Bisnis.com reports that the Government will create a coordinated system for handling foreign yacht visits to Indonesia following the recent seizure and placement under "custom seal" of a large number of yachts participant in "Sail Indonesia" – a sailing regatta traveling from Darwin to Ambon.

The Director General of Destination Development for the Department of Culture and Tourism, Firmansyah Rahim, said a number of issues will be addressed in the new system including the designation of ports for entry and departure of yachts and the appointment of agents empowered to handle "Sail Indonesia."

Firmansyah said the recent "custom sealing" of 106 foreign yachts by the Customs and Excise Department in Kupang (West Timor) was the result of a failure to present a required written guarantee. In fact, an agreement for "Sail Indonesia 2008" was already in place stipulating that written guarantees would not be required.

Explaining the current imbroglio, Firmansyah said that "Sail Indonesia" would use an insurance program or the intervention of a local agent to meet custom department requirements. "Unfortunately the organizing team, in this case the Foundation Cinta Bahari Indonesia, did not undertake cooperation with a local agent to meet the demands of Customs," explained Firmansyah.

Last Saturday, August 2, 2008, the Customs and Excise Department in Kupang sealed the 106 yachts for failing to have the required entry permits. To avoid a future repetition of this unfortunate occurrence the Government will appoint special agents to handle yacht visits.

Indonesia’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik, used the opening of the Sanur Village Festival on Thursday, August 7, 2008, to remind that Bali is in need of a new or alternative airport, due to the problems of expanding Ngurah Rai airport.

Wacik said that Ngurah Rai Airport is overloaded and difficult to expand by lengthening the runway, widening runways to accommodate larger aircraft or expanding apron areas. The answer, according to Wacik, "is to build an alternative airport or new airport."

Wacik told the press that he had discussed this matter with Bali's Governor-elect, Made Mangku Pastika. Possible locations for a new airport are not limited to Denpasar and the Badung regency, with Wacik citing Singaraja in Bali's far north as a good candidate for a new airport location. The Minister said that sufficient land for a new airport exists in Singaraja and a new airport there would address the imbalance of development currently existing between the Island's North and South.

Whether or not a new airport will be an urgent matter for consideration by Bali's new governor remains to be seen. The Minister invited Bali's leaders to put egotistical consideration to the side and formulate a viable action plan for a new airport.

Future Tourism Growth for Bali

At the same gathering in Sanur, Minister Wacik examined foreign tourism arrival totals for Bali. In 2007 nearly 1.7 million foreign tourists came to Bali and in 2008 that number will hit between 1.9 – 2.0 million. In 2009, the Minister predicted foreign tourist arrivals to Bali will touch 3 million. "This is a realistic target," insisted Wacik.

According to the Minister of Culture and Tourism, these surging tourism numbers leave Bali no choice but to create an alternative airport.

Beritabali.com quotes Bali's Chief of the Provincial Tourism Authority, Gede Nurjaya, as recommending that the City of Denpasar and all regencies in Bali undertake a moratorium on the issuance of new building permits for hotels, saying Bali has sufficient hotel rooms.

Nurjaya's comments were made to beritabali.com on Friday, August 8, 2008, who said the request for such a moratorium was made by Bali's Governor five years ago, but was ignored by regency governments.

According to Nurjaya, the desire for new hotel investments in Bali remains high with an estimated 45,000 hotel rooms currently operating on the Island. "Perhaps there are even more (hotel rooms)," admitted Nurjaya, "if we add in villa developments, the number of rooms may hit 50,0000."

Nurjaya said that Bali's needs more investment in the agricultural sector, as agriculture and Bali's subak water distribution system is an icon of Bali tourism.

On Wednesday, August 6, 2008, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his wife, "Ibu Ani," attended a mass cremation held in the village of Batur at Mount Kintamani.

The mass cremation, an event held once every two years at the village, "freed" the souls of 139 deceased local residents including 94-year-old Guru Nyoman Santi, the Father of Indonesia's current Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik. Santi died approximately 1.5 years ago.

