Garuda Indonesia is planning to re-commence service to major capital cities in Europe in 2010 once additional aircraft become available to operate these flights.

The airline's CEO, Emirsyah Satar, told Bisnis Indonesia that the 10 new Boeing 777s on order will start arriving in Indonesia in 2010. Explained Satar: "Our armada is still insufficient to fly to Europe and we must await the delivery of new Boeing 777. The delivery will take place in 2010, we can do nothing but wait."

The 10 new aircraft are being added to Garuda's fleet via a lease-purchase agreement, although Garuda is unprepared to divulge the details of the company extending the financial lease for the new aircraft.

Satar added: "We hope that by the time the new aircraft arrive in 2010 the blacklisting by the European Union (of Indonesian aircraft) will be lifted allowing Garuda to operate without hindrance."

In addition to the new Boeing 777 aircraft on order for international long-haul flights Garuda has also ordered 10 Boeing 737-800NG for use on regional and domestic routes The airline also uses Airbus 330s for operating its Jakarta-Shanghai routes.

Bisnis Indonesia reports that public transportation in Bali has been rendered non-viable by the preference for private car and motorcycle ownership.

The Chief of the Bali office of PT Jasa Rahardja, Nur Istiawan complained that there is now a ratio of one motorized vehicle for every two Bali residents. Explained Istiawan: "The non-viability of public transportation systems affects not only intra-city public transport but also inter-city transport as well. Motorcycles are the most preferred form of transport in Bali because of the ease of purchasing these two-wheeled vehicles that require down payments as little as Rp. 300,000 (US$32.60) with some dealers even offering no money down deals."

The preference for private vehicle ownership and the severity of the lack of demand for local public transport is demonstrated by the fact that busses will wait up to four days before accumulating sufficient passengers to make the 100 km run from Denpasar to Singaraja viable. Moreover, while it can take two hours to travel that distance on a bus, those traveling by motorcycle can cover the distance in only 1.5 hours.

Local authorities estimate that 65% of land transportation in Bali is dominated by tourist transport with the remaining 35% operated by public transport.

The lack of demand for public transport is also accentuated by the low cost of renting vehicles in Bali.

According to PT Jasa Rahardja - the state-owned insurer, the statistics related to private vehicle ownership in Bali are::

● Four-wheeled vehicles – 400,000 units

● Two-wheeled vehicles – 1.1 million units

● Number of Bali residents – 3.4 million

● Amount of paved roads in Bali – 6,300 kilometers.

PT Garuda Indonesia (GA) is preparing 44,000 additional seat to handle the expected surge in demand expected over the Lebaran and Idul Fitri period of September 2008.

The Head of Communications for GA. Pujobroto, has issued a press release stating that from September 25 – October 6, 2008 the airline will add 44,533 seats over 11 selected routes. The 11 routes to benefit from the increase in seats are comprised of 8 domestic routes and 3 international routes. According to Pujobroto, the added capacity will be facilitated by Garuda through either increasing flight frequency or the use of larger aircraft on the 11 selected routes.

Among the 11 flight routes to benefit from the additional seats are Jakarta-Denpasar (18,740 seats), Jakarta-Surabaya (2,200 seats), Jakarta-Yogyakarta (3,388 seats), Surabaya- Denpasar (636 seats) and Jakarta-Solo (1,952 seats).

Beritabali.com reports that the Bali Chapter of Friends of the Earth Indonesia (WALHI) welcomed Bali's new Governor Made Pastika by delivering an "open letter" congratulating him on his appointment and serving notice on a number of pressing environmental issues facing the Island.

Among the points raised in the letter:

● A reminder that Pastika's campaign for governor promised to work to raise the average income of the Balinese by at least 100% should not result in "selling Bali cheap" to potential tourism investors or in a sacrificing the Island's natural environment.

● A call on the government to be more selective in choosing suitable investments for Bali, bearing in mind the Island's limited resources and the problems being caused by many ongoing tourism projects.

Among the "problematic" projects highlighted by WALHI in the letter to the Governor were:

● Geothermal Project in Bedugul - WALHI's letter stated that most of the people Bali and the Provincial House of Representatives have rejected the Bedugul Geothermal Project and called on the Governor to support the people's wishes by closing down that project.

