Denpasar (Antara Bali) - Polda Bali memberlakukan ketentuan perayaan malam tahu baru di kawasan Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, tanpa kendaraan bermotor sehingga wisatawan dan warga yang akan menuju ke wilayah itu harus berjalan kaki.
"Wisatawan asing maupun lokal dan warga yang mau ke Pantai Kuta harus jalan kaki dan memarkir kendaraannya di sentral parkir," kata Kapolda Bali Irjen Pol Hadiatmoko di Denpasar, Selasa.
Ia menjelaskan, kawasan Kuta akan ditutup untuk kendaraan bermotor pada Jumat (31/12) mulai pukul 18.00 Wita. Hal itu dilakukan untuk menghindari kemacetan.
"Untuk menghindari kemacetan, maka kawasan Kuta akan disterilkan dari kendaraan bermotor, baik roda dua maupun empat," ucapnya.
Sementara mengenai pengamanan tempat hiburan malam di kawasan tujuan wisatawan internasional itu, polisi telah menyiapkan ratusan personel untuk melakukan penjagaan.
"Tempat hiburan menjadi atensi khusus untuk mencegah hal-hal yang tak diinginkan dan untuk itu kami imbau agar masyarakat tertib merayakan malam tahun baru," katanya.(*)
Denpasar (Antara Bali) - Puluhan model internasional dari Yunani, Ukraina, Amerika, Slovenia dan Argentina menyemarakkan pembukaan "Denpasar Festival" yang dibuka oleh Wali Kota Denpasar IB Rai Mantra, Selasa malam.
Para model mancanegara itu tampil membawakan kreasi pakaian dari kain Endek yang dirancang oleh perancang kenamaan dari Ibu Kota Provinsi Bali.
Penampilan mereka itu mampu memesona ratusan pasang mata para penonton yang memadati tempat pembukaan acara tahunan tersebut di depan Patung Catur Muka, Lapangan Puputan Badung, Denpasar.
Berbagai jenis pakaian ditampilkan model luar negeri itu mulai dari pakaian santai sampai resmi yang semuanya berbahan dari kain produk unggulan Kota Denpasar.
Hal itu menunjukkan kalau produk unggulan tersebut sudah diakui oleh para pecinta busana, baik secara nasional maupun internasional.
Selain penampilan model tersebut yang dikemas dalam parade, para penonton juga dihibur oleh penampilan kesenian tradisional Pemendangin dan berbagai penampilan kreasi dari seniman setempat.
Puncak acara pembukaan Denpasar Festival III itu ditandai penancapan "layon" di tengah panggung yang ada di kawasan festival itu oleh wali kota.
"Tujuan pelaksanaan festival ini adalah untuk memberikan nilai filosofi tradisi dalam permainan dan hiburan yang disuguhkan dalam kegiatan tahunan tersebut," kata Rai Mantra.
Dia mengatakan, pihaknya sangat bergembira karena minat masyarakat untuk meramaikan acara tersebut cukup tinggi, terbukti dengan meningkatnya jumlah peserta festival khususnya pedagang kuliner.
"Mudah-mudahan acara ini bisa memberikan hiburan kepada masyarakat sehingga bisa menikmati pergantian tahun dengan menyenangkan dengan adanya acara ini," harapnya.
Denpasar Festival III berlangsung 28-31 Desember yang diikuti oleh berbagai komunitas dan pedagang kuliner khas Bali yang ada. Jumlah pedagang yang mengikuti acara tersebut sekitar 110 peserta.(*)
Bank Indonesia Predicts 6% Growth in Bali's Economy in 2011.
Bank Indonesia says the Bali economy is projected to grow by 5.66% in 2011, despite predictions of sluggishness from some economic observers.
As reported by Bali Post, the chief of the Bali branch of Bank Indonesia, Jeffrey Kairupan, believes Bali is to some degree immune to the economic difficulties experienced in other parts of the globe and estimates growth may soar as high as 6.5% for the island in 2011. "The tourism sector will remain the barometer and main engine of the province. But in the coming year the improvement of the island's infrastructure must become the focus of policymakers," said Kairupan.
