Vol. 1/june 18-june 24, 2015

‘NegtegaNg’ ‘Mekare-kare’ Back to culture

Bali arts Festival

2 june 18, 2015

PT BINA MEDIA TENGGARA I EDIToRIAl AND GENERAl DEPARTMENTjl. Tukad Musi VI/17 Kav.1 Renon Denpasar Bali (0361) 265 436, 265 437 Fax (0361) 223 698 jpbali@indosat.net.id, advertisingbali@thejakartapost.com, promotionbali@thejakartapost.com

‘Mekare-kare’ an extraordinary fish market04 05

from THE EdiTor

Board of Directors Jusuf Wanandi, Cherly P. Santoso, Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, Riyadi Suparno I Editor in Chief/Guarantor Meidyatama Suryodiningrat

Editor I Wayan Juniarta I Contributing Editor Rita A. Widiadana I Editorial Staff Desy Nurhayati, Bram Setiawan, Anton Muhajir, Alit Kertaraharja, Ni Komang Erviani, Luh De Suriyani, Wasti Atmodjo I Photographers Agung Parameswara, Lukman SB, Zul Trio Anggono, Anggara MahendraGraphic Designer Budhi Hartono, Sunaryo, Mohamad Soleh

General Manager Wiradiatma Wijoga I Advertising Kadek Ita Noviyanti, Ngurah Agung I Circulation Slamet Sunarno I Promotions Mirah Adi

ConTEnTs

Cover Photo: agung Parameswara

Vadya Vrinda orchestra

Pura Pusering jagat

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06

Bali and Beyond Travel Fair 2015

Back to culture

‘Tepeng’

‘negtegang’

Bali arts Festival

From this week until mid-july is the perfect period for those who love Balinese traditional arts to visit the island. The annual Bali arts Festival is in full swing, which means there are multiple performances on a daily basis at the sprawling Werddhi Budaya art Center on jl. nusa Indah, Denpasar.

Dances, dance-dramas, shadow puppet shows, gamelan concerts, painting exhibitions and so many more activities will turn the place into the liveliest and most educating site on the island, culture-wise.

In the past, scholars and casual observers alike noted that the festival played an important role in familiarizing visitors and Balinese youths with the island’s cultural legacy. It made them aware that Balinese traditional art is rich with variations and innovations, that it has never been a single, uniform, monolithic structure.

For casual visitors, the festival also boasts the largest craft exhibition, where every imaginable product produced by the island’s artisans can be found, as well as a huge food court serving local cuisine.

— The Editor

art-y party

3june 18, 2015

images

Two powerful spotlights moving ceaselessly crafted an illusion of glittering waves at Pantai Karang beach in Sanur Tuesday night throughout “Serpih dan Dentum”, the first Sprites event in 2015.

Dj electrondust, a banker by day and single malt gulper by night, manipulated his digital turntable to produce soaring sounds that awoke the night, while the night’s main man, Ridwan Rudianto, an introvert videographer known for his adept editing skills, watched in expectation as his video art projected onto multiple screens installed high around the stage. Both found a way to provide a visual and musical response to a short poem penned earlier in the day by ubud’s writer, Kadek Purnami.

The night also saw a Taichi demonstration, solo drum performance by edo Wulia and guitar performance by Dadang Pranoto of navicula and Dialog Dini Hari fame. It was a night of eclectic offerings, the principal trait of Sprites.

Conceived and launched in 2014 by Yoka Sara, Bali-born internationally recognized architect and art aficionado, Sprites is aimed at bringing back two major elements of Balinese traditional arts: the collaborative-based creative process and spiritual homage.

artists and creators from different fields are invited to respond to a specific theme — this year the main theme is water - and work together to create a coherent art performance dedicated to nature’s elements, staged during tilem, the night of a new moon.

sprites #1“CollaBoRaTIVe aRT eVenT enTeRS ITS SeConD YeaR”WoRDS I Wayan JunIarta PHoToS anggara Mahendra

4 june 18, 2015

sight

I Putu Sudirka was cheerfully chatting with his friends while waiting for his turn in the most awaited event in his village — mekare-kare, the pandanus war, part of the

annual Ngusaba Sambah ceremony performed by the indigenous Balinese community of Tenganan in Tenganan Penggringsingan village, Karangasem, east Bali.

The 12-year-old proudly grabbed his “weapon”, a 30-centimeter long thorny pandanus leaf and a rattan shield. “Warm up first,” he told the members of his team.

There was no sign of fear or anxiety on the face of this young boy, who has already taken part in the war ritual four times. “My first time in battle was when I was eight years old,” he said.

He said he had first wanted to participate when he saw his friends doing so. “I talked to my parents and they allowed me to join in. This is a ritual for Tenganan boys and men. We have to do this ritual,” he said.

“When I first took part, I was shaking and felt scared. But once I was in the arena, everything just went naturally. I hit at my ‘enemies’ and they did the same to me.”

I Wayan Yasa, head of Tenganan Penggringsingan village, explained that the

pandanus war was compulsory for all males of the village.