● Reclamation of Land at Loloan Yeh Poh - WALHI explained to the Governor that Loloan Yeh Poh is the name of an estuary on Berawa Beach in Kerobokan that is now claimed by a local investor for reclamation and the construction of villas. The local population in that area has rejected the project on the basis that the estuary area is considered sacred grounds and used for the collection of holy water. Balinese wishing to preserve access to the holy waters and adjoining beach areas are insisting that the area should not be subject to private ownership and must remain in the public domain. The letter calls on Governor Pastika to preserve this sacred land and all other sacred lands in Bali, such as Uluwatu and Besakih, which WALHI claims are under siege by investors.

● Construction of a Nature Tourism Project at Lake Buyan-Tamblingan - WALHI criticized a permit granted by the Minister of Forestry and recommendations from the Bupati of Buleleng for the construction of a villa in the Dasong jungle area of Lake Buyan-Tamblingan. In its letter, WALHI contends that only the Governor has the authority to issues permits for nature tourism projects and that Bali's previous governor had rejected the subject property because of the very limited amount of jungle tracts still remaining in Bali. In rejecting the application, former Governor Beratha had also invoked zoning rules that protect lake areas, jungles and mountains as "sacred areas" needed for water catchments. For these reasons, the local populace had also been vocal in rejecting the project. WALHI called on the Governor to stop the villas being constructed at Lake Buyan-Tamblingan and not issue any further recommendations in support of that project.

● Alila Villa at Kelating Beach - WALHI told the Governor of the public shock at discovering a 35-villa "mega-project" on Kelating Beach at Kerambitan, Tabanan that violates set back rules, lacks the proper permits and licenses, is without the required environmental impact study and has never been socialized to the surrounding community. They also told the Governor that the Kelating project continues to be built despite the fact that the case and its various violations are under the supervision of the provincial government who ordered construction to stop. In its open letter WALHI called on the governor to stop the project and compel the developer to demolish the existing buildings and return to site to its original state in order to underline to the wider community that violation of environmental rules and zoning rules will not be tolerated in Bali.

WALHI told the Governor that there are many other investment projects that are damaging Bali's environment and threatening local culture, choosing to initially highlight only four projects for his initial attention.

The environmental watchdog group called on Governor Pastika to take firm action against all investors, local entrepreneurs or villagers who break environmental and zoning laws as a first step to ensuring social justice and economic sustainability.

WALHI - the originators of the "open letter" to the Governor is the largest non-governmental environmental organization in Bali comprised of 8 stake holding organizations, namely: The Bali Legal Aide Society (LBH), the Indonesian Association of Legal Aide and Human Rights (PBHI), the Bali Fair Trade Foundation, the Gandipuri Ashram, the LIMAS Foundation, and the Buleleng Institute for the Study and Bali’s Development (LP3B), the Tabanan Bali Santi Working Group, the Reksa Semesta Foundation and tens of individual members across the Island.

Radar Bali reports that Australia's Ambassador to Indonesia, Bill Farmer, paid a call on Bali's Governor-elect Made Mangku Pastika on the eve of the latter’s inauguration during which Australia pledged continued support in the war on terrorism. Joining Ambassador Farmer on his called on Pastika were the Australian Consular General in Bali, Bruce Cowland.

In addition to continuing their support for anti-terrorism efforts, the Australian officials also promised to extend assistance to the Balinese in the areas of economic development, trade and tourism.

Following the closed-door meeting between the Australian diplomats and Bali's incoming governor, Ambassador Farmer said: "We are optimistic that with the new governor (Pastika) cooperation between us (the Australians) and Bali will become even closer." Prior to the meeting and witnessed by the press, Ambassador Farmer issued congratulations and best wishes to Pastika on his coming inauguration as Bali's Chief Executive.

Following the meeting with Pastika, Farmer said that Australian continue to be targets of criminal acts in Bali and the rest of Indonesia. Because of this, the Australian government hopes that the selection of Bali's former Chief of Police as their next governor means that security in Bali and Indonesia will be improved.

"The problems of tourism and international crime are not only problems in Indonesia, but also in Australia, meaning that we will continue to develop the focus of our cooperation in these areas," the Ambassador explained. "Economic problems also form a part of our focus, because we wish all people will obtain better access to educational resources and health care," he added.

Separately, Farmer acknowledged the significant growth in Australian tourism to Bali, with Australian visitors to Bali in July setting new records. The Australian Ambassador said this proved the recovering of Bali tourism and growing confidence in the Island's security.