Kairupan said the traffic congestion affecting south Bali must be satisfactorily resolved in order to avoid economic growth being stymied. At the same time, the Bank Indonesia director said their was substantial enthusiasm and interest in infrastructure projects for Bali, saying, "I have received information that a number of investors, such as the Chinese, have declared an interest in investing in this sector."
Another Bali-based banking observer, Made Kembar Sri Budhi, is also convinced that Bali's economy will grow by more than 6% in 2011. He sees growth, however, fed more by consumptive spending rather than by new investment.
Further hope for growth in Bali's economy is fed by improvement in a number of foreign economies world-wide which will boost both tourism visits and export sales.
The economists pointed to the continuing failure of economic growth in Bali to lift the agricultural sector. Despite much lip service in official circles regarding the fundamental importance of agriculture, the development of Bali's agriculture sector has not kept pace with the island's rapid tourism development.
Christmas and New Years Rush Has Bali Airport Bursting at the Seams.
(12/27/2010) Bali's sole airport - Ngurah Rai International Airport underwent a significant increase in passenger totals on December 23, 2010, with passenger numbers expected to remain very strong until New Years Eve, December 31, 2010.
The holiday travel command post maintained at the airport during this period estimates that 9,600 domestic tourists landed in Bali on December 23, 2010, increasing to 10,832 the following day of Christmas Eve. These totals compare with the normal number of 6,000 to 7,000 people who arrive daily on domestic flights into Bali.
The sudden increase in domestic holidaymakers was facilitated by extra flights laid on to meet holiday demand by several national air carriers.
Airport officials expect the domestic travel rush to reach its peak on December 28 and 29, 2010.
New Kuta Green Park – Bali's Newest Water Recreation Park Now Open.
(12/27/2010)PT Bali Pectu Graha (BPG) inaugurated the New Kuta Green Park - a new water recreation park at Pecatu, on Sunday, December 26, 2010. The Regent of Badung, A.A. Gde Agung, officiated at the opening ceremony.
The three-hectare tourist attraction offers a range of activities including flying fox, paintball warrior and bungy trampoline in addition to a wide range of water attractions.
Interviewed by the Bali Post, the director of the BPG, I Made Putrawan, proudly extolled the uniqueness of the New Kuta Green Park and the range of facilities it offers to the public. He cited the park's location which is adjacent to the New Kuta Golf Course with views of the Indian ocean and Balangan beach.
Putrawan continued: "The entry tariff for local identity card holders is Rp. 35,000 (US$3.90) to Rp. 40,000 (US$4.45). Meanwhile foreigners will pay Rp. 100,000 (US$11). We also have a special price for members. This reflects our concern for the public. Our facilities are exclusive but our guests are not exclusive."
Presiden SBY memberikan sambutan pada Perayaan Natal Nasional 2010 di JCC, Senin (27/12) malam. (foto: abror/presidensby.info)
Jakarta: Sebagai bangsa yang religius, Indonesia harus menjadikan agama sebagai inspirasi dan motivasi dalam memperkokoh kerukunan umat beragama. Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono mengatakan hal ini dalam sambutan Perayaan Natal Nasional 2010 di Plenary Hall, Jakarta Convention Center, Senin (27/12) malam.
Presiden mengingatkan, dalam beberapa hari ke depan kita akan memasuki tahun 2011, dan Indonesia harus bersiap diri untuk melanjutkan pembangunan menuju masa depan yang lebih baik, menjadi salah satu dari emerging nation. "Oleh karena itu sebagai modal sosial yang sangat penting, marilah terus kita perkokoh kerukunan kehidupan dengan penuh toleransi, saling menghargai serta saling menghormati dan mengasihi," kata Presiden SBY.
"Kemajemukan bangsa kita harus menjadi kekuatan, kemajukan harus kita sikapi dengan penuh rasa syukur, yang diimbangi oleh perbuatan-perbuatan positif. Keragaman yang kita miliki harus kita terima sebagai anugerah dari Tuhan YME," ujar SBY. Pemerintah berkomitmen untuk terus menjaga kemajemukan dan sendi-sendi kebebasan beragama, dan menjaga agar tidak ada yang disakiti karena perbedaan paham politik atau identitas sosial lainnya.
