddha Bar” gathered in white shirts outside the bar, shouting “Close Buddha Bar right now”.

The plush lounge bar and restaurant, a franchise of the French-based chain, faced a series of demonstrations last year from enraged members of Indonesia’s Buddhist minority who considered the name an insult to their religion.

It adjusted its name to “Buddhabar” but that failed to quell the protests.

“We’re worried the existence of Buddha Bar can damage relations between people from different religions, and can also threaten the nation’s unity,” rally spokesman Karya Elly said.

Elly said the group demanded that the government immediately close the bar — known for its trademark lounge music and Oriental design — because it had been mired in religious controversy since it opened in late 2008.

“Although I’m a Christian, I feel that the

name of the bar has defamed Buddhism as a religion. The government should close the bar, then change its name if they want to re-open it,” he said.

Elly said they had also protested outside the French embassy, urging the French government to pressure the chain, which is owned by the George V Eatertainment group, to revoke the licence of the Indonesian franchise holder.

“The bar has tarnished the good name of Buddha. There are prostitutes hanging out there, and that cannot be forgiven,” university student Catur Setiawan said.

Setiawan, a 22-year-old Buddhist, said the presence of Buddhist statues in the bar insulted his religion. A five-metre (15-foot) statue of a golden sitting Buddha gazes over its main dining area.

“What’s next? Christ Bar, Islam Bar, Hindu Bar?” Buddhist protester Yani, 70, said while holding a banner filled with supporting signatures. The bar’s management could not immediately be reached for comment.

Muslims make up roughly 90 percent of Indonesia’s 234 million-strong population, but the constitution also recognises the country’s Christian, Hindu, Buddhist and Confucian minorities.

Indonesian clerics forbid TV gossip shows Agence France-Presse

JAKARTA - Indonesia’s highest Islamic body has followed up a series of contentious fatwas with a new edict banning Muslims from watching TV gossip shows or having sex-change operations.

The increasingly assertive Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) said gossip shows about the intimate details of people’s private lives — a popular genre on Indonesian television — were immoral and threatened society.

“We considered it important to pass the fatwa as infotainment programmes may contain immoral material and violate the journalistic code of ethics,” MUI official Asrorun

Niam Soleh said Wednesday.

“We’re not against all infotainment programmes... What’s haram (forbidden) is material that’s gossipy and exposes shameful details about people.

“When people start spreading rumours, the joints holding a nation together will be crushed.”

Profiting from infotainment shows is also forbidden under the edict, posing a theological conundrum for the

media industry in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country.

Gossip shows are allowed only if they “uphold the law, warn the public and help people”, Soleh said.

The ruling will be presented to the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission as a guideline for future infotainment programmes, he added.

Another fatwa passed at an MUI meeting late Tuesday forbade receiving or conducting a sex-change operation unless there is a good medical reason.

“People can argue about having the freedom to be whatever gender they choose, but it’s against the norm.

Some 69 percent of Java, Bali Mangrove forests damaged Antara

JAKARTA - The People’s Coalition for Fishery Justice has appealed to the government on the need to preserve and improve mangrove forests.

The mangrove preservation is necessary to prevent them from disappearance from the face of the earth because the forests provide ground for fishes, shrimp, and mollusks for spawning and rearing.

According to data of the People’s Coalition for Fishery Justice (Kiara), damage of mangrove forests in the 1997-2008 period reached 68 percent.

Kiara program coordinator Abdul Halim said in Jakarta Wednesday damage of the mangrove ecosystem was caused by industrial anthropo-

genic waste in coastal areas.

Besides, the other causes include coastal land conversion for industrial purposes, commercial centers and luxury residential areas. The wastes caused damage of the mangrove ecosystem, and consequently making it difficult for fishermen to earn a living, he said.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Marine and Fishery Affairs set itself a target that by 2014, some 1,440 hectares of coastal areas would be preserved preventing them from environmental damage along national coastal areas. And of the 1,440 ha, some 101.7 percent could be preserved each year.

“The target needs to be coupled with the seriousness of the Minister

of Marine and Fishery Affairs in carrying out the program,” Abdul Halim said.

He added that seriousness in preserving the northern coastal areas of Java and Bali could become a reality if the program did not restore the ecological and social functions of the coastal ecosystem.

It is under these circumstances that it would be very important to involve the fishermen and coastal communities, he said.

For this reason that it is time for the Ministry of Marine and Fishery Affairs for a refreshment in restoring the mangrove forest ecosystem and raise the living standard of fishermen and the community in the coastal regions.

If you’re born normal, you don’t change your gender, cut off your arms or gouge out your eyeballs,” Solah said.

The council is the top Islamic authority in Indonesia and while its edicts are usually ignored, they can be cited by religious hardliners to justify vigilante-style crackdowns on “un-Islamic” activities.

It has recently issued a steady stream of fatwas including bans on inter-faith marriages, smoking and yoga.

It was forced into an embarrassing apology earlier this month when it corrected a fatwa ordering Mus-

lims to pray to the west, when in fact the Islamic holy sites in Saudi Arabia are northwest of Indonesia.

Rajawali Citra Televisi Indonesia programming head Banardi Rachmad said the edict on celebrity gossip shows was confusing and the station would continue to produce and broadcast such content.

“We’ll continue broadcasting infotainment programmes but we’ll evaluate the content and see how to improve it,” he said.

“What’s fact to us could be deemed as lies by others, how do we know for sure what constitutes a rumour?”

Police to hand Luna, Cut Tari cases to AGO this week Antara

BANDUNG - The police are to submit the porn video dossiers on actresses Luna Maya and Cut Tari, to the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) this week, a spokesman said.

“We have almost completed the two dossiers and will hand them to the AGO later this week,” Commissioner General Ito Sumardi said here Wednesday.

The National Police have so far named eight suspects in the pornvideo case. One of the suspects is “RZ”, who had allegedly uploaded the video.

Sumardi said the number of suspects might increase, as the police are currently investigating possible

involvement of three students of the University of Panjajaran.

The police earlier named actresses Luna Maya and Cut Tari suspects in the sensational porn video case.

The two women are suspected of being involved in the making of sex videos with popular Peterpan pop band vocalist Nasril Irham alias Ariel.

The police had also named Ariel a suspect and have held him at the Bareskrim jail since June 22, 2010.

The police had also carried out a scientific crime investigation on the three celebrities in which their physical characteristics were compared with those of the actors in the porn video scenes.