While President Yudhoyono did not speak publicly at the Balinese cremation ceremony, the Bali Post quoted Minister Wacik who related: "Earlier, the President whispered to me, if the entire Indonesian people could only emulate an event (the cremation) like this – to gather together, shoulder to shoulder in unity – national development could be accelerated."

A number of cabinet members joined the President and Jero Wacik cremation ceremony in Kintamani.

Berata Ashrama, a local writer, educator and Manager of Bali Travel News recently wrote an op-ed piece for the Bali Post on leadership issues surrounding Bali tourism. What follows is our free translation of those comments in balidiscovery.com's continuing efforts to provide insights into local views and news related to Bali tourism.

* * * *

One of most crucial current problems confronting Bali is tourism destination management. This problem is crucial but at the same time laughable due to the fact that while Bali gives great voice to the principle of "cultural tourism" (Hindu) as it stands within a province sharing a single eco-system within its 5,632.86 square kilometers; the reality is that Bali operates with 10 separate and diverse "managers" spread across 9 regencies/municipalities, each reflecting the poorly coordinated and very oversized egos involved. This is very different from our neighbors in Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore – countries that manage their destinations under the banners of MTB, TTB and STB.

This unfortunate reality is complicated further by a number of vertical institutions – such as Immigration, Angkasa Pura (airport management) and Garuda Indonesia. This complicated set of circumstances was made even more so during the recent reformation era which has been characterized by the fanatic exercise of authority and strong ambitions to increase regional tax revenues. At the same time, the understanding of what should constitute the vision of tourism varies greatly among managers. This has created a practical problem in arriving at a common language needed to translate a vision into action. In words, the "managers" are always adamant in proclaiming their commitment to making Bali's tourism industry sustainable. However, such proclamations are little more than lip service. These repeated clichés create the false impression that an actual vision and commitment already exists. In fact, aggressive actions (by these managers) have stained Bali, sacrificed its unique selling proposition and, in the end, made Bali a destination of yesterday - a destination increasing unattractive to quality tourists. Such quality tourists with length of stays of more than 14 days; average spends of between US$5,000-US$12,000; little desire to destroy (local culture); individuals far removed from narcotics and sex tourism - no longer want to come to Bali, an island which is losing its cultural appeal. Bali has marginalized the Balinese people's role as a single, unified community of cultural actors. In other words, we have destroyed the main pillars of (Balinese) culture: tradition, cultural outlook, cultural characteristics, architectural style, the Hindu religion, traditional food, art and music, handicrafts, traditional costumes, history and the Balinese language. According to the U.N.'s World Tourism Organization it is precisely these elements which must be preserved through the active involvement of the local population in the planning, implementation and evaluation of (sustainable) tourism.

Symptoms of Verbalism

The aggressive destruction of these cultural elements has been taking place in the face of the contradictory verbalism (i.e. lips service) expressed by our "managers." We have managers who loudly shout their commitment to developing and defending the cultural values of their region but who, with no less enthusiasm, continue to issue building permits for strip malls, malls, supermarkets, and apartments for non-Hindu newcomers that forsake traditional architecture while eclipsing local agricultural lands. This happens despite the fact that architecture and agriculture are mainstays of cultural tourism. Bali's culture originates from its agricultural roots and it subak system of water management as a practical expression of the local philosophy of Tri Hita Kirana - the Balinese world-view maintaining harmony and balance between man, God and nature. Local traditional markets – the place where the majority of local small traders seek their livings, have become "bonsai" (marginalized) versions of themselves, much celebrated in public speech but in reality stunted in their development, grubby in their appearance, over- crowded and unmanaged. Yet it is the traditional market and the Pura Melanting system which contain the very spirit of Bali and are the very backbone of the Tri Hita Kirana philosophy. These are the actors Balinese life - the traders, buyers, suppliers competitors, market stalls operators and the merchandisers.