“There is no age limit, but we pair boys and men of the same age when they wage battle,” he said, pointing out that there were no rules or requirements for the battle ritual.

“Courage is the only requirement, really. every pair of participants can create their own regulations, such as avoiding the neck or face. The rest just comes naturally.”

The mekare-kare was performed on june 8 and 9 this year in two separate village meeting places. The battle took place on an elevated open stage for two to three hours in the afternoon, with each round lasting from several seconds to one minute.

To encourage participants, a selonding gamelan ensemble played vigorous music throughout the ritual.

“The battle is a ritual, so there is no winner or loser in these fights,” noted Yasa.

Battle participants were only allowed to wear kamen, long cloths wrapped around their waists, and traditional headgear. The upper part of their torso was bare.

“The thorns of the pandanus leaves are not dangerous when the barbs strike human skin,”

‘Mekare-kare’“SHeDDIng BlooD To HonoR InDRa,

THe goD oF WaR”WoRDS anD PHoToS BraM SetIaWan

said Yasa. To be safe, the women of the village had

prepared a paste consisting of turmeric, galangal, vinegar, coconut oil and other herbs to heal any wounds. Prior to mixing the traditional herbs, the women had performed a purification ritual.

Yasa said that the tradition of the pandanus battle had originated from their belief that they had to make a blood sacrifice to the god Indra as their Yadnya.

“When the boys and men shed their blood during the battle, this is the ultimate sacrifice to the god of war, Indra,” he said.

The battle also reflected the courage, perseverance and endurance needed to become a village warrior, he noted.

Before the battle, the participants poured each other palm wine to drink before the ritual. afterwards, all the participants joined in the megibung communal dining. after enjoying their meal, the women treated the men’s wounds with the herbal paste.

“The people of Tenganan believe this battle tradition is a form of devotion to their god and shows their dedication to the community,” Yasa said.

5june 18, 2015

“get to know your seafood before you eat it” was the core message behind the campaign for responsible seafood

consumption by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Indonesia.

Taking place on Kuta Beach last weekend, the event, themed “Bukan Pasar Ikan Biasa” (an extraordinary fish market) was part of a seafood campaign held in conjunction with World ocean Day on june 8 and Coral Triangle Day on june 9.

The campaign, which was also conducted online through the hashtag #BeliYangBaik (buy the good stuff), was aimed at raising consumer awareness, encouraging the public to only choose seafood resulting from responsible and environmentally friendly practices.

“By paying close attention to the type of seafood that we eat, we can help revive our ocean and sustain it for generations to come,” said Dwo aryo Tjiptohandono, WWF Indonesia’s marine and fisheries campaign coordinator.

“We ask consumers to be aware and be critical of the source of seafood they eat, including asking the sellers or the fishermen how it was caught.”

The improved awareness will hopefully lead to behavioral changes and cause people to eat seafood more responsibly.

according to WWF, the oceans are now facing many major challenges due to overfishing, destructive and illegal fishing, with

sight

An extrAordinAry fish mArketWoRDS deSy nurhayatI PHoToS antOn MuhaJIr

“CaMPaIgnIng FoR ReSPonSIBle SeaFooD ConSuMPTIon”

61 percent of the world’s commercial marine fish stocks fully exploited and 29 percent overfished.

unwanted bycatch, which continues to threaten many endangered species, and poor management measures have resulted in uS$23.5 billion annually being lost to illegal, unreported and unregulated catches.

unsustainable fishing practices and habitat destruction are threatening many fisheries with worldwide collapse. However, at the same time, some remain healthy and productive due to successful management, responsible harvesting and advanced fishing practices.

Yet the solutions are in consumers’ hands, because the seafood they choose can determine whether tomorrow’s generations will continue to enjoy the oceans’ riches.

WWF is working with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) to promote sustainable seafood products along the entire “chain of custody” - from the ocean all the way to the consumers’ plate. Both organizations encourage key retailers and buyers to create demand and provide MSC-certified products in their stores.

“We also encourage fishermen and retailers to pledge that they have the responsibility to explain to consumers how they obtained the

products,” Dwi added.Since choosing sustainable seafood can be challenging, WWF has

also made it easy for consumers by creating an easy-to-use Seafood guide to help identify smart choices. The guide is available as a booklet that can be easily carried, as well as a mobile app that is always at your fingertips.

6 june 18, 2015

sight

Pura Pusering jagat is one of hundreds of important temples on the island of Bali. located in Pejeng village in gianyar, the 100-meter tall temple

is considered the center, or navel, of the universe, a position that has very high spiritual significance for the people of Pejeng.

The word puser in Balinese means center or navel, while jagat means universe. like other temples and historical buildings in Pejeng, Pusering jagat temple contains countless precious antiquities and archaeological remains of high religious and cultural value.

Pusering jagat temple is one of the six pura sad kahyangan jagat (grand directional temples), along with Besakih, the island’s mother temple, in Karangasem, east Bali. according to Balinese Hinduism, the temples play a hugely significant role as the spiritual pivotal points of the island and its people.

