BALI – Latest Updates-Om Swastiastu ...

In an announcement certain to reverberate through real estate circles in Bali, the Agrarian Minister and Land Agency Chief warns foreigner “owning” land in Indonesia that the State may expropriate their land.

Leading the news this week: An Australian woman has been found dead, apparently of natural causes, in a Legian Hotel room. The National Narcotic Enforcement Agency labels Kuta as hazardous “red zones. And a German National is sentenced to 15-years in prison for attempting to smuggle cocaine into Bali.

The corruption court in Denpasar heard last week from an investor who says he paid the former Regent of Klungkung large sums to illegally obtain permits to open a Casino Resort on Nusa Penida.

PT TWBI – the company seeking to reclaim and develop Benoa Bay is accused of railroading public hearings to prevent those opposed to the project form being heard.



The Rupiah is undergoing a rapid depreciation, now trading at more than Rp. 13,000 to one US Dollar. We have three articles covering the Rupiah’s turmoil: Indonesia’s Tourism Minister thinks a weak Rupiah will bring more tourists to Indonesia. The Ministry of Finance declares Hotels collecting payments in dollar will enjoy leniency as regards mandatory Rupiah pricing rules from Bank Indonesia. Meanwhile, tourists report they are enjoying the sudden spurt in purchasing power provided by the Rupiah.

In a related editorial, we question the wisdom of how tour and travel agents are taxed in Indonesia.

Other news covered this week: We look at a forum challenging plans to ban the sale of beer on Bali’s beaches. The Manpower Minister renews his pledge to control and reduce the number of foreign workers in Indonesia. Indian tourist numbers to Bali are up 47.52% for the first two months of 2015. And, Governor Pastika invites Danish investors to help supply Bali with solar energy.

Aviation News: Garuda is cited as Indonesia’s only airline that meets IATA’s strict Air Safety Standards.

Hotel News: The Deputy Regent of Badung declares that The Crystal on the Bay Project exceeds the maximum building height rules by 8 meters. The Soleil at The Mulia Resort Resort offers ‘Family Style Dinners’ each Friday and Saturday Night. Karangasem is cracking down on 11 illegal villas operating in the regency. And, the Westin Resort Nusa Dua opens two shops offering exclusive Bali merchandise from their shopping arcade.

An Indonesian culinary expert criticizes Indonesian restaurants in overseas locations for their failure to create authentic Indonesian flavors.

Bali Hai Cruises turns 25 with a party for its passengers on board the Bali Hai II.

Read how one of Indonesia’s most gifted musicians – Indra Lesmana - has moved to Bali.

Looking Ahead:

• Bali Culinary Professions Meet at The Bali Dynasty on Friday, March 28, 2015.
• “Women in Love” Painting Exhibition by Teguh Ritma Iman at Ganesha Gallery, through May 14, 2015.
• Exhibition of Paintings by Nyoman Sujana Kenyam in North Bali, through March 29, 2015.
• Travel Agent Association of India (TAAI) to Meet in Nusa Dua, Bali, March 26-29, 2015.
• International Women’s Conference in Bali, April 5-6, 2015.
• Rotary Club of Bali Seminyak ‘Bali will Rock like Broadway’ on Friday, April 10, 2015.
• Bali and Beyond Travel Fair, June 10-14, 2015.
• 4th BII Maybank Bali International Marathon on Sunday, August 30, 2015.
• Seven Star Global Luxury Awards on September 19, 2015 in Bali. Be sure to vote!
• International (ICEVI) Conference on Education for the Visually Impaired in Bali, September 28-October 1, 2015.
• World Congress of Consuls in Bali, October 15-18, 2015.
• 2015 Herbalife Bali International Triathlon on October 25, 2015.

 

 

Om Çanti Çanti Çanti Om ...

J.M. Daniels,
Editor Bali Update
Bali Discovery Tours