Workers to have 4 extra days off next year

Dina Indrasafitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Wed, 06/16/2010 10:09 AM | National
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Employees will have four extra holidays in addition to the 14 official national holidays next year, the government announced Tuesday.

The three extra holidays will be in between Idul Fitri (the Islamic holiday after the fasting month) and the subsequent weekend and another day between Christmas and the subsequent weekend.

Next year, the Idul Fitri holidays fall on Tuesday Aug. 30 and Wednesday Aug. 31. Rather than giving workers one day off before the weekend, the government added one more day, making it a week-long holiday.

“It is assumed employees will not go to work on Friday Sept. 2,” Coordinating Public Welfare Minister Agung Laksono said after witnessing the signing of the ministerial joint decree on the 2011 holidays.

The decree was signed by Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali, Administrative Reforms Minister E.E Mangindaan and a representative from the Manpower and Transmigration Ministry.

Scheduling more holidays is expected to improve efficiency and effectiveness during working days, the document said.

The number of extra holidays had decreased gradually from six days in 2007 to three days this year.
“The joint decree was made with certain considerations, such as the need to improve the efficiency and effectiveness in utilizing the working days, input from the public, and an evaluation of previous extra holiday policy. These all contribute to aspects such as the number of domestic tourists,” Agung said.

The extra holidays are considered part of employees’ regular leave.

Culture and Tourism Ministry Director of Domestic Promotion Fathul Bahri said extra days off had a significant effect on the number of domestic tourists.

“The key [to boosting local tourism] is to make the most holidays such as [Idul Fitri], New Year, school holidays and holidays that are close to weekends,” he told The Jakarta Post.

Fathul added that in 2009, the number of local tourists reached 227 million. This year, the ministry is aiming for 231 million.

Culture and Tourism Ministry Director of Domestic Promotion Fathul Bahri said extra days off had a significant effect on the number of domestic tourists.

Buying Property in Bali

PRSEA | Apr 13, 2010 | Comments 0

Buying a property in South-East Asia which often is both an investment and a life-style decision, Bali is one of the foremost and most attractive destinations in the region.

This article shall outline some important aspects which a prospective buyer of property should take into consideration when looking at investing in Bali.

As Bali, i.e. Indonesia has a rather complex and strict regime of laws regulating foreign investment in property and land it is essential for any buyer to be familiar with some general legal principles and the purchase options that are in available to foreigners in Bali.
General Recommendations

Whenever considering investing in a country with a legal frame work largely different from one’s home jurisdiction, it is crucial to have an impartial, independent and reputable legal counsel to conduct due diligence on your behalf before making any substantial financial commitments other than a fully refundable reservation deposit. Any deposit payments should be made into a neutral third party’s account, which should preferably be controlled by your own advisor or agent.

Furthermore as every property is located on land, it is essential to check the legality and the title to the land on which you property is situated. This will require checking whether the person or agent offering the property for sale is actually the lawful owner or has due authority to sell the land; that there is legally guaranteed access from a public road to the property; that the relevant building permit (Izin Mendirikan Bangunan or IMB) and other local permissions are in place; that there are no outstanding taxes on the property; and that there are no restrictions on the usage of land under national or local laws with regard to the intended use.

The above checks should be conducted by your independent legal counsel always in advance to any proposed acquisition and such checks can in ordinary circumstances be conducted within a period of 30 days.

Laws regulating property acquisition in Bali

It is important to note that only Indonesian nationals (not even Indonesian companies) may own freehold title to land in their own name such title usually being referred to as Hak Milik. Based on current practice, there are essentially three options available for foreigners to acquire an interest in land in Bali only two of which, from our perspective, are recommendable from a perspective of sufficient legal protection.

Leasehold Right (Hak Pakai – up to 45 years)

An attractive and feasible option for a foreigner to acquire an interest in land in Indonesia is to acquire a leasehold or usage right known as Hak Pakai. Foreign individuals are eligible to hold such leasehold title which would be granted over the relevant land for an initial period of 25 years extendable for up to another 20 years; the leasehold right may, subject to properly drafted documents with the land owner, be renewed repeatedly and such rights would be documented in the sales contracts as well as in a notary deed and registered with the competent land office (Kantor Pertanahan).

When choosing this method of investment into property, it is important that the contractual documentation is properly drafted by your legal counsel in conjunction with a notary deed which should include, amongst others, provisions dealing with and ensuring an irrevocable option of the buyer to renew the leasehold right throughout the lease term and upon expiration; assignability of the leasehold right at the buyer’s discretion; limitation of rent increases upon extensions and renewals; and limitation of termination rights of the land owner.