Dalam kesempatan ini, Presiden mengajak seluruh umat beragama untuk memperkokoh rasa persaudaraan antar anak bangsa. "Mari kita letakkan kepentingan bangsa di atas kepentingan individu, kelompok, dan golongan," Presiden SBY mengingatkan. (arc) Link Terkait: Presiden dan Ibu Negara Hadiri Perayaan Natal Nasional
Pesan Natal Presiden: Jaga Kerukunan Beragama
Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono berpesan agar umat beragama menjaga kerukunan. Sebab, keberagaman yang ada di Indonesia justru menjadi kekuatan.
Oleh: Irvan Ali Fauzi
INILAH.COM, Jakarta - Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono berpesan agar umat beragama menjaga kerukunan. Menurut Presiden, keberagaman yang ada di Indonesia justru menjadi kekuatan. Hal itu menunjukkan Indonesia sebagai bangsa yang bermartabat.
Presiden menyampaikan pernyataannya ketika menerima Ketua Umum Panitia Perayaan Natal Nasional Mari Elka Pangestu di Kantor Presiden, Mari didampingi Ketua Pelaksana Gories Mere, Penasihat Persekutuan Gereja-gereja Indonesia (PGI) Andreas Yewango, dan Konferensi Wali Gereja Indonesia MD Situmorang.
"Pesan dari Presiden sangat jelas, bagaimana kita benar-benar menjaga kerukunan dan kedamaian di Indonesia ini karena ini kekuatan Indonesia dan kita bangsa bermartabat karena bisa menjaga hal tersebut," kata Mari.
Presiden juga menegaskan, upaya menciptakan kedamaian antarumat beragama bukan hanya tugas polisi, melainkan tugas semua orang. Presiden tentu sangat prihatin bila terjadi perpecahan antarumat beragama.
Bila ada pelanggaran hukum itu tentunya secara tegas ditindak, tidak bisa punya toleransi terhadap tindakan seperti itu. "Beliau (Presiden) tegaskan ini bukan saja tugas polisi, aparat keamanan, tapi tugas kita," ujar Mari yang juga Menteri Perdagangan ini.
Presiden menyatakan akan hadir dalam Perayaan Natal Nasional yang akan digelar pada 27 Desember 2010 di Jakarta Convention Center. "Kita harapkan bisa menjaga kerukunan dan kedamaian warga dan masyarakat ina tidak ada perbedaan antara agama, etnis, dan asal daerah," kata Mari. [tjs]
President Obama and the First Lady wish families across the country a "Merry Christmas" and encourage everyone to support the troops and their families this holiday season.
The White House
December 25, 2010
THE PRESIDENT: Merry Christmas, everybody. Michelle and I just wanted to take a moment today to send greetings from our family to yours.
THE FIRST LADY: This is one of our favorite times of year. And we’re so fortunate to be able to celebrate it together in this wonderful home.
This is the “People’s House.” So Barack and I try to open it to as many people as we can, especially during the holiday season.
This month, more than 100,000 Americans have passed through these halls. And the idea behind this year’s theme, “Simple Gifts,” is that the greatest blessings of all are the ones that don’t cost a thing – the comfort of spending time with loved ones…the freedoms we enjoy as Americans… and the joy we feel upon giving something of ourselves.
So in this time of family, friends, and good cheer; let’s also be sure to look out for those who are less fortunate, who’ve hit a run of bad luck, or who are hungry and alone this holiday season.
THE PRESIDENT: Because this is the season when we celebrate the simplest yet most profound gift of all: the birth of a child who devoted his life to a message of peace, love, and redemption. A message that says no matter who we are, we are called to love one another – we are our brother’s keeper, we are our sister’s keeper, our separate stories in this big and busy world are really one.
Today, we’re also thinking of those who can’t be home for the holidays – especially all our courageous countrymen serving overseas.