8

Internationa

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Bali Today ” Tanah Lot Art Festival 2010” attracts tourists Antara

Tabanan – The “Tanah Lot Art Festival 2010” which is being held in Tanah Lot attract many tourists. “I Made Sujana, the Manager of Tanah Lot tourism site, said “the number of tourists visited Tanah Lot to see the festival is increasing.”

Since the festival officially opened on Monday, July 26th 2010, many tourists visited Tanah Lot. The festival itself will be closed on August 1st 2010. During the baleganjur competition, audiences packed the area especially because the team who compete also brought their own supporters.

“The festival is held to conserve the traditional Balinese art and culture and also to increase the creativity of the youth in Bali,” Sujana said.

Fourteen teams competed in the baleganjur competition and the represent each village in Tabanan regency.

Each team must perform for 10 minutes in di Madya Mandala Pura

Luhur Pekendungan then continued in Enjung Galuh. At 3 pm local time, the competition was over and the next event was wayang performance by art group from Banjar Gegalang, Beraban village.

Then there were Barong Macan performance by Kelaci Kelod village and Arja by Banjar Bengkel art group.

More than 3,000 artists take part in the event and every day there will be art performances.

Balinese artists performed during The Tanah Lot Art Festival. The “Tanah Lot Art Festival 2010” which is being held in Tanah Lot attract many tourists.

BTN/DOC

National Dental Health Month 2010

Free dental checking for Balinese IBP

DENPASAR – Starting from July 26 until 28, Balinese people had a free dental checking at Mahasaraswati University that located on Kamboja Street. This three days event was meant to increase the awareness of Balinese people on dental and mouth health.

According to Ratu Mirah Afifah, Professional Relationship Manager Oral Care PT. Unilever Indonesia Tbk., the program will give many benefits to Balinese people and Indonesian people in generally because this program also held in sev-

eral cities, likes Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Bandung. ‘’This is a program to celebrate the National Dental Health Month 2010 that conducted by Pepsodent, Indonesian Dentist Association (PDGI), and Indonesian Dental Faculty Association (AFDOKGI).

We have a strong commitment to increase dental health quality of Indonesian people through continuous education,” explain Ratu.

In Bali, this free dental check up was held at the Dental Faculty of Mahasaraswati University. According to Drg. Mahendri as the Dean of Mahasaraswati Dental Faculty the program was consist on educating

people about the need to keep dental healthy by brushing tooth periodically and correctly. ‘’By doing the right thing, we can improve our body’s resistance to dental disease,” said Mahendri.

Hernie Raharja, Marketing Manager Oral Care PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk, added that during this free check up program, it can be concluded that people still have problem with their dental healthiness. According to Hernie majority problems that being healed through this free check up are teeth extractions and patches.

All the problems, added Hernie, are caused by dental caries. (kmb18)

The elementary students brushing their tooth at the free dental check up days that held by Pepsodent, Indonesian Dentist Association (PDGI), and Indonesian Dental Faculty Association (AFDOKGI).

Courtesy of Pepsodent

Dasa Nama:

A simple thesaurus with huge benefits People reading Balinese manuscripts known as lontar occasionally find slight difficulties especially in the matter of lexicons. This happens because the manuscripts often use synonyms and they do not belong to common words. Nevertheless, such difficulty may not become a hindrance to learn the ancient heritages being rich in knowledge.

There is always a solution to resolve the problem. As other languages, Balinese language also has thesaurus known as Dasa Nama. One of the books carrying about it is a simple 67page book written by I Made Gambar who deeply involves in Balinese ancient manuscripts. Based on lexicons obtained from several lontars he successfully classified the field into six categories such as name of birds, name of trees, things or animals, homograph, Old Javanese and ingredients of ritual.

As a matter of fact, the book resembles to a thesaurus, though not arranged alphabetically. It is a BalineseBalinese word equivalence that does not give the meaning with explanation.

Uniquely, it tends to provide equivalent meaning belonging to uncommon vocabularies usually found in vernacular language.

For readers who would like to learn more about Balinese herbal, this thesaurus will be very helpful. In addition, it can enrich the Balinese vocabulary. For instance, in Balinese herbal manuscript, there is a word lenge (red rice). It is not common to daily Balinese language that usually uses baas barak. Secondly, equivalences of hi-

biscus (pucuk—common word) are wirakusuma, landa para, sumara, jakusuma, tundapala, raktajuma, warangbang, waribang, wangewarih and jaya kesuma.

Other than thesaurus, it also carries homograph. For example, the word antara can have English equivalence to the words (1) leak, (2) good, (3) smart, (4) sky, (5) soul, and (6) intermediate. The word antara is often found used as word formation in making Balinese individual names like Budiantara and Sujaantara.

Hopefully, this book could help young generation or whoever wishing to learn more about Balinese ancient manuscripts. They actually cover many aspects of life ranging from herbal healing (Taru Pramana, Rukmini Tattwa etc.), architecture (Asta Kosala Kosali), agriculture (Shri Tattwa/Darmaning Pemaculan), astrology (Wariga Dewasa), afterlife (Atma Prasangsa), medical code of ethic (Usada Kalimosada) and many more.

As the treasure of indigenous wisdom, the lontar manuscripts have provided rich inspirations to spa treatment especially in terms of boreh ingredients, Balinese massage as well as elegant design to villa and hotel properties. By learning more ancient manuscripts, it will be obtained more and more inspirations and if combined with modern science and technique will engender unique and elegant products. Last but not least, let’s preserve and learn them.

Do not let them be obsolete in keeping with the times without an opportunity to learn them! (BTN/punia)

al

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Balinese Culture

Balinese students’ parents feel cheated Antara

TABANAN - The company manipulating five Balinese students to work at an electric factory in Malaysia had never asked their parents’ permission, the parent of one of the students said.

“Before my daughter was employed in Malaysia, the company sending her to the neighboring country had neither come to me nor asked for my permission,” Ni Luh Putu Era Yudiastuti’s father, Astawa, said.

Speaking to reporters here Tuesday, a day after her 20-year-old daughter’s return from Malaysia, Astawa said her daughter left for Kuala Lumpur in April after meeting the conditions for the job.

“My daughter left for Malaysia with two friends, Ni Luh Sayu Ari Sudewi and Ni Komang Puranamawati,” he said.

But the company, which was reportedly partner of Badung-based Mengwitani School of Tourism (PLP), had never come to him as Yudiastuti’s parent, he said.

“My daughter was given a letter to be signed but she knew nothing about its content two minutes before boarding the aircraft taking her to Malaysia,” he said.