Right to Build (HGB – up to 80 years)

Another viable alternative for foreigners looking at buying a property in Bali is to acquire an interest in land through corporate ownership which would allow owning a piece of land and building on it for a period of 30 years with an extension of up to 20 years and a subsequent renewal of another 30 years (therefore totaling to a term of 80 years). In addition, repetitive renewal options may be agreed by the parties which should be properly drafted in the sales documentation. Such right is referred to as Hak Guna Bangunan or HGB and such right should be properly documented in sales contracts besides a mandatory notary deed and registration of the HGB at the competent land office providing the buyer with a deeded right to the land.

The HGB as a method of investment is especially feasible and attractive for acquisition of high-end properties as well as for structuring development projects as it, under certain circumstances, allows acquiring an interest in land through an investment company established under Indonesian law that may be up to 100 percent foreign-owned.

Such an Indonesian company (referred to as PMA company) requires complying with certain set up requirements including ongoing reporting to the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) and other Indonesian authorities. However, with regard to real estate investments this method of investment would allow a buyer to fully own, develop and control a property within the lawful term of the HGB and would also allow to sell any interest in the property (in parts or full) offshore as the PMA company may be fully foreign-owned. Another advantage of acquiring a right to Build (HGB) by setting up a foreign investment company is that, under certain circumstances, HGB is accepted by Indonesian banks as collateral for finance.
Nominee arrangements (not recommended)

Even though properties in Bali are frequently advertised as ‘freehold’, the reality is that foreigners cannot own land freehold title in Indonesia. Currently it (still) is a widely common practice that foreigners use a local Indonesian citizen as a nominee to hold the freehold title for the foreigner. Such nominee arrangements usually involve a number of documents including a loan agreement, a mortgage against the land; an undated or blank Power of Attorney, and other documents theoretically ‘allowing’ the foreigner to dispose of and deal with the freehold title without permission of the Indonesian nominee.

However, it is important to note that under Indonesian law such nominee arrangements are illegal and void by law (Art. 26 of Law no. 5 of 1960 regarding the Agrarian Code) including the risk of losing the land without any rights for compensation whatsoever. Therefore, even though it is (still) common practice to enter into nominee arrangements to acquire an interest in land, from our perspective, it is not advisable to any person interested in buying in Bali to adopt such practice.

Summary

It is possible and feasible for foreign buyers and investors to lawfully acquire an interest in land and property in Bali. Out of the commonly used three methods in Bali we recommend not to purchase property through a nominee arrangement but to utilize the available options of Hak Pakai or HGB to acquire a duly registered interest in property. Any person looking at buying a property in Bali should seek independent legal advice to determine the most appropriate method of purchase for their personal circumstances or investment purposes.


About the Author:This article was co-written by Ingo Müller (Managing Partner) and Gerry Purba (Senior Associate) based in the Bali office of Limcharoen Hughes and Glanville (www.limcharoen.com).

Popularity: 45% [?]

Bali Is My Life Program Re-launched by Bali Hotels Association

- Jun 13, 2010
Bali, June 12, 2010 ? Today, Bali Is My Life program is re-launched by Bali Hotels Association (BHA) at Nikko Bali Resort and Spa. As one of the many promotion programs for Bali, Bali Is My Life presents new features as follows: additional characters symbolizing Bali as a tourism destination, a documentary movie about Bali, BHA?s brand new high technology visitor?s guide using 2D Barcodes, BHA?s revamped website.

After the success of its previous characters, Bali Is My Life brings to life new characters depicting the existence of Bali to complement the theme, consisting of the princess, the stone carver, the Kecak dancer, the architect, the warung owner and the rafter.

The documentary movie shows scenes of the Balinese characters in their normal course of life, with their talents, dedication and skills forming the core of the tourism industries in Bali. The trailer will be one of the advertisement tools. BHA also presents the visitor’s guide using 2D Barcodes, which is currently operated only in Bali.

Bali is My Life, a part of a nationwide effort to promote Bali, was adopted by Bali Hotels Association (BHA) to reassert Bali as a destination of choice for international travelers and for visitors to make Bali a genuine part of their lives too.

Bali, as a genuine and unique cultural island had to seek alternative ways to promote itself. Starting five years ago, a team was appointed to invent a new kind of promotion for Bali, not through the conventional methods of featuring the island’s beauty or tourism industry but through the one consistent backbone of the island, its people. Through this program, the Balinese people are awakened to embrace their individual and unique roles in the vibrant life of the island.

