The Marginalization of Paradise

Nyoman Gunarsa, one of Bali’s most renowned artists and museum curators, feels that Bali’s culture is under siege and deteriorating with the passage of time.

Cultural degradation is perhaps nowhere more evident than in the development of the island’s architecture. “This fact is seen in the appearance of minimalist buildings divorced from Balinese architecture.
As quoted by the National News Agency Antara, Gunarsa warns that the disappearance of “Bali style” in local architecture is spreading. “Many temples (pura) are being rehabilitated and renovated, but the with the elimination of original elements that have historical roots hundreds of years old, such as red bricks and stonework,” said Gunarsa.

Moreover, he bemoaned the even more destructive tendency in rehabilitating temples of throwing away old building materials to be replaced with new elements, losing in the process the meaning and value of the spiritual sacrifice and hard world of the earlier generation whose work is being renovated. Gunarsa added, “imagine how a ‘kori agung pura’ that is hundreds of years old is renovated with black stones and carved ornaments of uncertain origin.”

Gunarsa called for a more conservative approach to renovating puras, rehabilitating rather than merely replacing damaged elements.

“If this can be done, only then do we have what can be called the preservation of the sanctity of temples. Completely knocking down and replacing temples with new building materials is not conservation,” explained Gunarsa.

The outspoken defender of Balinese art and culture also criticized the ornamentation of buildings, which is becoming increasing removed from Balinese norms. Adding: “Just look at these modern building which have the smallest amount of Balinese architecture. This will eventually sink our local culture. There is are no longer any devotees left to preserve (these elements).”

source: Bali News

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Plans to Increase Parking Fees

Denpasar’s plans to increase parking fees by between 50% to 100% is drawing criticism from a number of quarters.

If implemented, the new plan would increase the cost of parking a motorcycle from Rp. 1,000 (US$0.12) to Rp. 2,000 (US$0.23) and for a car from Rp. 2,000 (US$0.23) to Rp. 3,000 (US$0.34).

Claiming the increase in parking fees will be too burdensome to the public, legislators from the Denpasar House of Representatives (DPRD-Denpasar) are threatening to oppose the parking fee increase which, if approved, would come into effect in late September.

Fees collected from parking lots in Denpasar total Rp. 26.38 billion (US$3.22 million) and from roadside parking Rp. 6.34 billion (US$720,000).

source: Bali News

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Tiang Sing Bisa Mebasa Bali!

The chief of the Balinese Culture Agency (Kadisbud), Ketut Suastika, has told the National News Agency Antara that the number of speakers of the Balinese language is on the decline.

“It’s estimated that the number of Balinese speakers now number less than one million,” said Suastika.

If the total number of Balinese speakers is compared with the total population of Bali that now numbers nearly 4 million, the 1 million remaining Balinese speakers is considered insufficient to ensure the langage’s survival in the future.

To make his case, Suastika said that among young Balinese families there are few who use “meme” or “bapa” as the way to refer to “mother” and “father.” He observes that most Balinese now use the Indonesian language equivalents in such contexts.

“In fact, there’s nothing wrong if the Balinese use Indonesian and foreign languages, but this should be done in combination with the Balinese language,” he cautioned. The Bali government officer charged with overseeing cultural matters is concerned that the Balinese will one day forget how to use their “mother tongue.”

“In the future, I see a need to use Balinese in the work environment and in educational settings. Or perhaps, a day each week dedicated to the use of Balinese could be created. For instance, every Sunday or some other special day could be set aside where workers and students are required to communicate in Balinese,” said Suastika. In this way, he feels children will begin to know and appreciate the Balinese language.

Plans are underway to hold a Balinese Language Congress in October 2011. Held once every five years, the Congress will discuss issues connected to Balinese and other provincial languages.

Suastika added: “In this Congress the problem of the Balinese language and Balinese writing system which are beginning to disappear will be discussed in order to devise strategies  for the language’s survival.”

source: Bali News

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Saving Bali’s Traditional Markets

Regents across Bali are being urged by the governor to impose a moratorium on the opening of all new supermarkets or chain convenience stores

Beritabali.com reports that the widening network of convenience stores and supermarkets, even in otherwise remote regions of Bali, are seen as a threat to traditional markets.

Governor Made Mangku Pastika told the press on Thursday, August 25, 2011, that the regents across Bali do not need to await a letter from his office to impose a moratorium. But, if the regents were seeking a legal basis for the moratorium he was prepared to issue an instruction covering the proposed moratorium.

“If you really need a circular instruction from me, then I will make the circular. However, the regents and mayors should be able to take the initiative on their own. Just stop giving out new permits; nothing will be lost (in doing so). Such things do not need to be done by only the governor. That’s ridiculous,” said the Pastika.