That’s the message I delivered when I visited our troops in Afghanistan a few weeks ago – that while you may be serving far from home, every American supports you and your families. We’re with you. And I have no greater honor than serving as your Commander in Chief.
Today’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen make up the finest fighting force in the history of the world. Just like their predecessors, they do extraordinary things in service to their country. What makes that all the more remarkable is that today’s military is an all-volunteer force – a force of mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, husbands and wives.
THE FIRST LADY: That’s right. As First Lady, I’ve had the honor to meet members of our military and their families on bases and in communities all across the country. I’ve gotten to know husbands and wives doing the parenting of two while their spouse is on another deployment…children trying their best in school but always wondering when mom or dad is coming home…patriots putting their lives on hold to help with a loved one’s recovery…or carry on the memory of a fallen hero.
When our men and women in uniform answer the call to serve, their families serve, too. And they’re proud and glad to do it. But as long as that service keeps the rest of us safe, their sacrifice should also be our own. Even heroes can use a hand, especially during the holidays.
THE PRESIDENT: So we’re encouraging Americans to ask what you can do to support our troops and their families in this holiday season. For some ideas on how to get started, just visit Serve.gov.
THE FIRST LADY: You’ll see that you don’t need to be an expert in military life to give back to those who give so much to us. There are countless ways to contribute by harnessing your unique talents.
If you live near a base, you can reach out through your local school or church. If you don’t, you can volunteer with organizations that support military families. And anybody can send a care package or pre-paid calling card to the front lines, or give what’s sometimes the most important gift of all: simply saying “thank you.”
THE PRESIDENT: America’s brave servicemen and women represent a small fraction of our population. But they and the families who await their safe return carry far more than their fair share of the burden. They’ve done everything they’ve been asked to do. They’ve been everything we’ve asked them to be. And even as we speak, many are fighting halfway around the globe – in hopes that someday, our children and grandchildren won’t have to.
So let’s all remind them this holiday season that we’re thinking of them – and that America will forever be here for them, just as they’ve been there for us.
And on behalf of Michelle, Malia, Sasha…
THE FIRST LADY: and Bo…
THE PRESIDENT: and Bo…have a very Merry Christmas.
THE FIRST LADY: and an even happier New Year.
The Pope's Christmas message in full
Pope Benedict XVI has delivered his 'Urbi et Orbi Message' to a huge crowd in Rome.
Pope Benedict XVI delivers the "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing from the central balcony of St. Peter's basilica Photo: AFP/GETTY IMAGES
11:15AM GMT 25 Dec 2010
Dear brothers and sisters listening to me here in Rome and throughout the world, I joyfully proclaim the message of Christmas: God became man; he came to dwell among us. God is not distant: he is “Emmanuel”, God-with-us. He is no stranger: he has a face, the face of Jesus.
This message is ever new, ever surprising, for it surpasses even our most daring hope.
First of all, because it is not merely a proclamation: it is an event, a happening, which credible witnesses saw, heard and touched in the person of Jesus of Nazareth! Being in his presence, observing his works and hearing his words, they recognised in Jesus the Messiah; and seeing him risen, after his crucifixion, they were certain that he was true man and true God, the only-begotten Son come from the Father, full of grace and truth (cf. Jn 1:14).
“The Word became flesh”. Before this revelation we once more wonder: how can this be? The Word and the flesh are mutually opposed realities; how can the eternal and almighty Word become a frail and mortal man? There is only one answer: Love. Those who love desire to share with the beloved, they want to be one with the beloved, and Sacred Scripture shows us the great love story of God for his people which culminated in Jesus Christ.
God in fact does not change: he is faithful to himself. He who created the world is the same one who called Abraham and revealed his name to Moses: “I am who I am … the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob … a God merciful and gracious, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness (cf. Ex 3:14-15; 34:6). God does not change; he is Love, ever and always. In himself he is communion, unity in Trinity, and all his words and works are directed to communion. The Incarnation is the culmination of creation. When Jesus, the Son of God incarnate, was formed in the womb of Mary by the will of the Father and the working of the Holy Spirit, creation reached its high point. The ordering principle of the universe, the Logos, began to exist in the world, in a certain time and space.