Some "managers" champion speeches about Tri Hita Kirana while their actual behavior sacrifices the Hindu guidelines laid down in the Bhisama Parisadaby bowing to the wishes of powerful investors wishing to build in sacred "no-build zones" surrounding religious sites. Other "managers" eagerly invite investors to build a golf course surrounding Bali's Mother Temple of Pura Besakih. While, yet other "managers" feel no compunction or embarrassment issuing permits for alcohol factories, geothermal projects, villas in Bedugul and the leveling of jungles along the Ayang River. Unfortunately, these "managers" feel no inclination to honor the rules and guidelines on cultural tourism and provincial zoning laws already in place. Truly, if these "managers" can only ignore rules and regulations, they are not fit to be re-elected or allowed to rise in their bureaucratic careers.

The symptoms of verbalism and destination mismanagement have resulted in "cultureless" tourism products and unregulated development. South Bali builds hotels; East Bali, North Bali and Central Bali must follow suit. One regency develops an elephant safari park, other regencies do the same, not wishing to be left out. While other destinations have their 'managers' who seek a culture based on motor cross racing, gambling, alcohol, and sex tourism. There are other examples that could be cited that are even more incomprehensible and shocking.

Alas, if our vision is only expressed on paper, we are destined to act without vision and to eventually become lost in the dark.

To avoid darkness and destruction, and prevent Bali from becoming a destination of yesterday we must involve representatives from all walks of life in Bali to create a coordinated destination management program. According to the theory, management can only succeed in the presence of a clear goals; resources; formal cooperation guided by sufficient rule and regulation; work and the distribution of tasks; an organizational structure; management and workers; authority and responsibilities for every member of the organization; communication; coordination; integration; and delegation.

This is the real homework ahead for Bali's leaders over the coming five years.

Oberoi Resorts Indonesia have announced the appointment of Mrs. Sukesi Windyarini (Wiwin) as Sales Manager and Miss Ayu Rai Wardhani as Assistant Manager Sales at the company’s Sales & Marketing department.

Wiwin graduated from STP Bali Hotel and Tourism School and has worked at several luxury hotels in Bali for 11 years prior to joining Oberoi. Ayu graduated from Mapindo Hotel School and bring with her 9 years working experience in the tourism industry in Bali.

Wiwin and Ayu are joining the team of Ms. Dewi Trisnawati, Director of Sales, who oversees all sales functions for The Oberoi, Bali and The Oberoi, Lombok.“

Shown on balidiscovery.com are Mrs. Sukesi Windyarini (Wiwin) and Miss Ayu Wardhani with Ms. Dewi Trisnawati and Mr. Marc Denton, General Manager of The Oberoi, Bali.

The Oberoi Team

click image to enlarge

Among the Indonesian athletes proudly representing the Republic at the Beijing Olympic Games will be a young man more typically found on duty at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali leading the Resort's recreational team.

An avid wind surfer, Wayan Sujana first joined The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali in 1991 as a recreational attendant. He has always maintained a passion for extreme sports and over the years has participated in many tournaments, winning gold medals as a windsurfer. Now, as a senior athlete, he has been named the official coach for the Indonesian wind surfing team competing in the Beijing Olympics. While still serving as an active athlete, Sujana won the Bali Open in 1994, the pre-tournament National Championships in Jakarta as well as East Java in 1995 and 1999.

Sujana's first foray into coaching was in 2005 when his team won a silver medal in SEA Games in Manila. From there his coaching carrier began to soar and he then led his team to win gold as well as silver medals in prestigious events such as the Singapore Open, World Championship Hong Kong Open, Sailing Championship in Doha, ASEAN Games in Doha and the SEA Games. However, his crowning achievement to date is being chosen to be the official coach for the Indonesian wind surfing team competing in the Beijing Olympics.

Married with 3 children, Sujana is an easy going and fun loving person. He now leads the Recreational Team at The Westin Bali where his main goal is to ensure that guests receive energizing and renewing activities during their time at the Resort.