Astawa, resident of Banjar Dukuh Gede, Baturiti village, Kerambitan sub-district, further said that neither her daughter nor her four friends were allowed to read the letters that they have signed.

After arriving in Malaysia, her

daughter phoned him that she and the four other students did not have internship programs at hotels, but they were employed by an electric factory.

“I have repeatedly asked the PLP authority but I am told to remain patient,” he said.

However her daughter again called him saying that she had no money because she and her friends were not paid at all by the factory.

“My daughter had not received her wages. Instead, I sent her money,” Astawa said adding that the Bali provincial police questioned him about her daughter’s case for investigation.

These five Balinese students that an Indonesian envoy in Kuala Lumpur called them as victims of human trafficking in Malaysia had reunited with their families in Bali on Monday.

Before being flown back to the resort island, the ill-fated female students were giving shelter at the Indonesian embassy.

According to the embassy’s labor attache, Agus Trianto, last Saturday, the girls were victims of human trafficking.

They arrived in Malaysia last April under a working contract between their school and a local employment recruiting official, named Samuel. They were promised internships at five-star hotels.

Instead of being placed at the promised five-star hotels, they were brought to Penang from Kuala Lumpur to be employed at an electronic factory there, he said.

Nyoman, one of the five girls said

they were offered an internship program at Malaysian five-star hotels by their school’s principal.

“Our school was said to be cooperating with a manpower recruitment agent in Indonesia named Samuel,” Nyoman said.

However, to be able to work in the neighboring country, Nyoman said she had to pay Rp10.5 million, while two of her friends each had to pay Rp6.5 million, she said.

The money was used for buying one-way tickets, obtaining passports, airport tax, and health check certificates, she said.

“We arrived at Sepang, Malaysia, at midnight of April 13. The Malaysian agent came to pick us on April 14. He took us to a dormitory in Penang Island,” Nyoman said.

Instead of sending them to the promised five-star hotels for working under the internship program, he put them in an electronic factory in Penang, she said.

“Finding the different reality, we immediately called our parents. They were very concerned because we were not in an internship program at the hotels as promised,” she said.

In response to the case of the five Balinese students, Agus Trianto said they were indeed victims of human trafficking.

“If Samuel is arrested, he can be prosecuted under the anti-human trafficking law,” he said.

In Malaysia, more than a million Indonesians are working in sectors as construction projects and plantations.

Bali Satay Ingredients * 350 gr beef * 1/2 coconut * 3 pieces of garlic * 4 pieces of red chili peppers * 1 spoon brown sugar * 10 grams corriander * 10 grams kencur * 1 lime * galanga * 1 teaspoon shrimp paste * salt and pepper.

Directions Shred beef, shred coconut. Slice garlic and brown it.

Heat shrimp paste a little bit. Mix lime juice garlic, chili pepper, brown sugar, corriander, kencur, galanga, shrimp paste in a blender. Mix evenly the beef and coconut with the spice mix. Add salt, pepper, and orange juice. Form thumb-sized pieces from this mix, and stick each on a skewer. Barbecue until done. (http:// asiarecipe.com)

Sweet and Sour Shrimp Ingredients * 1/2 lb of medium sized shrimps * 5 pieces of garlic * 3 oz.flour * 1 piece of egg * 2 spoons of tomato sauce * 1 lime * 1/2 tsp of sugar, salt and pepper.

Directions Clean the shrimps, remove the heads, keep the tails Clean garlic, and slice thinly. Sprinkle over the shrimps.

Make a mix of the flour, egg, with enough water, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a pan. One by one, put the shrimps into the pan by first dipping it in the mix. Fry until golden. Put on a plate, pour tomato sauce over them.

Tomato sauce: Heat tomato sauce, add sugar, and lime juice. (http://asiarecipe.com) C.045 ibp

9

10

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Destinations

International

Gua Lawah IBP

Gua Lawah or Bat Cave is one of favorite places of interest in Bali and it is located near of hilly bank so it is called reef of Middle hill. This cave is located in Pasinggahan countryside, Dawan sub district, Klungkung Regency, east part of Bali and about 1,5 hours from Denpasar Town. There is a nature cave dwelt by thousands of tail bat located at north side from Jeroan/center of Gua Lawah Temple . Meanwhile the main road from Klungkung to Amlapura is just in front of the temple. This cave is apposite to the beautiful beach with black sand along the coastal area.

Pursuant to the papyrus of Dwi Jendra Tattwa, the Gua Lawah’s name is Gua Lelawah, the name which is given by Danghyang Nirartha (a priest overspread the Hindu teaching in Bali) when he stop in this place on his Tirtha Yatra trips. He arrive at a cave which is a lot of bats hang on and its unbroken voice clamor as hymn to add the beauty of the cave. Therefore this cave is named by Gua Lawah/ Bat Cave. On the above cave is growth by the flower trees with it’s smelt fragrance and stimulus the peace mind of Danghyang Nirartha, so that he overnight stay for some nights in this place. From the cave we see also the beautiful coast with the blue ocean with Nusa Penida Island as a backdrop.

Gua Lawah Temple History

http://www.darthdog.com

International Bali Post Classifieds Contact us

* According to the chronicle of Bendesa Mas, it mentions that the elaborations of Mpu Kuturan (a Hindu priest who come from Java) then he live in Bali which has been hosted in Silayukti, Padang Bai. He also builds some temple like Gua Lawah Temple. * According to the Papyrus of Dwijendra Tattwa, it narrates that after Danghyang Nirartha stay some nights at Goa Lawah, then he build a Kahyangan Temple on the ground. It means that Danghyang Nirartha extends the Palinggih or temple building existing at Gua Lawah Temple.

Temple festival at Gua Lawah is basically divided into 2 types that is Piodalan ceremony, and Ngusaba ceremony. On this event, many Hindu people from entire of the island come and pray. Gua Lawah is a place of interest in Bali and opened for visitors who wish to see the temple closely.

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Thursday, July 29, 2010

11

BUSINESS Japan unveils budget austerity guidelines Agence France-Presse

TOKYO - Japan announced new guidelines for austerity and a cap on new bond issues on Tuesday ahead of drafting a budget for the next fiscal year, as it seeks to cut a mountain of public debt.

Since taking office last month, Prime Minister Naoto Kan has pledged an ambitious overhaul to reduce Japan’s massive public debt, which is nearing 200 percent of GDP, the highest level in the industrialised world.