“The Word became flesh”. The light of this truth is revealed to those who receive it in faith, for it is a mystery of love. Only those who are open to love are enveloped in the light of Christmas. So it was on that night in Bethlehem, and so it is today. The Incarnation of the Son of God is an event which occurred within history, while at the same time transcending history. In the night of the world a new light was kindled, one which lets itself be seen by the simple eyes of faith, by the meek and humble hearts of those who await the Saviour. If the truth were a mere mathematical formula, in some sense it would impose itself by its own power. But if Truth is Love, it calls for faith, for the “yes” of our hearts. And what do our hearts, in effect, seek, if not a Truth which is also Love? Children seek it with their questions, so disarming and stimulating; young people seek it in their eagerness to discover the deepest meaning of their life; adults seek it in order to guide and sustain their commitments in the family and the workplace; the elderly seek it in order to grant completion to their earthly existence. “The Word became flesh”. The proclamation of Christmas is also a light for all peoples, for the collective journey of humanity. “Emmanuel”, God-with-us, has come as King of justice and peace. We know that his Kingdom is not of this world, and yet it is more important than all the kingdoms of this world. It is like the leaven of humanity: were it lacking, the energy to work for true development would flag: the impulse to work together for the common good, in the disinterested service of our neighbour, in the peaceful struggle for justice. Belief in the God who desired to share in our history constantly encourages us in our own commitment to that history, for all its contradictions. It is a source of hope for everyone whose dignity is offended and violated, since the one born in Bethlehem came to set every man and woman free from the source of all enslavement. May the light of Christmas shine forth anew in the Land where Jesus was born, and inspire Israelis and Palestinians to strive for a just and peaceful coexistence. May the comforting message of the coming of Emmanuel ease the pain and bring consolation amid their trials to the beloved Christian communities in Iraq and throughout the Middle East; may it bring them comfort and hope for the future and bring the leaders of nations to show them effective solidarity. May it also be so for those in Haiti who still suffer in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and the recent cholera epidemic. May the same hold true not only for those in Colombia and Venezuela, but also in Guatemala and Costa Rica, who recently suffered natural disasters. May the birth of the Saviour open horizons of lasting peace and authentic progress for the peoples of Somalia, Darfur and Côte d’Ivoire; may it promote political and social stability in Madagascar; may it bring security and respect for human rights in Afghanistan and in Pakistan; may it encourage dialogue between Nicaragua and Costa Rica; and may it advance reconciliation on the Korean peninsula. May the birth of the Saviour strengthen the spirit of faith, patience and courage of the faithful of the Church in mainland China, that they may not lose heart through the limitations imposed on their freedom of religion and conscience but, persevering in fidelity to Christ and his Church, may keep alive the flame of hope. May the love of “God-with-us” grant perseverance to all those Christian communities enduring discrimination and persecution, and inspire political and religious leaders to be committed to full respect for the religious freedom of all. Dear brothers and sisters, “the Word became flesh”; he came to dwell among us; he is Emmanuel, the God who became close to us. Together let us contemplate this great mystery of love; let our hearts be filled with the light which shines in the stable of Bethlehem! To everyone, a Merry Christmas!
Denpasar - Anda berencana menghabiskan akhir tahun di Bali? Sebaiknya anda segera bergegas memesan hotel. 95 Persen hotel di Pulau Dewata sudah dipesan untuk libur Natal dan Tahun Baru 2011.
"Hingga saat ini, tingkat hunian hotel di Bali rata-rata telah mencapai 95%," kata Sekretaris Perhimpunan Hotel Restaurant Indonesia (PHRI) Bali, Perry Markus melalui telepon,
Perry menambahkan tingkat hunian di beberapa hotel sudah mulai penuh. Diperkirakan, setelah tanggal 20 Desember, semua hotel sudah habis dipesan wisatawan domestik dan mancanegara.