Commenting on Farmer's visit, Mangku Pastika said he welcomed the visit by the Australian diplomats that demonstrates the restoration of trust in Bali by foreign nations. Pastika also paid tribute to the significant assistance given to Bali by the people of Australia, including the Bali International Eye Hospital and the International Wing of Bali's Sanglah General Hospital. What's more, according to Pastika, the Australian are offering additional help in the future.

Ambassador Farmer refused requests from the press to comment on the death sentences for the Bali Bombers - Imam Samudra, Ali Gufron dan Amrozi. He said the execution of the convicted bombers was a matter solely for the Indonesians to determine, adding, "that is not our domain; we believe the government of Indonesia will take the right decision."

Indonesia's Attorney General has now confirmed that the notorious and non-repentant Bali bombers – Amrozi Nurhasyim, Imam Samudra and Ali Gufron will probably delay their date with the firing squad until sometime after the Idul Fitri holidays set for October 1 & 2, 2008.



While the reason for the delay remains unclear; it may be tied to desperate attempts by the condemned men to challenge the "humanity" of death before a firing squad. Lawyers for the three are seeking execution by injection while the three have asked for decapitation which they believe conforms with the principles of Islamic law.

Islamic religious practice dictates 30 days of sunrise to sunset fasting ending on October 1, 2008.

A spokesman for the Attorney General's office told Tempo Interaktif that the executions have been delayed to "avoid excesses," saying the executions would be conducted shortly after the Idul Fitri holidays. The official cited "humanitarian considerations" and that executing prisoners is not in keeping with the religious atmosphere of Ramadan. The Attorney General reportedly wishes to let the three observe the Islamic month of introspection and reconciliation before carrying out the death penalty ordered by the Courts.

Foreign tourist arrivals for the month of July 2008 hit 183,122 making it the best July ever, improving +11.24% over last year's record-breaking performance for July 2007 (164,618).

On a Year-to-date basis, January-July arrivals for 2008 have broken the psychological barrier of 1 million, recording 1,108.061 foreign arrivals for the first seven months of the year. Compared to the same period in 2007, when there were 910,567 visitors, arrivals are up +21.6% in 2008.

2 Million Visitors for 2008?

Assuming Bali can maintain the current +21.6% margin of annual improvement through the end of 2008 means the Island will end the year at just over 2 million foreign visitors, portending the first time ever that tourist arrivals will surpass the 2 million mark.

Arrivals to Bali

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Bali's Top Markets and China

As shown graphically on balidiscovery.com, Bali's top 4 inbound markets remain, in order of importance, Japan, Australia, Taiwan and South Korea.

● Japan - Japan's recovery is now complete with arrivals for January-July 2008 (208,506) representing the best performance ever, surpassing the record levels recorded in 2000 (207,030). Year-to-date Japan arrivals for 2008 are +8.62% ahead of the same period in 2007.

● Australia - Australia's recovery is equally robust totaling 164,641 for the first seven months of 2008. This record-breaking performance testifies to the fact that the effects of two bombings and the collapse of Air Paradise have now been completely shaken off. Year-on-year, Australian arrivals have improved a whopping +54.79% over just one year ago.

● Taiwan - At 85,036 arrivals through the first seven months of 2008, Taiwanese arrivals are down -2.92% as compared to 2007. Recent policy changes allowing easier visits by Taiwanese to Mainland China may be diverting potential Balinese visitors to the Chinese Mainland.

● South Korean - Arrivals for January-July 2008 hit 78,745 representing record territory and a +5.52% improvement over 2007 (74,624) which was also a record-breaking year in its own right.

● People's Republic of China - The PRC has managed in the course of only six years to move from minor league status in terms of Bali visitors to become the fifth most importance source of foreign visitors. PRC arrivals for January-July 2008 (75,511) represented a 77.33% improvement over the same period in 2007 and now qualified the PRC as Bali's 5th largest inbound market.

Bali Top Markets from Asia Pacific

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ASEAN Arrivals, Including Malaysia and Singapore

Underlining the growing importance of regional markets, ASEAN arrivals for the first seven months of 2008 totaled 110,241 – a year-on-year improvement of +18.8% when compared to 2007.

● Malaysia - Malaysia remains the most important inbound market to Bali from within the ASEAN market. Fueled by low-cost fares from AirAsia, Malaysian arrivals for January-July hit 68,890, improving +20.5% over the same period in 2007.