This team searched for people who fabricated the very existence and traditions of Bali, starting with a young dancer. She was not just a dancer, her mother and grandmother were dancers, and even her great grandmother was Bali’s oldest performing dancer. They found a mask carving artisan whose family had lived and worked in the same compound for 800 years.

And so the characters were born: the dancer, the mask carver, the artist, the masseuse, the chef, the surfer, the farmer, and the schoolgirl. BHA launched the program continuation with a new series of characters.

Anak Agung Ayu Dwara Wati Karangasem represents Balinese art and culture as the princess. She is the great granddaughter of the last king or Karangasem. She lives in Denpasar where she is studying to be a dentist. Her family is all well versed in Balinese traditions, particularly the Karangasem Puri as their heritage. As a modern day princess, Haley can bridge the gap between ancient and modern.

Another character representing Balinese art and culture is the stone carver, Wayan Cemul, one of Indonesia's national treasures. Recognized as one of Bali's famous sculpture, he was the sole student of sculptor Kadir and developed his own unique primitive style art stone carvings for many years. His creation decorates galleries and gardens in many countries.

The Kecak dancer, Kecak Rina, represents Balinese art and culture. He is a legend in Bali as an innovative dancer of huge energy. His own Kecak troupe is a highly original and charged performance. He also invents his own style of Kecak and dances many others traditional dances. As a choreographer, he creates new versions of older dance performances.

Popo Danes, the architect, represents the Balinese Community. He is one of Bali's most renowned architects with a range of award winning designs for resort hotels, villas and other interesting creations. He loves Bali’s because it give him access to international thoughts and influences while retaining its true Balinese identity.

Another character for Balinese community is the Warung owner, Ibu Mangku. She has operated her warung Nasi Ayam Kedewatan since 1984. Although the original family has expanded and now opens branches, the quality remains unchanged. Everything is still cooked on wood fires under her strict supervision in her original Kedewatan home. Her food is famous and people come from far and near to try it.

Bali with its waves and beaches creates the character the Surfer, I Gede Budiyasa representing Balinese Leisure. Budi’s daily mission is to make sure guests can call themselves a surfer in three hours.

All these real-life characters symbolize that Bali is not merely a manufactured Western playground, but an island where its inhabitants live and love.

“BHA is honored to support Bali’s promotion efforts through Bali Is My Life initiative. Hopefully our work will contribute in preserving Bali’s unique cultural and historical value” claims Jean-Charles Le Coz, chairman of BHA, “ with these initiative in place, surely we will reach new heights in Bali’s tourism.”

“We have designed Bali Is My Life collaterals for BHA members and tourism stakeholders at large, to use for internal and external promotion,” he says further. We appeal to all members to support our cause in promoting Bali.

About BHA
Bali Hotels Association is a professional group of star rated hotels and resorts in Bali. Members include General Managers from more than 100 hotels and resorts in Bali that representing more than 15,000 hotel rooms and almost 30,000 employees in tourism sector.
One of the objectives of BHA is to support and facilitate the development of communities, education and environment in Bali. BHA has initiated many projects involving the association members as well as the people in the industry. Only by supporting each other this long term projects can be achieved and benefits everyone in the island.
Our Vision
To keep Bali as the most desirable tourism destination in Asia through the warmth and hospitality of its people.
Our Mission
To bring together all General Managers of hotels, villas and resorts in a non-competitive environment, to exchange information on matters of general interest, to have a common voice on issues pertaining to the tourism and hospitality industries in support of Bali as a destination.
To support and facilitate the development of Balinese community, education and environment initiatives in Bali.

More about Bali Is My Life visit our website www.baliismylife.com
On Facebook go to www.facebook.com/baliismylife.com

For further information contact:
Mr Jean-Charles Le Coz
Chairman of Bali Hotels Association
e-mail gm@nikkobali.com
website: www.balihotelsassociation.com

Two celebrities, Ariel and Luna Maya, allegedly appearing in two controversial sex videos did not show up at the National Police headquarters on Monda

Editors Comment:

If it truly is these two media stars in the sex video leave them alone.

It was done between two consenting adults.

The criminal is the one who published their private video.Although many think this is outrageous many others think little of it..