Pura Pusering jagat consists of several shrines and courtyards with a highly ornate, carved traditional split gate.

The temple has a very distinctive point of interest — a one meter-high stone holy water container elaborately adorned with detailed reliefs portraying the Hindu myth of “the churning of the milky sea”.

I Putu eka lila Wistara, a local villager, explained that the people in Pejeng and surrounding villages had many diverse versions of this myth. “The water container, or bejana, is called sangku sudamala, which symbolizes the elixir of immortal life,” said

Wistara, a student of udayana university’s School of archaeology.

Data from the Bali archaeology agency reveals that the temple is believed to have been built in 1251 in the Caka calendar, or 1329 in the gregorian calendar, during a time when the east javan Majapahit Kingdom had great influence over the island of Bali.

“In 1952, the bejana was seriously renovated. The cracks were repaired and it is now positioned under a structure providing shade to protect it from the sun and humidity,” he said.

The temple is also home to other important icons, including the lingam and yoni, the male and female symbols that signify fertility and the origins of life. a large number of newlyweds visit the temple’s shrines to pray for prosperity and happiness.

There is also a large circular object that looks like a pond, yet is dry. The people of Pejeng strongly believe that this is an invisible lake, or telaga maya, connecting the temple with the ocean around nusa Penida. Based on historical accounts written on ancient lontar, Pura Pusering jagat has also been known as Pura Pusering Tasik, which means the center of the ocean.

“There are a large variety of versions of the legends and histories of this temple. People just honor this place of worship and love to listen to the centuries-old stories surrounding it,” Wistara said.

pura pusering Jagat“a SYMBol oF THe CenTeR oF THe unIVeRSe”

WoRDS anD PHoToS BraM SetIaWan

7june 18, 2015

art

Music and dance are inseparable from the lives of Indian people.

In many Bollywood-style Indian movies, movie lovers are spoiled

with energetic dances and vigorous music. In recent years, Indian film music has been orchestrated to a certain extent.

last weekend, as part of the 37th Bali arts Festival, the Indian Consulate general office in Bali held a performance of Sahabat India, or Friends of India, a special event that is part of Festival India.

The event featured the distinguished Vadya Vrinda orchestra, which performed a fusion of traditional folk, classical and modern Indian music, including the popular hit “Dil To Pagal Hai”, released in 1997 from the Indian movie of the same name.

For the Indonesian, especially Balinese, audience, watching this extraordinary orchestra was a rarity.

established in new Delhi in 1952, Vadya Vrinda, or the national orchestra, has become a legend and is a living legacy of the country’s most prominent composers and musicians. It is a unique and innovative instrumental representation providing a harmonious blend of sophisticated Indian classical music that also makes use of traditional folk instruments, such as santoor, sitar and tabla.

over the years, Vadya Vrinda has brought together eminent artists, including Ravi Shankar, Panna lal gosh, emani Shankar Shastri and TK jayaram, whose landmark compositions for the orchestra stand as testimony to their creative excellence and mastery.

Vadya Vrinda orchestra “BRIngIng THe RICHneSS oF InDIan MuSIC To an InDoneSIan auDIenCe”

WoRDS anD PHoToS anggara Mahendra

Before Vadya Vrinda was formed, India had traditional instrumental orchestra-style music derived from Natyashastra, ancient Indian literature establishing Indian music, theater, dance and arts.

Ravi Shankar, the most globally known Indian musician, became director of music at all-India Radio from 1949 to 1956 and, during this period, Vadya Vrinda experimented widely with Indian classical and folk music. When TK jayarama Iyer joined, he focused on Karnatak music, while Shankar handled the Hindustani compositions.

The one-hour performance by Vadya Vrinda orchestra at Bali arts Festival certainly enriched

the musical appreciation of the audience, showcasing the richness and uniqueness of Indian orchestral music.

The beautifully structured compositions during the concert mesmerized the audience. Such a world-class performance adds value to the annual Bali arts Festival and will certainly tighten the bond between the Balinese and Indian people.

The music went far beyond any cultural and geographic boundaries and perfectly reflected the concert’s theme — Sahabat India, Friends of India.

8 june 18, 2015

WoRDS I Wayan JunIarta PHoToS anggara Mahendra

Cover story

Bali arts Festival“an annual CeleBRaTIon oF THe ISlanD’S DIVeRSe anD VIBRanT aRTISTIC HeRITage”

WoRDS nI KOMang ervIanI PHoToS agung ParaMeSWara

9june 18, 2015

as the sound of Gong Beri traditional ensemble filled the air, the festivity of the one-month long Bali arts Festival could be felt around the Renon

field area, where the street cultural parade culminated on Saturday afternoon.

a performance by hundreds of students and lecturers from the Indonesian arts Institute (ISI) Denpasar marked the opening of the much-awaited annual arts festival, with Siwa Natharaja dance performances, an official dance of the Bali arts Festival. Siwa Natharaja portrays lord Siwa the Destroyer as the highest choreographer and dancer, who created the universe through his dance. lord Shiva is the cosmic dancer and the patron god of artists and performers. The annual Bali arts Festival uses Siwa Natharaja as a symbol of the event.