Under the guidelines, the government will cap general expenditure at 71 trillion yen (813 billion dollars) for the fiscal year from April 2011, including tax grants to local government but excluding debt-servicing costs, government officials said.

The sum is roughly the same as the AP Photo/Paul Sakuma

In this photograph taken May 27, 2010, a job seeker waits to speak with an employment representative at a Work Force center in Fremont, Calif. A year after bouncing back from a brutal recession, the US economy is losing steam and may enter a long period of sluggish growth inadequate to ease high unemployment, analysts warn.

U.S faces prolonged sluggish growth prospects Agence France-Presse

WASHINGTON - A year after bouncing back from a brutal recession, the US economy is losing steam and may enter a long period of sluggish growth inadequate to ease high unemployment, analysts warn.

A series of data the past month underline a slowdown in economic activity in the world’s largest economy — retail sales, new home construction, manufacturing, inventory building and exports were all weaker than expected.

Consumer confidence, a key barometer, has plunged to its worst level in five months on concerns over unemployment and business conditions, according to a closely-followed survey released Tuesday.

Against the ominous backdrop and as stimulus measures which helped jumpstart the economy from recession are withdrawn by the government reeling from a persistent fiscal deficit, Americans worry their economy will contract again.

“July is turning into a very scary month for consumers as employment anxieties and fears of a double-dip recession weigh heavily on consumer attitudes,” said economist Jeffrey Rose of Briefing.com.

Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke caused a furore last week when he called the economic outlook “unusually uncertain,” signaling possible use of extraordinary measures to sustain recovery.

The central bank will likely hold record low zero percent interest rates up to 2011 to try to heal the economy, analysts said.

“While we do not anticipate a double dip, the real risk for the economy is a long period of sluggish growth,” analyst Aneta Markowska at Societe Generale said.

The United States needs to grow in excess of 2.52.7 percent in order to bring down high unemployment, she said.

“Currently, the economy is growing just in line with trend which will only keep unemployment stable over time.”

The government will on Friday provide US gross domestic product estimates for the second quarter of 2010.

Most analysts forecast the economy expanded by a slower 2.5 percent in the April-June quarter.

The economy, which emerged in the middle of 2009 from nearly a two-year recession, grew 2.7 percent in the first quarter and a rapid 5.6 percent in the final quarter of 2009.

“By most indicators, the US economy is recovering at a slower pace than in either mild or severe recessions of the past,” Moody’s Economy.com said, suggesting the recovery “will not reaccelerate for several months.”

“Past strong recoveries have been led by interest rate-sensitive industries such as housing and autos; that’s not the case this time. With fewer economic drivers at work, a downshift in growth was unavoidable,” it said in a report.

“With consumers feeling blue, real spending should be weak for the rest of 2010,” said Ryan Sweet, a senior economist with Moody’s Economy.com.

Despite the gloomy scenario, corporate earnings in the second quarter have mostly beaten analysts’ expectations and are fueling a rise in Wall Street stocks.

“The data is not showing signs of a slumping economy. CEOs remain cautious, but they are not signaling they see signs of the economy moving back into a double-dip recession,” said Frederic Dickson, chief market strategist at D.A. Davidson & Co.

planned expenditure for the current year ending March 2011.

The guidelines also call on the centre-left government to keep new bond issuance at or below the current record level of 44 trillion yen.

The guidelines also seek to set aside more than one trillion yen to promote economic growth by imposing a 10 percent cut in policy-related spending on all ministries and agencies.

Cabinet ministers are required to submit their requests by the end of August based on the guidelines before submitting the next fiscal year’s budget bill to the Diet or parliament.

The total national budget has expanded to a record 92.3 trillion yen for the current fiscal year, adding to the country’s bulging public debt burden as Tokyo also tries to stimulate a sluggish economy.

China faces challenge unwinding stimulus measures Agence France-Presse

WASHINGTON - China faces a key challenge of unwinding stimulus measures and easing credit expansion as it pushes ahead with rapid economic growth, the IMF said Tuesday.

The International Monetary Fund also said that a stronger Chinese currency following Beijing’s recent decision to let the yuan trade more freely would help the country shift from dependence on exports and investment to private consumption as the primary driver of growth.

“The policy challenge now is to calibrate the pace and sequencing of exit from the fiscal stimulus and credit expansion, while making further progress in reorienting the economy toward private consumption,” the Washington-based IMF said in a report after annual consultations with China.

The IMF’s executive directors supported a “gradual phase out of the fiscal stimulus in 2011, provided the current trajectory for the economy is maintained,” the report said.

China in 2008 unveiled a 586-billiondollar stimulus package along with big tax breaks to boost domestic spending as the global slump bit following a financial crisis stemming from a US mortgage meltdown.

The stimulus policies had sparked concerns of overheating and inflation, with even the government warning of overcapacity in some key sectors.

The IMF prodded China to take additional steps to cool its red-hot real estate market, including possible introduction of a property tax.

It also suggested broader financial market development to provide alternative savings vehicles for the people.

Foreign investment surges in Indonesia Agence France-Presse

JAKARTA - Foreign investment in Indonesia soared 46 percent in the first six months of the year, an official said Wednesday, as confidence in the country continued to grow after the global financial crisis.

Foreigners committed 71 trillion rupiah (7.88 billion dollars) in Southeast Asia’s biggest economy, investment board Chief Gita Wirjawan said.

A total of 92.9 trillion rupiah had been invested in the country in the six months to July, including money from local investors, he added.

“The increase showed investors’ confidence in Indonesia’s investment climate and its macroeconomic stability,” Wirjawan was quoted as saying by Dow Jones Newswires.

For the April-June period alone, actual investment rose 56 percent from the previous

corresponding period to 50.8 trillion rupiah.

Foreign direct investment during the three months increased 53 percent on-year to 35.6 trillion rupiah, while investment by domestic companies grew 63 percent.

Analysts said the data show government efforts to improve the domestic investment climate have been paying off.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has vowed to remove “bottlenecks” to investment to help the country post seven percent growth by the end of his final term in 2014, compared with 5.5 percent this year.

Investors regularly cite legal uncertainty, chronic corruption and poor infrastructure as obstacles to doing business in the mainly Muslim country of 240 million people.

The government has set a target of 160 trillion rupiah of actual investment for the full year, with 118.4 trillion rupiah expected from foreign investors.

12

Entertainment

Thursday, July 29, 2010

International

Woo joins cast of Chinese propaganda blockbuster Associated Press Writer

HONG KONG – A-List filmmaker John Woo is the first celebrity to join the cast of the second major film in the leading Chinese state film studio’s campaign to reform the propaganda genre with a heavy dose of star power.