● Singapore - Singapore arrivals have almost tripled since 2000 but have now largely achieved a plateau, totaling 25,553 for January-July 2008.

ASEAN Arrivals

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The Americas and Key European Markets

● The Americas - Arrivals from both North and South America have received a much-needed "bounce" from the recent easing of U.S. travel advisories for Indonesia. Arrivals for January-July 2008 (58,903) have increased +25.5% over the same period for 2007 (46,903). Despite this "good news," arrivals from this source still lag behind the record levels of 67,095 tallied for January-July 2001.

● United Kingdom - U.K. arrivals are improving steadily, up +20.9% from 2007. With 44,083 arrivals during January-July 2008, U.K. arrivals still lag -34.2% behind the 67,095 U.K. visitors who came in to Bali during the same period in 2001.

● Germany - German visitors have improved +17.89% for the first seven months of the year in 2008, as compared to the previous year. Germany will, however, have to maintain a similar rate of growth in 2009 to regain lost ground from the heyday of German arrivals to Bali achieved in 2001.

● The Netherlands - Tourism totals from Holland have recovered completely by breaking into record territory. There were 33,886 Dutch visitors to Bali during the January-July 2008 period, an improvement of 8.9% over 2007.

● Russia - From virtual obscurity less than one decade ago, the Russian market has become a major player achieving 33,800 visitors during January-July 2008. The Russian market is booming, improving +63.4% over its performance in the same period just one year before.

The Americas and Key European Markets

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Although not from Bali, he is a man who feels a tremendous love of Balinese culture. Drs. Jansen Manansang recently told the Jawa Post that his heart ached following two bombing attacks on Bali in 2002 and 2005. And, while many business people closed their businesses in response to those attacks, he swam against the current investing heavily to open the Bali Safari and Marine Park in the Gianyar district of Bali.

Building the massive nature park in the uncertain times of a Balinese economy struggling to regain its footing, Jansen, who is a Director of Taman Safari Indonesia, stayed the course, determined to help the Island he loved rebuild. "We built the Bali Safari and Marine Park in Gianyar not just to bring tourists to Bali, but we also wanted to help develop a vibrant local economy," explained the man who now employs more than 400 people at his Bali Park.

In recognition of his wildlife parks in West Java, East Java and Bali and his continuing commitment to the Republic, Jansen Manansang was singled out for national honors, receiving the prestigious Bintang Jasa Utama presented by President Yudhoyono on August 14, 2008 in Jakarta.

Manansang and his extended family's commitment to the environment and to endangered species has prompted them to establish the Bali Safari and Marine Park where he is now starting a breeding program for the highly endangered Bali Starling.

Praised and acknowledged for his expertise by his colleagues working internationally in the zoo sector, Jansen now serves as the President of the Southeast Asia Zoo Association. In charge of three zoos, heading a regional professional association and now the recipient of national honors – Jansen Manansang is not content to rest on his laurels. Determined to make Bali the tourism gateway of Indonesia, he has announced his intention to host an Asia-wide zoo conference in Bali in 2009.

At the inauguration ceremonies held on Thursday, August 28, 2008, for Bali's new Governor Drs. Made Mangku Pastika and Vice-Governor AA Puspayoga, Indonesia's Minister of the Interior Mardiyanto said that unemployment, poverty and health are three priority areas that must be addressed by the Island's new leaders.

As reported in the Bali Post, Mardiyanto who traveled to Bali to officiate at the inauguration ceremony, reminded Bali's two top-ranking officials that their government must work hard and be responsive to the needs of the people. In addition, he reminded Pastika and Puspayoga to protect and restore the primacy of Balinese culture, protecting it from divisive outside influences.

The Interior Minister praised the Balinese character and the high value based on balance, simplicity, humility, solidarity and tolerance that were reflected in the smooth election process that elected the new governor and vice-governor.

At the same time, the Minister warned of the euphoria and excess of the four-year-old national autonomy movement which have resulted in uncoordinated development efforts by regional and national leaders. Speaking to the new Bali executives and members of the Provincial legislature, Mardiyanto called on them to pursue a new unity between the center and local governments in confronting the problems of development and an end to the practice where governors, bupatis (regents) and municipal mayors each go their own separate ways in the performance of their duties.