In a change from previous Bali arts Festival street parades, ISI Denpasar did not perform the Adhi Merdangga, a Balinese-style marching band, for the Siwa Natharaja dance, taking the opportunity to perform their newest Balinese-style marching band creation, Ketug Bumi. The Ketug Bumi performance has a more powerful and rhythmic beat through the use of the hard characters of musical instruments, such as kendang (drums), ceng-ceng (cymbals) and okokan (wooden cowbells).

The name Ketug Bumi appropriately derives from the words ketug (vibrate) and bumi (earth), and the musical instruments really did seem to make the earth vibrate.

Many traditional arts performances from across the island showed the richness of Balinese culture during the parade. all

the regencies displayed their own special performances, highlighting their hometown characteristics through dance, traditional fashion shows, as well as decorated floats.

Denpasar city displayed endek, the traditional Balinese woven textile that has been popularized by the municipality. Karangasem displayed its best, famous traditional woven geringsing cloth, a handmade fabric with sacred motifs created using a rare double-ikat method from the traditional village of Tenganan.

arts performances were also featured from other provinces and overseas, including West lampung, east nusa Tenggara, Bantul, India and Timor leste.

about 15,000 artists performed during the street parade, which started from the Bali governor’s office and ended at the Bajra Sandhi monument, where the VVIP stage stood. Many officials watched the street parade from the stage, including Tourism Minister arief Yahya, Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo, Bali governor Made Mangku Pastika, Deputy Bali governor Ketut Sudikerta and the consuls general from several countries, as well as many of Bali’s prominent figures.

For many Balinese, the opening ceremony of this year’s arts festival felt a little incomplete as President joko Widodo failed to attend the street parade and officially open the biggest fiesta on the island. For many years, the festival has been opened by the nation’s president; during the 10 years of his administration, president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was never absent.

This year, the tourism minister took over the

tradition, striking the wooden cowbells to mark the official opening of Bali arts Festival. a grand Balinese dance-drama, Ayodya Kertanegara, from the famous Ramayana epic, was the highlight of the opening ceremony.

During the official opening ceremony at ardha Candra in Bali arts Center Denpasar on Saturday night, Culture and elementary and Secondary education Minister anies Baswedan also attended and made a speech.

Meanwhile, arief conveyed his appreciation of the festival and the cultural activity that had always been inherent in daily Balinese life, which positively supported the province’s economy and helped to place cultural tourism as the island’s backbone.

“Cultural development will strengthen tourism development. Tourism development will strengthen cultural development. That is what we call cultural industry. Bali has extremely large potential for cultural industry. I feel sure that Bali can beat the world in this,” said arief, representing the President.

Meanwhile, anies said that the Bali arts Festival had never failed to be held from year to year, proving that Bali was the barometer of art and culture. “In Bali, we no longer talk of art as a livelihood, but art as life,” he said.

Pastika said that the festival showed strong appreciation of Balinese artists, as well as serving as a communication tool between artists. “This event is very strategic, not only in preserving traditional Balinese arts but also to

revitalize art’s value,” he said.The arts festival was first held in 1979, when

then Bali governor Ida Bagus Mantra decided the government should provide the space and funding to promote local culture to nurture an aesthetic community. The one-month festival is now always held while Indonesian schools are on holiday. Thousands of people from across the island, including domestic and foreign tourists, are expected to visit the festival every day to enjoy the multitude of art performances, including dance, theater, music and art exhibitions, being staged every day at the Bali arts Center until july 11.

Twenty-six art groups from outside Bali will also participate in the festival, including those from Banten, jakarta and Yogyakarta, as well as from australia, India, japan, Timor leste and the uS.

10 june 18, 2015

savor

every morning, starting at 6 a.m., food sellers across gianyar regency offer an array of breakfast meals.

In almost every corner of the villages and traditional markets, food stalls serve babi guling (roast suckling pig), tipat kuah (steamed rice wrapped in coconut leaves served with chicken broth), nasi ayam (steamed rice served with spicy grated chicken meat) and a large number of other dishes.

But for many gianyar residents, eating tepeng for breakfast is almost obligatory.

Tepeng is a traditional meal originating from this regency. It is a hot, spicy rice porridge flavored with basa genep (a complete mix of spices and herbs) usually served with stir-fried vegetables and fried onion. The savory tepeng is prepared on a banana leaf, similar to a pancake.

The stir-fried vegetables consist of red beans, bean sprouts, young jackfruit, eggplant and kelor leaves.

at Tirta empul water palace, near Tampak Siring, Desak Putu Sari is famous for her delicious tepeng. She has been selling the savory dish since she was 8 years old.

Desak has never thought of making a lot of money from the sales of her tepeng. “I feel happy when people enjoy my food,” said Desak.

However, she only opens her food stall at 3 a.m. “I only sell tepeng in the morning during important religious celebrations,” she said.