Last year, China Film Group Corp. released “The Founding of a Republic” to mark the Chinese Communist Party’s 60th year in power.

Eager to beef up the party’s image among audiences who favor commercial blockbusters or Hollywood fare, the studio stacked the historical epic with Chinese-language cinema’s biggest stars. Actors like Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Andy Lau were happy to comply even though they were given mere cameos, mindful of the importance of cultivating relationships in the booming mainland market.

China Film Group is now following up the 60 million Chinese yuan ($8.8 million) production with a second star-studded blockbuster that commemorates the 90th

anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party next year.

The first celebrity to sign on is “Mission: Impossible II” director Woo, China Film Group Film Production Corp. President Zhao Haicheng told The Associated Press in a phone interview on Wednesday. The veteran filmmaker will play Lin Sen, the former president of the ruling Nationalist government that the communists forced into exile in Taiwan in 1949, he said.

Shooting will start in mid- to late- August, Zhao said, declining to give further details. The film called “The Founding of a Party” in Chinese will trace events between the 1911 revolution that overthrew imperial rule and the establishment of the Chinese Communist Party in 1921, the Chinese news website Sina.com reported on Wednesday. Directors Han Sanping — the chairman of China Film Group — and Huang Jianxin will shoot in Beijing, Shanghai, Paris and Moscow, the report said.

U.S. actor Zac Efron, who stars in the movie “Charlie St. Cloud”, poses for a photo in Marina del Rey, California, July 16, 2010.

REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Once goofy Zac Efron gets serious about movies Reuters

LOS ANGELES – Out with the singing, dancing, goofy Zac Efron of old. At 22, the tween heart-throb of Disney’s bubbly “High School Musical” franchise says he wants to get serious, slow down and find out just what he’s made of. Efron takes on his most dramatic role to date by playing a young man tortured by his kid brother’s death in “Charlie St. Cloud,” which opens in U.S. movie theaters on Friday.

AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File

File - In this Saturday, June 13, 2009 file photo, Hong Kong film director John Woo poses on the red carpet prior to the opening ceremony of the 12th Shanghai International Film Festival at Shanghai Grand Theater in Shanghai, China. Woo is the first celebrity to join the cast of the second major film in the leading Chinese state film studio’s campaign to reform the propaganda genre with a heavy dose of star power.

Based on Ben Sherwood’s novel “The Death of Charlie St. Cloud”, the movie sees Efron become a caretaker at a cemetery who plays catch every night with his brother’s spirit — who only he can see. Five years later when a girl comes into his life, Charlie must choose between staying loyal to his dead brother, or moving on with his life and pursuing the girl he loves.

For Efron — who found fame as the floppy-haired star of the “High School Musical” trilogy and went on

to appear in the comedies “Hairspray” and “17 Again” — working on “Charlie” was a chance to challenge his young fans to see him in a new light and attract new viewers “who weren’t necessarily my fan base,” Efron told Reuters. But most of all, it was an opportunity for the actor to challenge himself.

“On ‘Charlie St. Cloud,’ I couldn’t rely on things I did before,” Efron said.

“Because usually in between takes, I’m goofing off. I’m the guy who’s looking

forward to the ping pong game while the crew is setting up the lights. I had to leave all that behind and focus.”

TURNING DOWN THE SPOTLIGHT

That meant inhabiting a character who spends much of his time grief-stricken, conflicted and emotionally damaged. “There were real hard times that we had to get through; weeks of dramatic scenes every day,” said Efron. “But I had something to prove to myself. ‘Could I do this? Could I not just be a goofball all the time?’”

The film also proves to Efron that he should follow his gut instinct when it comes to his career. In 2007, the actor famously signed on to star in a remake of the 1984 classic musical “Footloose.”

Paul McCartney, pals serenade Obamas at White House Reuters

LOS ANGELES – Whatever your opinion of President Obama, there’s no question he has spectacularly revived the number and quality of musical performances in the White House.

Look no further than “Paul McCartney: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in Performance at the White House,” taped early last month and screening on PBS on Wednesday, the fourth “In Performance” show thus far during his young administration.

Yes, Sir Paul is English. But the award is not restricted to U.S. citizens.

Named in honor of brothers Ira and George Gershwin, the award is given to a composer or performer whose lifetime work exemplifies the standard of excellence associated with the Gershwins. The first one, in 2007, was

won by Paul Simon. The second was awarded last year to Stevie Wonder.

McCartney probably needs another award about as much as Jesse James needs another tattoo. However, in clips before the start of the concert in the East Room of the White House, he appears humbled and grateful for the recognition. After those introductory clips, mostly showing the artists meeting one another and rehearsing, the program moves into the actual concert.

One by one, some of today’s top musicians applied their personal style to songs by McCartney — and, in some cases, also by John Lennon. Performers include Wonder, the Jonas Brothers, Jack White, Faith Hill, Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris, Lang Lang, Dave Grohl, and the duo of Herbie Hancock and Corinne Bailey Rae. There even is a short but hugely entertaining bit of stand-up by Jerry

Seinfeld, who related McCartney’s lyrics to the stages of his personal life.

With each additional number, McCartney’s genius as a songwriter grows more evident. In fact, part of that genius is reflected in the fact that his music can be covered in such different styles, each showing new facets of the composition.

There were plenty of highlights: Wonder’s enthusiastic rendition of “We Can Work It Out,” Hancock and Rae’s delicate and haunting performance of “Blackbird,” Lang Lang’s classical finesse applied to “Celebrations,” and Costello’s sweetly sentimental version of “Penny Lane.”(Don’t bother looking for McCartney’s dig at former White House occupant George W. Bush: “After the last eight years, it’s great to have a president who knows what a library is,” he said.

REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

President Barack Obama smiles next to Paul McCartney at the White House in Washington June 2, 2010.

Life Style

International

Thursday, July 29, 2010

13

Shanghai’s Peace Hotel reopens after three-year restoration Agence France Presse

SHANGHAI - Shanghai’s iconic Peace Hotel reopened Wednesday after a three-year, 64-million-dollar renovation to restore what was once the Far East’s most luxurious hotel to its 1930s glory. The hotel on Shanghai’s neoclassical riverfront will be managed by a joint venture between Fairmont Hotels and Resorts and China’s state-owned Jin Jiang Hotels, executives from the two companies told a news conference.