Pada liburan Natal dan Tahun Baru, Bali banyak dikunjungi wisatawan domestik, seperti Jakarta, Yogyakarta, dan Surabaya. Wisatawan ini telah memesan hotel pada bulan sebelumnya. Bahkan, tak sedikit wisatawan yang sudah membayar deposit ke pihak hotel.
Perry menjelaskan bahwa tingkat hunian pada tahun ini lebih baik dibandingkan dengan tahun lalu. Disebutkan, tingkat hunian secara keseluruhan pada tahun lalu hanya mencapai 70 persen.
Daya beli wisatawan domestik selama liburan juga sangat tinggi. Perry mengatakan, meskipun banyak wisatawan domestik yang berkunjung ke bali tidak melalui pesawat, daya beli wisatawan ini sangat tinggi.
Salah satu hotel yang tingkat hunian mencapai 70 persen adalah Sanur Beach. Public Relation Officer Hotel Sanur Beach, Candy Juliani menyebutkan tingkat hunian hotel yang memiliki 428 kamar ini akan melonjak menjelang Natal dan Tahun Baru.
"Kami optimis, tingkat hunian akan meningkat jelang Natal dan Tahun Baru," katanya.
Jika Anda tidak sempat pergi ke luar negeri, pergi ke pusat perbelanjaan di Jakarta bisa menjadi pilihan yang tepat. Salah satu tempat yang dapat Anda kunjungi adalah Pacific Place. Mall perbelanjaan yang letaknya bisa dikatakan strategis, yaitu di Sudirman Central Business District, Jakarta Selatan ini bisa menjadi pilihan Anda di dalam berwisata di Jakarta.
Foto : Berita Daerah / Mikayla
Ketika Anda berkunjung ke mall ini, suasana Natal yang ada memang sudah sangat terasa. Disana banyak pohon Natal dengan berbagai bentuk yang kreatif terpajang dengan cantiknya hampir di setiap sisi di mall ini. Ada yang terbuat dari bunga hidup anggrek phalaenopsis dan daun anthurrium andreanum, botol plastik, koleksi pernak-pernik yang disusun bertingkat, dan juga bahan-bahan lainnya. Dan kerennya lagi, Anda bukan hanya bisa menikmati keindahan banyak pohon Natal yang terbuat dari berbagai bahan tersebut, tetapi Anda juga bisa memilih pohon Natal yang terbaik menurut Anda dengan cara melakukan voting. Cara melakukan votingnya pun mudah, yaitu hanya dengan memasukkan kartu nama Anda kedalam kotak yang disediakan di dekat setiap pohon Natal tersebut.
Foto : Berita Daerah / Mikayla
Sampai disitu saja? Tentu tidak. Ada lagi hal menarik yang dapat Anda kunjungi, yaitu Santa’s Wonderland, yang berbentuk seperti bola kaca raksasa dimana didalamnya terletak berbagai pernak-pernik Natal yang cantik. Selain itu, di dekat area Santa's Wonderland Anda juga bisa menyaksikan pertunjukan drumband dan juga tarian di jam-jam tertentu. Hmmm…menyenangkan, bukan? Di sekitar situ, Anda juga bisa melihat patung-patung lucu, seperti patung beruang kutub dan juga patung rusa yang menggemaskan dan membuat Anda tidak akan tahan jika tidak mengambil gambar di tempat tersebut.
Foto : Berita Daerah / Mikayla
Pacific Place memang menawarkan suasana Natal yang sudah pasti membuat Anda tidak akan bosan berada disana. Selain menikmati pohon Natal dan berjalan-jalan di sekitar Santa’s Wonderland, Anda juga bisa membeli pernak-pernik Natal yang cantik dan eksklusif. Wow, so exciting!!
Foto : Berita Daerah / Mikayla
Jika Anda ingin berkunjung ke Pacific Place, jangan lupa membawa kamera, karena sudah pasti banyak hal yang bisa diabadikan disana. Hmmm…suasana Natal disana memang sangat terasa dan sudah pasti akan menyenangkan bila Anda berkunjung kesana. So, jangan tunggu lagi..ayo ke Pacific Place sekarang juga..