Sold for only Rp 2,000 (19 uS cents), tepeng is a healthy and inexpensive meal. But more importantly, visiting a tepeng food stall is a social activity to meet other people and share the news of the day.

‘Tepeng’WoRDS ayuWulanPraMI PHoToS agung ParaMeSWara

“a unIque Meal FRoM gIanYaR”

11june 18, 2015

The middle-aged ni Ketut Rami looked tired but happy as she carried a bamboo container full of an offering of fruit, cakes and flowers from agung

gunung Raung temple to her humble home in Taro village in gianyar.

The woman walked along a rocky road amid yellowing rice fields to reach her home, located around two kilometers from the temple.

The village is still blessed with vast rice fields that are currently almost ready for harvest, but there are already numerous men working on the construction of a luxury villa in the midst of this agricultural area.

Taro is close to ubud, home to hundreds of hotels, villas and luxury residences. “The local officials once said that building on rice fields was prohibited. But now people have started to violate the regulation,” complained Rami.

Rami is only a laborer, working for the owner of the rice fields. “That’s why I could only afford to create a very simple offering. The other

women in the village had lavish offerings, some were one-meter high tegteg [a wooden container filled with colorful fresh fruit, cakes and flowers] for this special occasion,” she said.

The residents of Taro village had been holding a ritual called Negtegan to observe the planting cycle. The ritual also showed thankfulness and gratitude for robust harvests.

This year’s event took place on full moon night, on june 2, although the ritual had started 15 days earlier on tilem, the night when the moon is not visible.

During the ceremony, every family, mostly farmers, presented their best offerings and placed them in the temple’s Bale Agung hall.

at the peak of the ceremony, every woman carried her offering on her head and walked around the temple complex three times.

Taro village holds various rituals related to farming.

“In the past, the village only held the ritual once a year. now, we have to do it twice a year

‘negtegang’ “a RITual To PRoTeCT FaRMS In TaRo VIllage”WoRDS anD PHoToS luh de SurIyanI

because we plant rice twice a year,” said Made Wisersa, village head of Taro Kaja.

The ritual began with the making of offerings and traditional cakes made of sticky rice and brown sugar.

When the farmers started planting the seeds, the villagers held a ritual to sprinkle holy water on the farmland.

“all the rituals are intended to spiritually protect our farmland and to provide farmers with spiritual strength and guidance to farm traditionally,” said Madri, noting that the majority of farmers in Taro had never used

chemical pesticides and fertilizers. “But some are ‘naughty’ and do use pesticide,” he added.

In addition to this ritual, the village also imposes strict rules and sanctions farmers who sell their farmland, as well as sanctioning those who purchase fertile land. Buyers have to pay for five sacks of rice at the time of purchase and then pay for 10 kilograms of rice per 100 square meters of land when they are ready to build.

Despite all this, the Taro farmers are now facing huge challenges in accessing water for their farms.

sight

12 june 18, 2015

In its second year, Bali and Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) has gained many accolades from both sellers and buyers with successful improvements on last year.

The four-day event turned into a melting pot for stakeholders in the tourist industry, where 176 sellers — including travel agents, hotels and regional tourism agencies, held business-to-business meetings with 171 buyers from 28 countries.

even though there was a decrease in the number of participants compared to last year, transactions increased. on the last day, transactions closed at Rp 9.478 trillion (uS$709.4 million), a significant rise from last year’s Rp 6.291 trillion.

The chairman of the BBTF organizing committee, Ketut ardana, said, “even though buyer participation declined by 30 percent this year, they were of a higher quality, resulting in transactions worth Rp 9.4 trillion.”

He said buyer selection was tighter this year. “This proves that the strategy for this year’s event has delivered better results for both buyers and sellers.”

Sellers from hotels, attractions and tour companies across Indonesia set up booths at the event, including delegates from Bali, West java, Central java, Toraja, Makassar, Flores, lombok, Sumbawa, Riau Islands and Tanjung Puting.

In terms of buyers, BBTF exceeded all

expectations. “even though there were fewer buyers, they expressed greater interest in our destinations and were keen to do business,” said girda Safitri, marketing manager for the Destination Management organization of Flores.

Sellers found the event to be extremely beneficial for the tourism sector, as indicated by the rising number of overseas buyers showing an interest in destinations beyond Bali.

The organizers utilized Bali’s established reputation as an international tourist destination to springboard interest in other Indonesian destinations and put them in the global spotlight. Bali contributes nearly 40 percent to total traveler numbers to Indonesia.

Three days of the event were specifically dedicated to pre-scheduled appointments between buyers and sellers, while the final day was open to the public with the aim of showcasing Indonesia’s diversity and the beauty of various destinations to potential customers.

Buyers were also happy and felt that everything had been well organized.

archie Foster, director of Strategy asia exchange Travel in australia said: “The show has made advances over last year, even though this is still a new event. This is important not only for Bali but for all of Indonesia and I hope the government will lend more support to this

tourism

Bali and Beyond traVel Fair 2015

WoRDS deSy nurhayatI PHoToS COurteSy OF BBtF

“PRoMoTIng THe BeauTY oF InDoneSIan DeSTInaTIonS BeYonD BalI”

event.” Foster also praised the inclusion of

more Indonesian regions this year, thereby introducing more destinations across the archipelago to the world’s travelers.