"We are extremely proud to have Sujana, represent Indonesia in the Beijing Olympics as the official coach of the wind surfing team. He not only represents Indonesia but also the spirit of all Westin associates at the resort. Sujana is a perfect Brand champion and a role model to all of us." commented Bipan Kapur, General Manager of The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali.

Wayan Sujana on Duty at Nusa Dua

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Bali’s Jari Menari Spa (Dancing Fingers) has received some well-deserved publicity in a recent edition of TIME Magazine (ASIA).

In an article entitled "Nice Touch" by Cynthia Rosenfeld, the interesting life-journey of American Susan Stein who began teaching her Balinese gardener and security staff how to give massages to her house guests is briefly retold. From these humble beginnings Susan's now runs one of Bali's best spas, while traveling the globe from Morocco to Bermuda to Italy with her team sharing their massage expertise.

[TIME MAGAZINE ARTICLE on “Jari Menari”]

Indonesian masks are among the most exotic in the world, but many traditional mask-makers have given up their precious legacy in pursuit of more lucrative fields of endeavor. In collaboration with Tempo Gallery and The House of Masks, Bali's Jenggala has gathered an exhibition of antique masks from all over Indonesia in hopes of reviving appreciation for this extraordinary heritage.

Tiempo Gallery is the home to one of Indonesia's most extensive collections of original antiques, artifacts and objects d'art gathered from across Indonesia. An exhibition at Jenggala August 14 – September 19 2008 will present some of the finest items from the Tiempo Gallery Collection representing masks and textiles with covering over 200 years of Indonesian history. These ancient legacies come from all over the archipelago, stretching from Sumatra to Papua New Guinea.

Kubu Bingin, The House of Masks, is devoted to keeping the art of Indonesian masks alive through a combination of education, conservation and entertainment. The new exhibition highlights a dozen of their favorite items from their 1,020-piece collection, including comical figures from traditional performances and exceptional ritual masks found in ancient caves in Kalimantan.

Items from the Tiempo Gallery Collection items will be offered for sale at the current exhibition, the rare items from Kubu Bingin will not.

Based in Bali, an island renowned for its creative artwork, the Jenggala Gallery is located at Jenggala Keramik a leading producer of high-quality, handcrafted ceramics. Their workshop draws upon the talents of 190 Balinese craftspeople and is inspired by the wealth and diversity of Indonesian culture.

Jenggala Mask and Textiles

For more information contact Jenggala at Jalan Uluwatu II in Jimbaran. Telephone ++62-(0)361-703311

[Jenggala Website]

Time to get "wrapped in Ropp."

Paul Ropp - one of the world's leading fashion brands with roots in Bal founded by the man whose fashion vision is "based on sun and fun ... clothes for people who want sensual freedom and movement or prefer to be naked" is holding their long awaited annual warehouse sales in Bali September 3-8, 2008.

For 5 Days Only - An Inexpensive Alternative to Nudity

Sought by the fashion conscious the world over, Paul Ropp's line of clothing for men and women and fashion accessories will be available at the annual factory showroom and warehouse sale - September 3-7, 2008.

The Paul Ropp Warehouse is located near the Kerobokan prison, on Jalan Pengubengan 1X.

For more information telephone +62-(0)361-730023 or +62-(0)361-731002.

[Paul Ropp Website]

Promised badly needed cash injections from the Government, a change in senior management and a difficult decision to terminate nearly half of its employees are among the steps now being made to save PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines (MZ) from complete collapse.

On Wednesday, August 6, 2008, MZ's President Director Cucuk Suryo Surpojo and Operations Director Abbhy Widya were summoned to the Ministry of State-owned enterprises and summarily terminated from their positions. Cucuk was replaced by Bambang Bhakti, the former Director of the Jakarta International Cargo Terminal, while Abbhy's position was assumed by Captain Nikmatullah Rahmatullah Zaman. Also moving into key positions at MZ are Hotlan Siagian as the Director of Maintenance and Engineering, and Robby Eduardo Quento as the Airline's Director of Finance.