Pastika said he hope that not only would a moratorium be imposed on supermarkets, but that steps would be taken to revitalize traditional markets. Such revitalization is needed to enhance the attractiveness of using traditional markets by the public.

source: Bali News

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Light Up the World in Kuta

Adopting a theme of “Light up the World” and reflecting the organizing committee’s view that these are the golden days for tourism, the Kuta Karnival IX is set for October 14-16, 2011 and will open in front of the Pura Segera in Kuta with a colossal cek dance and an opening dinner attended by officials, Kuta business people and members of the media.

Plans for the Kuta Karnival IX are only beginning to emerge, but are reported to include the release of 500 turtle hatchlings back into the ocean and a memorial service at the sea’s edge for the victims of the Bali bombings.

The Kuta Karnival IX highlight will be a parade and exhibition of fashion and culture stretching the entire length of Kuta Beach with a giant performance stage located on Kuta Beach opposite the entrance to Jalan Benarsari.

The Chairman of Kuta Karnival IX, Morgan Made Suartha, formally announced this year’s event in a meeting with the regent of Badung, Anak Agung Gde Agung on Thursday, August 25, 2011.

Details remain sketchy with a website including program details anticipated in the near future.

Stay tuned.

source: Bali News

 

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Flush with Success

The provincial government of Bali has affirmed that they will not hesitate to revoke the operating licenses of hotels and restaurants failing to properly dispose of their waste and sewerage.

This warning was issued after a field survey by the government,  including hundreds of hotel and restaurants in Bali, uncovered a great number of businesses failing to maximize their waste management efforts.

Quoted by Beritabali.com, the head of the Environmental Agency for Bali (BLH), Anak Agung Alit Sastrawan, said on Friday, August 5, 2011, that his office would issue warnings to guilty companies that, if ignored, would result in legal steps, including closure.

“We will continue to monitor and supervise. For those who continue to break the law we will take steps in accordance with the law. That’s the procedure,” said Sastrawan.

From his observations in the field, Sastrawan said the main factors contributing to the failure of companies to adequately address waste management issues are the age and condition of equipment, and the management skills of those charged with managing the process at the respective companies.

Kompas.com reports that a survey of beaches in Bali by the BLH found that 13 beaches were contaminated, blaming hotels and restaurants as the major culprits in the pollution of the island’s waters.

source: Bali News

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Bisnis Online Dari Rumah? Bisa!

Mau punya penghasilan dari bisnis online? Ooooo kenapa tidak!!

Di sini fasilitas lengkap, butuh support apa aja dikasih…yang penting mau tekun ngerjain dan pantang nyerah!

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O Say Can You See?

The Bali Police have outlawed the distribution of firecrackers and fireworks in anticipation of coming celebrations over the Lebaran holidays,

According to Beritabali.com, Bali’s chief of police, General Totoy Herawan Indra, outlawed the explosive items on Monday, August 8, 2011, On the same occasion, he called on members of the Bali police to socialize to the public the prohibition against the manufacture, possession, warehousing or ignition of all forms of firecrackers and fireworks.

Bali’s top policeman said that fireworks authorized for import or produced by the Intelligence and Security Department of the Police (Baintelkam) measuring less than 2 inches in length are exempt from the prohibition.

Meanwhile, fireworks measuring between 2 to 8 inches require permits to purchase and to use issued by police headquarters to facilitate shows and public events.

General Totoy warned that those found to be in possession of illegal fireworks would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

source: Bali News

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One-Day Cruise to East Bali

Bali Hai Cruises will operate a unique cruise to East Bali on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 on the occasion of “Nyepi Laut” when the popular cruise company will suspend for one day their popular Lembongan Island Beach Cruise.

Approaching East Bali from the sea is in itself a memorable experience – watching majestic sacred Mt. Agung grow on the approaching shoresscape.

The special program includes:

• 8:30 a.m. departure from Benoa harbor with a scheduled return at 5:00 p.m.
• Morning and afternoon tea and snacks on board Bali Hai II
• BBQ Lunch
• A visit to Subak Guliang in East Bali to experience a genuine Balinese village compound, view daily farming activities, watch a Balinese cooking demonstration, see how rice is processed, view silver smiths and wood carvers at work, weaving demonstration and see how Balinese religious offerings are made.

The cost of this trip, including round trip transfers between hotel and the ship, is US$115. Children between the ages of 4 – 14 years pay 50%.

For more information or bookings, contact Bali Discovery Tours at ++62—(0)361-286283 or [email]

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Its Back To Awesome Awegust

Ada banyak sekali tawaran bisnis online dengan iming-iming jutaan rupiah per bulan. Tapi apakah anda tau, bisnis mana yang sudah benar-benar terbukti berhasil? ^_^

Mari belajar dan berbisnis bersama d’BC Network, jaringan online yang sudah terbukti menghasilkan RATUSAN jutawan dari bisnis online!

 

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