“This hotel will be one of the most admired properties in China. The history and reputation of the Peace Hotel is legendary. The efforts to restore it to its original grandeur have been remarkable,” Fairmont president Chris Cahill said.

Gesturing towards a massive octagonal skylight above the hotel’s shopping arcade, Jin Jiang chief executive Yang Weimin said that before the renovation began, the stained glass was covered up and the space was a store. “When you came into the shop, you couldn’t see the ceiling that you now see.

The best thing in the building was hidden from view,” Yang said.

“Now as I greet guests, the moment they step into the lobby they are in awe.”

Over time, many of the original features of the 81-year-old hotel were destroyed or covered up as war, revolution and ill-conceived renovations battered the building, an institution in Shanghai’s famed Bund

area.

A team from Hirsch Bedner Associates worked with local historians to restore and reconstruct the hotel’s art deco features, scraping away layers of paint and using old photographs and architectural plans for reference. A new wing was also added to the back of the hotel to expand it to 270 rooms, add a skylit swimming pool and provide additional elevators and other amenities, executives said.

Despite the modern touches, the hotel’s restored art deco interior and the kitschy Dragon Phoenix restaurant create the sensation of stepping back in time, contrasting with Shanghai’s many efforts to show an ultra-modern face.

Throughout, the hotel pays tribute to its founder Victor Sassoon, the businessman who made the building the scene of lavish parties and lived in its tower. His quarters have now been converted into a new presidential suite.

AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE LOPEZ

The skyline of the city’s financial district is seen from the top of the Peace Hotel in Shanghai on July 28, 2010. Closed since April 2007 for refurbishment, the city’s iconic hotel which was once known as the most luxurious destination in the Far East reopened on July 28.

Sassoon’s portrait hangs at the entrance of a gallery containing silverware, crockery and other artifacts from the hotel’s past including a

Japan’s Fujitsu launches ‘easyeasy’ computer for elderly Agence France Presse

magazine photo spread of Charlie Chaplin’s stay there.

The hotel’s first official guests after the renovation were Tong Yiyu

Rebooted Starcraft aims to draw new gamers Agenec France Presse

AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO

An employee of Fujitsu displays the RakuRaku notebook PC for senior citizens in Tokyo on July 27, 2010. The Japanese Raku-Raku PC is specifically designed for easy use by seniors with little prior computing experience.

TOKYO - Japan’s Fujitsu launched new personal computers for the elderly on Tuesday, its latest “Raku-Raku” or “easy-easy” model equipped with a Japanese character input system for the touch panel. Users can start with a simple menu screen tailored to the needs of senior citizens, while a troubleshooter key allows them to jump to a special website and other navigators to obtain necessary information, it said.

The keyboards have both Japanese and English characters, while the mouse’s right button is made with textured plastic to make it easier to press.

The computers are specially designed to be compatible with Fujitsu’s “Raku-Raku” mobile phones also for the elderly with a large, crisp display and one-touch Internet access.

Fujitsu, which launched the latest “Raku-Raku” phone last week, said users can easily send pictures from the phones to the new computers through a special cartridge.

Fujitsu’s previous Raku-Raku phones have sold more than 17.8 million units since 2001 in Japan, a rapidly greying society with one of the world’s longest life expectancies and lowest birth rates.

and Zhong Xuying, a Chinese couple in their 80s who held their wedding in the hotel in 1958, a hotel spokeswoman said.

PARIS - Twelve years after Starcraft, one of the highest grossing videogames in history, its makers released a sequel Tuesday in hopes of drawing new fans to its intergalactic adventure.

Much-awaited “Starcaft II: Wings of Liberty” picks up where the 1998 game ended, set in the 26th century in a distant part of the Milky Way, where the Terrans, human exiles from Earth, are at war with the Zerg and the Protoss.

Developed by US studio Blizzard, makers of the world’s most popular online videogame “World of Warcraft”, the new chapter in the adventures of Terran rebel leader Jim Raynor is to be followed by two extensions.

Players are given 30-odd missions in the game, positioning units to overcome enemy armies through troop transport, construction and engineering or armoured attack.

“By keeping the three races from the first Starcraft we enable players to find their bearings and continue the adventure where they left off,” lead designer Dustin Browder told AFP. “But we have added new units to force them to think up new tactics.”

And to draw in new players, Blizzard has adopted a system al-

lowing fans to progress stage by stage. “They can play alone on the main campaign then take on challenges before going on to play against other gamers on the Internet,” Browder said. “We have set up a mechanism allowing players of similar level to play against each other online so the game never loses interest.”

The first episode was a standard bearer for electronic games, particularly in South Korea where championships are held. Half of the first episode’s 10 million sales were in South Korea.

Analyst Mike Hiuckey of Janco Partners expects seven million copies of Starcraft II to be sold by the end of the year.

14

Sport

Thursday, July 29, 2010

International

Maradona dropped as Argentina coach Agence France Presse

BUENOS AIRES - Diego Maradona’s brief but turbulent reign as Argentina coach has come to an end after the Argentine Football Association (AFA) elected not to renew his contract. The football legend’s 18-month tenure as manager of the Albiceleste had looked in doubt following tense talks with AFA president Julio Grondona on Monday which focused on Maradona’s demands to retain his entire backroom staff.

Before that meeting Maradona, whose final game in charge was last month’s 4-0 World Cup quarter-final humiliation by Germany, had made it plain he wanted to stay as long as he could keep his staff.

“I really want to stay, but it depends on Grondona,” Maradona told El Show del Futbol on America TV at the weekend after returning to Buenos Aires following a trip to visit his friend, Venezuala President Hugo Chavez. “If they touch a hair of one of my guys, even the masseur or the kitman, I’m going.

“I want to continue the adventure but not with (just) anyone. I chose these people. I want to continue working with them.” One was former Argentina defender Oscar Ruggeri, the target of criticism from Grondona after Argentina’s last eight World Cup defeat.

“I already asked and I will continue to ask that Ruggeri joins me,” Maradfona had insisted. “It’s a constant struggle. This is the first thing I will discuss with Grondona.”

Media reports suggest that Grondona had vetoed that wish, triggering the end of Maradona’s 18month spell in charge. AFA spokesman Ernesto Cherquis Bialo, confirming

Maradona’s departure on Tuesday, said: “The president put some salient points to Maradona in their long conversation yesterday.

“And the executive committee unanimously resolved not to renew Maradona’s contract as technical director of the national teams.”