I feel sorry for them. Two young adults whose lives are torn apart.On the other hand Paris Hilton didn't seem to suffer much from her much longer and more detailed video of what appeared to be a very bad lay. Unfortunately as Freud proved sex sells

Farouk Arnaz & Nurfika Osman

Two celebrities, Ariel and Luna Maya, allegedly appearing in two controversial sex videos did not show up at the National Police headquarters on Monday to respond to a summons but instead appeared on a TV show. (Photo JG)

Two celebrities, Ariel and Luna Maya, allegedly appearing in two controversial sex videos did not show up at the National Police headquarters on Monday to respond to a summons but instead appeared on a TV show. (Photo JG)
Luna and Ariel Ignore Police to Appear on TV

Two celebrities allegedly appearing in two controversial sex videos did not show up at the National Police headquarters on Monday to respond to a summons, but instead appeared in an exclusive interview with a TV station in which they claimed they were “victims” in this messy affair.

“They could not meet the summons today as they claimed that they were sick,” National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Zainuri Lubis said, referring to pop singer Nazril “Ariel” Irham and actress Luna Maya. “Only Cut Tari met the summons.”

TV presenter Cut Tari was accompanied by her husband, Yusuf Subrata, when she arrived at the National Police headquarters. “Let us pray that the allegations are proved untrue,” Yusuf said, adding that he did not believe his wife is the woman in the controversial third video.

In an interview recorded on Monday morning but broadcast by TVOne at about 5 p.m., the two celebrities neither confirmed nor denied that they were the ones in the videos that have been circulating on the Internet.

“The news is too much, blown out of proportion. People make out as if this was big news but it’s not,” Ariel said. “The motives could be many. I have not made any new albums in the past two years and the band is due to launch a new album next month, so this must be character assassination.”

Both said they were “shocked” when they first heard about the sex tape. “Our reputations are ruined. We feel cornered,” Luna said. “Whoever spread the video must be arrested. We are the victims here.”

Zainuri said Luna’s and Ariel’s decision to appear on TV rather than meet the summons request would not have legal consequences, since their status was still as witnesses. “We will send a second summons letter in the near future,” he said.

Zainuri said the three celebrities could face more serious charges under the Anti-Pornography Law. Under the law, those found guilty of producing, creating or distributing pornography face up to 12 years in prison and fines of up to Rp 6 billion ($654,000).

Aside from legal implications, the social fallout from the scandal continues to increase. Maria Dwianto, PT Unilever Indonesia spokeswoman, said on Monday that Luna Maya had resigned from her position as Lux beauty soap ambassador.

“We had an immediate meeting with Luna’s party last Friday and we decided not to work with Luna anymore,” Maria said. “This decision was based on agreement between the two parties.

“This issue has put us in a tough situation and we are disappointed that we had to end the cooperation like this.”

The municipal government of Bandung said on Monday that it had banned the celebrity trio from performing in the city.

And the hardline Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) threatened to raid several places that sell pornographic videos in Jakarta if the police cannot arrest Ariel, Luna and Cut Tari within three days.

“Porn actors and actresses are another form of terrorism,” said Habib Salim, the head of the FPI’s Jakarta branch. “This is moral terrorism. We have to save the citizens from any harm that will degrade our morality.”

Habib said the three should stop working.

“They should stop their activities as entertainers, as they are bad examples,” he said. “I urge Muslims to stop admiring them.”

Another magical morning on Sanur Beach Bali at sunrise.

Photos taken with my new 8 mg Sony Ericsson Xperia.

Our Bali luxury villas starting at only $74.00 per room with private pool and maid are only 5 min walk from these stunning sunrises.

Teen Weds Cow After Sexual Romp

Ngurah Alit, an 18-year-old teenager from Bali, was caught romping in a paddy field naked recently, but not with a member of the opposite sex. Instead, he was caught having sex with a cow.

Alit admitted he did have sex with the cow, but ended up telling shocked bystanders the cow "seduced him with flattering comments." As a result of his romp with the bovine, Alit´s elders decided that his punishment would be to marry the cow.

The ceremony was held in front of onlookers, with Alit fainting as he was forced to wed the cow. Alit was symbolically dunked in water to cleanse him of his wrong, but the bovine he married was to be drowned after the wedding ceremony.

Investors Concerned about Increase in Volatility Index

Many investors are concerned about the VIX index for the Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index, a popular measure of the implied volatility of S&P 500 index options.

It is not backed by anything and positions held are merely a prediction of a future.
A high value corresponds to a more volatile market and therefore more costly options, which can be used to defray risk from this volatility by selling options.
Often referred to as the fear index, it represents one measure of the market's expectation of volatility over the next 30 day period.

The other day I was having a beer an Australian multi- millionaire friend of mine.
We were discussing the volatile financial markets and that we both sold most of our investments’ a month ago at the highs and have been standing aside because of the volatility.

We both concluded that the only real safe investment right now Bali Real Estate.

He then went on to tell me that he was just offered 100 % profit for a piece of property he leased in Sanur just two years ago