“It’s been a good experience for me as I have managed to talk with some hoteliers and gather more information about Bali. This kind of event is extremely helpful for us as travel agents to help us source relevant information about the destinations for potential clients.

I have also gained valuable details about lombok and my agency is really keen to explore the island and its attributes,” said grace Ballon from Ritz and grace Travel in Manila.

overseas buyers also found that they received good information on products outside Bali that they could feature for side trips, as they believed that the market needed educating that there was a whole lot more to Indonesia than Bali.

13June 18, 2015

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Soap-making class, 4 hours, Rp 1 mill. Call 0813 287 16169, kesambibali@gmail.com

Swimming, private courses. For more information please call 0818 054 19300

Web design, SEO, and video editing service. Portfolio : www.creativewebdesign.com Contact : 0819 9938 5206

Wood & composite decking specialist & carpenter. Email : woodworking.bali@yahoo.co.id 081999857305

www.BaliShoot.com. Affordable commercial advertis-ing photography.

On May 29, Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran marked its second anniversary with a party to showcase a mixture of sip, savor and fashion celebration. Part of the Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran features a unique combination of chic and contemporary style in its architectural and interior design. The sumptuous suites hint at Bali’s artistic legacy, while presenting a modern ambience. Giving a sense of place, Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran offers programs like Unlock Art, providing guests with preferred access to places such as the Neka Art Gallery, while the dining experience features international cuisine, French flair and Balinese influence through its Coffee Culture Program, its éclairs and Taste of Discovery, offering eye-openers to the brand experience.Speaking at the celebratory event, hotel manager Muhammad Yuslan said: “The hotel now stands as a premier property in the area and was ranked as one of the Best Honeymoon Resorts 2014 by Five Star Alliance. We are all extremely proud of what the property has become.”

Plataran Indonesia is greeting the Muslim holy month of fasting with the theme The Glorious Ramadhan, with special packages for individuals and families.Three-day-two-night packages are available at Plataran hotels and resorts across Indonesia, starting from Rp 5,888,888 (US$441.20) at Plataran Ubud Hotel & Spa, and Rp 7,888,888 at Plataran Canggu Resort & Spa, both packages include breakfast or an early sahur, one set menu dinner and airport transfers.For the more adventurous, Plataran also offers Lebaran packages on board its phinisi boat Plataran Bali, based from Labuan Bajo, Flores. At a cost of Rp 3,500,000 per person, with a minimum of six people, passengers can enjoy three meals, snorkeling equipment and a guide, visits to Rinca and Komodo islands and transportation to and from the airport.Other packages are also available at Plataran hotels, resorts, venues and dining establishments across Indonesia.Plataran holds to the concept of “The True Indonesia” and “The X’s – eXoticism, eXperience and eXcellent”, as well as the “Icon of Indonesia” at all its properties.

14 June 18, 2015

Promote your event with us! Call : 0361 265 436/7 or email to promotionbali@thejakartapost.com

Events

Calendar of EventsBBQ and Beats Every Friday and SaturdayFrom 4 – 7 p.m.Cocoon Beach ClubJl. Pantai Double Six, Kuta

Jazz and Blues Session Every Thursday, Friday and SaturdayFrom 9 p.m. – 11:45 p.m.Mannekepis Jazz and Blues BistroJl. Raya Seminyak, Kuta: (0361) 8475784

Kul Kul Farm Bali Open Day Every ThursdayFrom 8 - 11 a.m.Come and join the fun of sharing farm duties, workshops, etc.Kul Kul Farm BaliJl. Raya Sibang Kaja, Br. Saren, Abiansemal, BadungE-mail: kul@kulkulfarm.com

Made’s Warung Live Performances Balinese Dances Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, SundayLive MusicEvery Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, SaturdaySalsa DanceEvery SundayMade’s WarungJl. Raya Seminyak, Kuta: (0361) 755297

Petani Restaurant Special Performances Every Friday – BalawanJune 17 – Gus TejaStarts 7:30 p.m.Alaya UbudJl. Hanoman, Ubud: (0361) 972200

Sunset Beach Bar & GrillEvery SaturdayChill-out music, snack-style menu, true Balinese hospitality.Intercontinental Bali ResortJl. Uluwatu 45, Jimbaran: (0361) 701888Watch Worldwide Sports Events Live sports coverage at Meads, watch live AFL, NRL, Super Rugby, cricket, tennis, F1. Meads Boutique Villas HotelJl. Pratama No. 99, Tanjung Benoa: (0361) 776604

A Week of AW Kitchen Pasta House June 17 - 24Chef Hidekazu Tanaka of Akira Back’s AW Kitchen Pasta House Jakarta stirs up delicious new items daily.Friday June 19 Starts 7 p.m.Wine dinner & Art Exhibition openingVin+ SeminyakJl. Kayu Jati No. 1, Seminyak: (0361) 4732377www.vinplus.biz