Local media described the exit of the man who lifted Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title as the end of an era. “It’s official — Maradona is no longer the coach of the Argentine team,” said La Nacion newspaper.

“It’s the end of a cycle,” the paper added. Maradona’s tenure was marked by his use of over 100 players as he grappled with various formations, a two month ban for a foul-mouthed outburst at journalists, an eleventh hour qualification for the World Cup, and the resounding defeat to Germany.

With Maradona gone, focus has turned on the identity of his successor.

One name in the frame is Alejandro Sabella, 55, who led Estudiantes to the Copa Libertadores last year.

Other potential candidates include Miguel Angel Russo (Racing Club) and Sergio Batista, currently in charge of the Argentine under-20s and who helped steer the country to Olympic

glory in the Beijing Games in 2008.

Batista has been chosen to select a squad for the August 11 friendly against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

According to Cherquis, there is “no urgency” to find a long-term replacement. Fans reportedly have a soft spot for Carlos Bianchi, who has enjoyed success with Velez Sarsfield and Boca Juniors, but his chances are believed to be slim due to a poor relationship with Grondona.

Maradona is the greatest player in Argentina’s history, having led the country to their second World Cup title in 1986 and a runners-up finish four years later.

He took charge of the national side in November 2008 and oversaw an occasionally chaotic qualifying campaign that included a record 6-1 rout at altitude in Bolivia.

Initially, the side played well at the World Cup in South Africa and won all three group matches before beating Mexico in the last 16. Germany sent Maradona’s men packing in the quarter-final. Argentina will host next year’s Copa America as they chase a first major trophy at senior level since 1993.

Raul signs two-year Schalke deal Agence France Presse

BERLIN - Real Madrid and former Spanish international star Raul agreed a two-year deal Wednesday with Germany’s Schalke 04 after 16 years at the Bernabeu, the Bundesliga side announced. The 33-year-old striker, who paid an emotional farewell to Real Madrid supporters on Monday together with long-standing teammate Guti, was due to be pre-

sented to Schalke fans later Wednesday before his first training session.

Raul played for Real since 1994, winning six Spanish championships and three Champions League titles.

He scored a record 323 goals in 740 appearances in the famous white Madrid jersey.

He also found the back of the net 44 times in 102 games for Spain, making his last appearance in 2006 before the double success of Euro 2008 and

the 2010 World Cup. Real said on Sunday that Raul and Guti would be leaving after it became clear that the pair did not fit into the grand plans of new coach Jose Mourinho.

Schalke, coached by Felix Magath and based in Gelsenkirchen in western Germany, came close to winning the Bundesliga last season but were eventually pipped by Champions League finalists Bayern Munich.

Former Real Madrid’s captain Raul Gonzalez (R) gives a press conference to announce his departure from the team at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on July 26, 2010 in Madrid. Raul will join German side Schalke on a two-year contract.

AFP PHOTO/Pedro ARMESTRE

Fact file on Diego Maradona.

Inter considered Capello for 48 hours - Moratti Agence France Presse

ROME – Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has claimed that there were just two days in which the possibility of Fabio Capello taking over from Jose Mourinho was considered. Inter eventually plumped for former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez to replace the Real Madrid-bound Mourinho while efforts were also made to prise Guus Hiddink away from the Turkey helm.

But both England manager Capello and Hiddink opted to stay with their respective national teams and Benitez, who had severed his contract with Liverpool, was quickly snapped up.

But Moratti told Sky Sport Italia that Capello was not simply a red herring. “Capello was a realistic hypothesis that lasted two and a half days, the time over a weekend which ended on the Monday,” he said.

“He wasn’t in competition with Benitez, it was realistic but then it turned out not to be. “I didn’t touch anything, there was a question which was then rescinded by itself.”

As for Benitez, Moratti insisted that he was not merely second or third choice but was always a name on the Inter hit-list. “Benitez is one of the coaches who had a certain type of international experience, I heard great things about him and we went straight for him.

“We also considered alternatives because it was a difficult decision.

Benitez is very professional, works very hard and has similar work systems to Mourinho, studying the games and opponents.

(AFP/File/Paul Ellis)

Inter Milan President Massimo Moratti has claimed that there were just two days in which the possibility of Fabio Capello, seen here in June 2010, taking over from Jose Mourinho was considered.

“He guarantees serious work and, I hope, good results. On a human level he’s educated, courteous, likeable, not too insistent even when talking about signings. “Mourinho was (insistent) only for (Ricardo) Quaresma but that didn’t go well and he eased off after that.”

As for Mourinho, Moratti said the one thing Inter were not looking for was a clone of the man who led the club to an unprecedented treble last season, the first in Italian football.

“I didn’t want someone who imitates Mourinho or who tried to compete with him in terms of character, not least because it would have been hard.

“Benitez is a completely different character.” However, Moratti suggested he didn’t want a repeat of the fractious relationship Mourinho had with the Italian media.

Sport

International

Thursday, July 29, 2010

15

Murray sacks coach Agence France Presse

LONDON - World number four Andy Murray has sacked his coach Miles Maclagan, his management company 19 Entertainment said on Tuesday. Former professional player Maclagan, 35, had been on Murray’s coaching team for two and a half years.

Murray, 23, is currently competing in Los Angeles in the Farmers Classic, his first tournament since his Wimbledon semi-final loss to Rafael Nadal. For the time being, the Scot will work with former Spanish star Alex Corretja pending the appointment of a new coach.

“I’ve had a great relationship with Miles over the past two and a half years and I want to thank him for his positive contribution to my career,” Murray said in a statement.

Maclagan said: “It’s been a privilege to work with Andy as his coach and I’m happy to have played my part in his career.

“Andy is a great player and I know he will continue to have the success his talent and hard work deserves.” Murray arrived at the University of California Los Angeles tennis facility in the late after-

noon Tuesday and practised but did not speak to reporters.

The number one seed received a bye through the first round so his first match won’t be until later in the week against American qualifier Tim Smyczek.

Murray is still waiting to break his Grand Slam duck despite several near misses and former coach Mark Petchey said the Scot doubtless felt he needed fresh input.

“They’ve just got to the end of the road,” Petchey, Murray’s coach from 2005 to 2006, told Sky Sports News.

Petchey said things had gone “a little bit south” for Murray this season, prompting the Scot to look elsewhere to galvanise his game.

Maclagan began working with Murray in late 2007, replacing Brad Gilbert.

Jeff Gross/Getty Images/AFP

Andy Murray (L) of Great Britain talks with strength and conditioning coach Jez Green (R) after practicing for the Farmers Classic at the Los Angeles Tennis Center - UCLA on July 27, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.