Call for Conciliation

Governor Pastika used the occasion of his inauguration to issue a call to those who contested his position during the election to "let bygones be bygones" and now join together to build Bali. Pastika said: "Forget those things which have hurt your feelings and any inappropriate words spoken. Hopefully all this can be forgiven with a clean slate that allows us to build a better Bali that is safer and more prosperous."

PT Bali Widya Dirgantara (BWD) - a flight and general aviation school will open in late 2008 in North Bali promising to graduate 60 commercial pilots each year.

As reported in Bisnis.com, the Commissioner of BWD, Robby Djohan, said that the 60 pilots graduated from the program will help meet an estimate 400 new pilots needed each year in Indonesia. Djohan's comments were made at the signing ceremony for a memorandum of understanding with the National Aviation Education Authority and the International Airlines Training Academy. Signing for the government was Dedi Darmawan, the President Director of the International Airlines Training Academy Jean Marc Eloy; and Robby Djohan.

The new BWD aviation academy will operate from the Letkol Wisnu Airport in the Gerokgak district of Buleleng, North Bali.

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[Getting a Higher Education in North Bali]

In the midst of widespread and blatant violations of building and zoning laws by hotels and resorts all across Bali, the outspoken Chairman of the Provincial Chamber of Commerce for Bali (KADINDA-Bali), Gde Wiratha, has suggested rather than closing or demolishing structures built by errant developers, that, instead, developers be fined between Rp. 25 billion (US$2.7 million) and Rp. 100 billion (US$10.9 million) each.

On a superficial basis there's much to be said for such a solution. As Wiratha explained to the local press, a fining solution would offer an elegant way out to the almost countless violations to be found in Bali while producing a new source of much needed revenues for the local government. What's more, requiring operating businesses to demolish part or all of their buildings would represent a major disruption to their ongoing business activities.

At the same time and in separate forums, many local officials have defended violations of building codes, saying enforcement of the written rules would only add to the "uncertainty of law" in Indonesia and further discourage new investment.

Expediency May Not be the Best Answer

As we have said in the past, the current situation in Bali resembles a soccer match being played without aid of referees. While there are numerous rules and regulations in place, arguably sufficient to safeguard Bali's environment, developers choose to ignore the rules in the confident belief that a) local officials are reluctant to knock down buildings and structures that are already standing and b) violations can be sorted out after the fact in smoke-filled rooms during amicable meetings with regulatory officials. Sadly, the crux of the current developmental problems in Bali is the lack of enforcement and the cocky self-assurance of investors who believe that almost any problem can be sorted out through connections and money applied in the right places.

These operators consider themselves above the law by developing projects that from the very outset violate zoning regulations. Later, in an unbelievable demonstration of the height of hubris, they complain that any attempt to apply and enforce the existing rules will create an atmosphere of "legal uncertainty" detrimental to the general business climate.

Frankly, there's two things we can't stand about investors who adopt such arguments: their face. Such chutzpah is, in fact, reminiscent of the man charged with patricide who stands before a judge asking for the court's mercy because he is, after all, an orphan.

A Painful, but Necessary, Remedy Needed

With all due respect to Mr. Wiratha, money remains at the heart of the current flagrant disregard for zoning and environmental laws in Bali. Allowing violators to "buy" their way out of their violations will only serve to nurture the attitude that "money rules" and result in an Island dotted with eyesores and non-confirming structures. The numerous violations of current building and zoning regulations in Bali can almost invariably be traced to devious and premeditated attempts by developers to bypass the rules, assisted through the venal cooperation of local officials.

The Rupiah Stops Here!

The money politics must stop. Its clear that Bali's future sustainability depends on an urgent and rapid return to the rule of law on matters related to zoning, building codes and environmental regulations. The well-intentioned proposal to allow fines to be applied after the fact will only pay lip service to the existing rules, create a sense of injustice for those asked to follow the rules in the future and vindicate the existing attitude that "money can sort out all of Bali's problems."

The solution is simple, albeit painful for those who have broken the law. In keeping with international practice, developers found in violation of zoning or environmental laws who have erected buildings that do not conform with approved building permits must be absolutely required to demolish the offending structures. In the same vein, developers who start project before holding all the required permits must be required to demolish their project back to the level lot status before their building applications can even be considered by local regulatory authorities.

Costly, painful and no doubt embarrassing to government officials and developers alike – such a move would deliver the needed "shock treatment" and remind all parties that the law is the law and developers who ignore the rules must live with the constant fear that someday their violation will be uncovered and demolition required. The knowledge that in the end the rules will be applied would immediately destroy any incentive to even attempt to cajole or bribe officials into closing a blind eye to code violations.