Food & Drinks

CangguMilk & Madu Kid-friendly restaurant with great breakfast menu.Jl. Pantai Berawa No. 52, Canggu: (0361) 4081872

DEnpaSaR Black Canyon AmarisJl. Teuku Umar No. 139, Denpasar: (0361) 9378042 / 9378043

JImbaRanPaper Planes Enjoy peranakan food in our vintage garden house.Jl. Danau Batur Raya No. 22B, Taman Griya, Jimbaran: 081238311818

KERoboKanBumbak Coffee Authentic Umalas coffee.Jl. Bumbak No. 170, Kerobokan

Delizie Restaurant & Bar Specialist in pork ribs. A must-try while in Bali.Jl. Pengubengan Kauh, Kerobokan

KutaBlack Canyon Discovery Shopping MallJl. Kartika Plaza : (0361) 3700379

SEmInyaKCali Deli Serving Bahn Mie Vietnamese sandwiches with large choice of fillings and spreads.Jl. Nakula No. 7, Seminyak (opposite TS Suite)

tubanBlack Canyon Ngurah Rai International Airport : (0361) 8491805

Activities

Courses

Dance Lessons Dance for life. Jl. TangkubanPerahu No. 100x: (0361) 7452045

Gamelan Course – Mekar BhuanaLearn more about Balinese culture and music.Jl. Gandapura III No. 501X, Denpasar: (0361) 464 201

Gaya Ceramic Arts Center Private tutelage for individuals and small groups — potter’s wheel throwing techniques to hand-crafted sculptures.Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud: (0361) 7451413 or 976220

Sherrat Gallery/ BCACSurrealism painting and art class with Bruce SherratJl. Raya Andong Gg. Sawah, Ubud (between Gangga Sukta and BSA cargo): (0361) 978617 www.baliartclasses.com

W presents June 21

Sunset Session with Stephen Day (Electrocaine/SG)From 4 - 10 p.m.

Woobar at W Retreat BaliJl. Petitenget, Seminyak

: (0361) 4738106

Silversmithing Classes – Studio Perak Recommended by Lonely Planet. A relaxing place to explore your creativity and make that piece of silver jewelry you’ve been dreaming about! Jl. Hanoman, Ubud. : (0361) 974244info@studioperak.com

Tour & Travel Agent

Perama Tour & TravelBali, Lombok, Flores, all over Indonesia.Easy and safe at a reasonable price, all for your convenience.Head OfficeJl. Legian No. 39, Kuta : (0361) 751551, 751875, 750808www.peramatour.com

Rafting

Sobek Bali Largest transport network in Bali. Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles linked by radio to monitor client journeys. Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No. 257, Suwung Kangin, Denpasar: (0361) 729016

Shopping

Nirmala Supermarket Jl. Uluwatu II no. 10 Jimbaran, Phone (0361) 81470919Jl. Uluwatu Ungasan, Phone (0361) 705454Jl. Uluwatu Pecatu, Phone (0361) 7472303Jl. Uluwatu II no. 10 Jimbaran, Phone (0361) 81470919Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 81 Jimbaran, Phone (0361) 4729081

BintangPerum Dalung Permai Pertokoan A11 – A15, Kerobokan Kaja Jl. Raya Seminyak No. 17, KutaJl. Raya Campuhan No. 45, Ubud

Papaya Fresh Gallery Jl. Mertanadi, Kuta

DEnpaSaRMeraba AnginUntil June 20A group art exhibition by local and international artists.Shankara Art SpaceJl. Danau Toba No. 7, Sanur

Barong & Keris DanceEverydayStarts 9 a.m.Jl. Waribang No. 11 Kesiman, Denpasar

: (0361) 224596

Trash Stock Festival June 20 – 21A two-day exhibition of art made of recycled plastic or as a source of inspiration for photography and paintings.Taman Baca KesimanJl. Sedap Malam No. 234, Denpasar

JImbaRanKecak & Fire DanceEverydayStarts 6 p.m.Uluwatu TempleJimbaran, Badung

: (0361) 9041163

KutaTraditional & Modern PerformancesEvery day (Except Wednesday)Starts 8 p.m.Kuta TheaterJl. Kartika Plaza No. 8X, Kuta: (0361) 762750

ubuDLegong Dance Every FridayStarts 7:30 p.m.Balerung Srinertya Waditra (Balerung Mandera)Br. Teruna, Peliatan, Ubud: (0361) 972124 or 970503

Topeng Jimat Every WednesdayStarts 7 p.m.ARMA Museum & ResortJl. Raya Pengosekan

MuseuMsAntonio Blanco’s Renaissance MuseumJl. Raya Campuhan, Ubud.: (0361) 975 502

Bali MuseumJl. Letkol Wisnu, DenpasarOpen daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. except Mondays.

Museum Le MayeurJl. Hang Tuah, SanurOpen daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Fridays.