Warriors’ Lin hopes to US Feds subpoena beat Harvard stereotypes documents from 2004 Associated Press Writer

TAIPEI, Taiwan – The first Taiwanese-American signed by an NBA team hopes to overcome the negative stereotype of playing college basketball at Harvard and plans on eventually becoming a minister in an inner-city neighborhood. Jeremy Lin, a 6-foot-3 undrafted point guard, signed last week with the Golden State Warriors after impressing coaches at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

AFP PHOTO / Sam YEH

NBA Golden State Warriors’ Tawainese basketball player Jeremy Lin, who is the first Taiwanese basketball player in the NBA, poses for photo during a press conference in Taipei on July 28, 2010.

In five outings with the Dallas Mavericks, the soft-spoken 21year-old native of Palo Alto, Calif., averaged 9.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.

Lin arrived in Taipei early Wednesday to appear at a charity event with other NBA players and Taiwanese celebrities. At a downtown press conference he acknowledged that his NBA career path was far from common, but insisted he could still succeed.

“Coming out of college into the draft, being Asian-American and being from Harvard, that’s not going to be an advantage because of stereotypes,” he said.

He told reporters that religion is a major part of his life and where he saw his eventual destiny. “I still want to be a pastor somewhere down the line, that is something that is definitely on my radar,” he said.

“I have an economics degree with a minor in sociology. The reason I have that is because I want to do a ministry in urban areas and help with underprivileged kids.”

Lin said his family supported his passion for basketball despite receiving criticism from some AsianAmericans that he didn’t study enough.

“My dad was the one who really loved basketball and he was the one that put the basketball in my hands, and my mom was ‘Team Mom’ of all my teams,” he said. “I used to play for three or four teams at once and she would just spend her entire afternoon driving me from practice to practice to practice.”

Armstrong doping case Agence France Presse

LOS ANGELES - Federal investigators, probing cheating in pro cycling, have subpoenaed material from a 2004 case in which a US firm attempted to prove Lance Armstrong used performance-enhancing drugs.

Jeffrey Tillotson, a lawyer for SCA Promotions Inc, said his company

would send the documents to federal investigators in Los Angeles.

Armstrong has vehemently denied using performance-enhancing drugs and his lawyers say Armstrong has undergone close to 300 drugs test in his career and never failed one.

Included in the documents are depositions from Armstrong’s former wife, outspoken former American Tour de France

winner Greg LeMond and former US teammates of Armstrong. The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday first reported the subpoena.

SCA was seeking to avoid paying the seven-time Tour de France winner Armstrong a five million dollar performance bonus. The case ended with SCA shelling out 7.5 million dollars to Armstrong.

AFP PHOTO / REMY GABALDA

US Lance Armstrong is cheered by fans as he climbs Col du Tourmalet pass in the 174 km and 17th stage of the 2010 Tour de France cycling rece run between Pau and the famous Col du Tourmalet pass in French Pyrenees on July 22, 2010.

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Thursday, July 29, 2010

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

Sport

Ferrari boss slams F1 hypocrisy Agence France Presse

AFP PHOTO / Bay ISMOYO

Spanish MotoGP racer Dani Pedrosa rides a 110cc motorcycle in front of Indonesian Honda racing school students during a coaching clinic in Sentul, West Java, on July 28, 2010.

Pedrosa won’t give up, but it’ll be tough Dani Pedrosa admits it is proving to be difficult to compete with Jorge Lorenzo in the fight for the 2010 MotoGP title. Lorenzo leads the standings by 72 points after his victory at Laguna Seca, with Pedrosa currently second behind his fellow Spaniard.

“This season my performance has been up and down,” Pedrosa said during a visit to the Indonesian capital Jakarta, “which is not the best way to win the title.

“Lorenzo performs consistently and has a great bike.

There are nine races left but it is difficult. However my team and I never give up and we will keep going to try and get closer.” Pedrosa admits he has been left with mixed feeling after failing to score at Lagune Seca.

The Honda rider led the race before falling from the lead – which has reduced his chance of beating Lorenzo to the crown.

“This year I started racing with lower performances,” he said. “After that I could compete but it is still hard to be on top. I tried to push Lorenzo but after the incident at Laguna Seca, it has become harder.

“I had great racing in Germany. I could beat Lorenzo but he and Yamaha are still strong. Not that I lost my motivation in United States - I have motivation the all time.”

Pedrosa revealed that he is keen to remain with Honda for next season when Casey Stoner moves over to join the team from Ducati and Gemma Roders, marketing manager of Honda Racing, said Pedrosa’s future will probably be decided in August.

“It’s too early to talk about negotiations,” she said.

“We have not talked about that, probably in August.

We are confident Pedrosa will stay because we want him and he wants us.”

AFP PHOTO / Bay ISMOYO

Spanish MotoGP racer Dani Pedrosa (3rd R) meets Indonesian Honda racing school students during a coaching clinic in Sentul, West Java, on July 28, 2010. Pedrosa is ranked second in the current 2010 MotoGP championships and is the youngest 2003-2005 world champion in 250cc Grand Prix.

ROME - Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has slammed those who criticised the scuderia’s team orders at last weekend’s German Grand Prix, accusing them of hypocrisy.

Fernando Alonso won the race after Felipe Massa let him through following a coded message from race engineer Rob Smedley who told the Brazilian: “Ok, Fernando is faster than you. Can you confirm you have understood this message?”

Following the controversial move, Smedley was again on the radio apologising to Massa. “Good lad - just stick with it now, sorry,” he said.

Many within the sport have hit out at the Italian team which was also fined 100,000 dollars by race stewards for their actions.

But that angered Montezemolo who claimed it was something his team has always done. “The polemics are of no interest to me,” he said on the official Ferrari website.

“I simply reaffirm what I have always maintained, which is that our drivers are very well aware, and it is something they have to stick to, that if one races for Ferrari, then the interests of the team come before those of the in-

dividual.

“I experienced it myself when I was Sporting Director, in the days of Niki Lauda and not just then.

“Therefore enough of this hypocrisy, even if I can well believe that some people might well have liked to see our two drivers eliminate one another, but that is definitely not the case for me or indeed for our fans.”

Alonso is now 34 points behind championship leader Lewis Hamilton of McLaren and back in the title race while Massa is 38 points behind his team-mate and with next to no chance of finishing the season top of the pile.

IBP/ist

Luca di Montezemolo