Logic suggests that a firm application of the rules would cause an "instant revolution" on how development is carried out in Bali and establish a much needed and long overdue respect for the law. Given the sorry current state of uncontrolled development on the Island, a little revolution may be just what's needed.

Anantara Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa's listing among 15 Hotels to Watch in the just published Travel + Leisure poll [See: Bali Still Celebrated, But Less So] of the best cities, islands, hotels, tour companies, airlines and rental car companies appears to cut little slack with Bali officials in the ongoing fight over zoning and building violations allegedly committed by the Resort.

Reports in the local press have listed a number of alleged violations allegedly committed by the Resort, including: building too close to the high-water mark in contradiction of setback rules; building a structure that does not conform to the approved building plans; building a structure that exceeds the 15 meter height restriction; failing to provide sufficient on premises parking; and violating of local sound ordinances.

A page-one story in BisnisBali tells of how the Chief of Bali's Tourism Office, Gede Nurjaya, took genuine umbrage at the Resort's scofflaw reputation and refused to attend a dinner hosted by the Anantara Resort to welcome Dayana Mendoza, the reigning Miss Universe.

According to the report, Nurjaya arrived at the resort at about 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, 2008, to attend the reception on the property's much-celebrated rooftop bar. BisnisBali said that upon entering the Hotel Nurjaya dispatched members of his staff to seek an explanation from the management over several outstanding violations, reportedly raising his voice while proclaiming: "This hotel has violated the beach set-back and height limits rules. That is not good."

Nurjaya told the press that if the hotels were merely allowed to violate the rules, Bali's reputation as a world tourism destination will eventually be ruined. He said that hotels and other tourism businesses cannot be allowed to disregard exiting rules.

At the same time, Nurjaya suggested that official events held in Bali must refuse to use properties found to violate Bali's regulations. This is necessary, he insisted, to show appreciation to those companies that do follow the rules.

Resort Cited for Numerous Violations

Anantara Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa was cited by the Bali government earlier this year for violating setback regulations from the high water mark and disregarding the 15 meter height limit. Cipta Karya - the zoning and building authority for Bali, issued warning letters to the owners and operator of the hotel following an on-site inspection by a team of local officials.

In May 2008 hotel told the local press that a resolution had been made with local officials and the top floor of the resort would be removed within 30 days. That self-imposed deadline had come and gone with no renovation of the property's top floor.

Anantara has adopted recently a more militant stance in its official statement with its Director of Human Resources, Wayan Gede Yudiana, telling BisnisBali that the Resort places little heed in the latest warning from the provincial government, saying they have not received a formal reprimand from the Badung (regional) government. Yudiana also said that following a hearing with the Badung regional government officials, it was his opinion that the Anantara has no problem as regards setback or height issues.

Moreover, he added, there have been no complaints made by the public regarding the hotel's distance from the shoreline.

The Anantara Resort is one of several ongoing high-profile cases involving the Badung Government's readiness to grant exceptions and building permits in contradiction to provincial regulations.

In the continuing developments in the case, a Bali Post report on August 28, 2008, may indicate that support from the Badung region in the Resort's battled with the provincial officials may be wavering. In a seeming about face last week, the head of the regional enforcement authority Pamong Praja Badung called on the Resort to honor its May pledge to demolish and remove the sixth floor of the building. The Head of Badung’s Pamong Praja, I Wayan Adi Arnawa, told the press that his force were adamant in the insistence that a written pledge signed by the hotel to remove the offending floor be honored. He warned the hotel that if it failed to remove the top floor that violates local laws and does not match the approved architectural drawings, then his staff would not hesitate to undertake the task and demolish the upper floor.

Adiwarna told the Bali Post: "Again, we ask the understanding of the Hotel Anantara to obey existing rules. If strong action is not taken, this will become a bad precedent for the ongoing efforts of the Pamong Praja to enforce local law."

Latest Development: The Bupati Speaks

Assumptions that the Resort enjoyed special protection from Badung's Bupati (Regent) were turned on their ear when NusaBali reported on August 30, 2008, that A.A. Gde Agung has issued an absolute deadline to the owner to remove the top floor by Kuningan (30 September) he would dispatch a judicial team from the Regency to do the job.

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