In announcing the management shake-up to the press, MZ's Corporate Secretary, Purwatmo, said the changes were being made to help hasten the current restructuring of the "critically ill" state-owned airline. "It is hope that the funds needed for restructuring will be made available in September 2008, allowing the restructuring to move ahead quickly," explained Purwantmo.

According to Bisnis Indonesia, the government will soon inject Rp. 300 billion (US$32.6 million) into MZ, with much of that sum to be used to pay the cost of golden handshake termination packages for 1,300 employees who will lose their jobs in the restructuring.

The decision to suspend nearly 50% of the MZ work force was made following a limited cabinet meeting with President Yudhoyono where it was determined that the airline could not survive with its current bloated payroll. Meanwhile, surplus pilots will be seconded by MZ to Garuda Indonesia which continues to suffer a shortage of qualified flight officers.

The restructured MZ will reportedly focus on serving "pioneer" routes to secondary destinations in Indonesia, primarily in Eastern Indonesia. In keeping with its route network, MZ will soon move its corporate headquarters from Jakarta to Makassar in Southern Sulawesi.

Related Article

[VP Kalla Calls for Urgent Reorganization of Merpati Airline]

International hotelier and hospitality legend Erhard Hotter celebrated his birthday with a small group of colleagues and friends on August 7, 2008 at the soon-to-be-opened St. Regis Bali Resort in Nusa Dua.

A hotelier known for his immense charm and impeccable taste, Hotter’s birthday party presented a memorable evening of outstanding food, fine wines, live music, and artistic performance against the backdrop of Bali's newest and arguably most luxurious resorts, pitched by its creators to assume instant hierarchical supremacy on an island already home to the world's finest resorts.

Opening on September 15, 2008, and managed by hotel veteran Frank Beck, the 121 suite and villa property is spread lightly over an 8.8 hectare seaside site at Nusa Dua and seems certain to woo those seeking the latest take on understated elegance, luxurious accommodation and a pampered lifestyle.

Erhard Hotter, who now serves as CEO of the PT Rajawali, the Resort's Owners, has been on hand over the past month to lend his valuable expertise and meticulous attention to every detail of the Resort's finishing touches and staff training.

A Religious Experience

Based on the preview provided to those on the birthday list, guests at the St. Regis should be forgiven for thinking they have arrived at a religious shrine instead of a six-star resort; such was the frequency we heard audible gasps "Oh my god" from guests as they encountered yet another aspect of the Resort's elegant demeanor. Vehicles approaching the hotel pass over a massive bridge before disembarking and passing into the spacious reception area. Boneka, inspired by Indonesian puppetry and presenting a carnival ambience - will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner just off the main lobby. On the opposite side of the welcoming esplanade, the Resort's King Cole Bar features fine wines and expertly prepared cocktails in a sophisticated piano bar setting. A short electric cart ride away from the lobby brings you to the Kayu Putih beachside restaurant, dramatically cast and destined to become Bali's chic new place to "do" lunches and dinners.

Happy Birthday Erhard

Hotter's birthday dinner was held inside the Resort's Cloud Nine wedding chapel – a glass-walled and chandeliered-ceiling structure set on a podium of cascading fire and water.

For That Which We are About to Receive . . .

Occupying the evening hours until midnight when Hotter officially turned a year older was an eleven-course menu, which – like the hotel itself – evoked mumbled oaths, akin to saying grace, timed with the appearance of each new amazing course of food. And, as God is my witness, the delicacies prepared by the St. Regis culinary team represent the very epitome of sinful temptation. This remarkable repast was accompanied by fine wines carefully matched by the St. Regis' sommelier.

At midnight, over-satiated guests waddled their way slowly to the chapel's seaside veranda where live piano music, Moet and Chandon and a flaming Baked Alaska were on offer while guests witnessed an original dance performance by Bali's world-renowned contemporary dance genius – Nyoman Sura.

Shown on balidiscovery.com are pictures from Erhard Hotter's birthday celebration and the magnificent St. Regis Bali Resort set to open on September 15, 2008.

Erhard Hotter's Birthday Party

click image to enlarge