ART & CULTURE CORNER

15June 18, 2015

Gilimanuk

Tanah LotKerobokan

CangguSeminyak

LegianKuta

Jimbaran

Nusa Dua

Benoa

Sanur

Ngurah Rai Int’ Airport

Penida Island

LOVINA

SINGARAJA

BANGLIAMLAPURA

KLUNGKUNG

GIANYAR

DENPASAR

TABANAN

NEGARA

Menjangan Island

Mt. Musi

Besakih

Mt. Sangiang

Pulaki

West BaliNational Park

Sangeh

Pura LuhurUluwatu

Pura Rambut Siwi

Mt. Batur

Pura Batu Madan

Mt. Agung

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3

Ubud

Where to go

MÉTIS Restaurant, Lounge & Gallery BaliFrench Mediterranean dining in a heavenly setting, an uber-chic lounge serving scrumptious tapas and cocktails, complemented by top-notch entertainment.

Jl. Petitenget no.6, Kerobokan: (0361) 4737 888

E-mail: info@metisbali.comwww.metisbali.com

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Gala Charity Event – “A Royal Variety Performance”July 1Starts 7 p.m.Dress code: Bow Ties and TiarasThe Trans Resort Bali, Jl. Sunset Road, Kerobokanwww.balirainbowcommunity.org

Bali Arts FestivalUntil July 11

Explore the creative handicrafts exhibitions and enjoy stunning

performances of traditional music and dance arts.Bali Arts Centre

Jl. Nusa Indah, Denpasar

Mya Bar & Restaurant Soft OpeningJune 26

Dash Hotel SeminyakJl. Petitenget, Kerobokan

: (0361) 3004666

Kamandalu Resort Escape to the peace and tranquility of Kamandalu Ubud, a 5-star

boutique resort situated amid lush rice fields in the green hills of Ubud.Enjoy 20 percent off the best available rate.

Kamandalu Resort Jl. Andong, Br. Nagi, Ubud

: (0361) 975825reservation@kamandaluresort.com

www.kamandaluresort.com

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16 June 18, 2015

It all started with a love of food combined with a wealth of experience in world-class hospitality when Alvert Luntan Buntaran, Derrick Buntaran and chef Indra

Sudarmodjo launched Culture Royale in 2009, a catering company serving international-standard cuisines of the world.

Since its inception, the founders have used their backgrounds in hospitality and culinary services to bring an unmatched five-star experience to the world of catering, together with their skilled and meticulous staff.

Abundant experience in handling important private and corporate events, ranging from an exclusive dinner for 10 people to a lavish banquet for thousands, has seen them recognized for quality and consistency by the most discerning customers.

The Miss Indonesia and Miss World dinner receptions, as well as the APEC CEO Summit in 2013, are only three of countless VVIP celebratory events that they have had the privilege to serve.

As a presidential caterer, they have implemented large, high profile events for multinational Forbes 500 companies, weddings and private gatherings.

To further improve their services, Culture Royale established a joint venture with Patra Supplies & Services (PSS) - a remote area catering company specializing in both on and offshore sectors.

A pioneer in remote area catering with 39 years of experience, PSS currently serves 15,000 meals per day in all corners of the archipelago from Aceh to Papua.

The new venture, PT Patra Culture Royale Indonesia (PCRI), aims to provide a high degree of versatility and lasting moments for clients in Bali.

The launching of PCRI last Friday was marked with a lavish celebration. Attendees, including media and business partners, were treated to a first-class dining experience with enticing cuisine served with polished presentation.

savor

Back to culture WORDS DESY NURHAYATI PHOTOS COURTESY OF PCRI

“HONORING TRADITIONAL INGREDIENTS TO CREATE GASTRONOMIC INNOVATIONS”

The event commenced with a cocktail party serving a range of scrumptious canapés, like duck consommé with poached foie gras in a shooter glass served by Indra himself, as well as tobiko cream cheese with smoked salmon and black caviar, and pomelo salad with crab and crisp tofu skin caprese.

More impressively displayed dishes were presented during the dinner, including angel hair pasta with truffle broth, roasted rack of lamb Provencale, glazed marinated black cod fish with soy served on truffle scrambled eggs, lobster bisque flambé, slow roasted beef ribs with pepper and herb and roasted duck noodles.

For a traditional choice, the tasty Nasi Culture Royale (rice wrapped in banana leaf) was served with various Indonesian dishes and a range of sambal (chili condiment).

Noting high demand in Bali’s thriving hospitality industry, especially to serve weddings and corporate events, PCRI decided

to develop new things using local resources to provide impeccable service and memorable dining experiences.

Located on 3,200 square meters in Tanjung Benoa, the central kitchen uses ISO 22000-certified state-of-the-art equipment and is one of the largest non-hotel facilities on the island.

“We believe in the value of using the latest technology to equip our team members and make their jobs more efficient, so they can focus on delivering the best experience,” Derrick said.

With backgrounds in legendary hotels and restaurants, their award-winning chefs always pursue new ways to enrich flavors and experiences, from local cuisine to exotic delicacies. Honoring traditional ingredients and dishes in a modern way, the team’s gastronomic innovations elevate local flavors and cultural favorites.