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March 30, 2012

There will be no immediate subsidized fuel price increase on April 1st. 2012


News update on June 17, 2013

The government of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is mulling over raising gasoline prices 44 percent, from 4,500 rupiah, or 45 cents, a liter, or 0.26 gallon, to 6,500 rupiah to help close a widening budget deficit. The country’s Finance Ministry has said spending on fuel subsidies could reach $23 billion in 2013, compared with about $20 billion last year, if urgent action is not taken. 
The House of Representatives just approved the government's proposed fuel-price hike as it endorsed the draft bill of the 2013 revised state budget in a plenary session in Jakarta on Monday. June 17th. 2013.that will pave the way for the government to announce the first price hike since 2008.
Under the revised state budget, the price of fuel will increase by 44 percent to Rp 6,500 (66 US cents) per liter.
During the session, 338 legislators voted in favor of the bill, while 181 lawmakers rejected it.
Fuel prices have long been a flashpoint issue in Indonesia, with economists arguing that huge government subsidies are damaging Southeast Asia's top economy. 

International lenders like the World Bank have urged the Indonesian government to eliminate subsidies altogether, as savings could go to crucial social programs, including health care, as well as much-needed infrastructure investment.  

Although Indonesia has plenty of oil production fields and is among the top 25 oil-producing nations in the world, it is a net importer of petroleum. Gasoline is so heavily subsidized that at the end of 2012, the country had the lowest fuel prices of any net oil-consuming nation in the world, according to the World Bank. The second-lowest was the United States, where a gallon sold for $3.29 on Dec. 31 — nearly twice as much as in Indonesia.

The House of Representatives, through a dramatic voting process, agreed on early Saturday to revise the 2012 state budget, which includes a contentious article 7 paragraph 6A  allowing the government to increase subsidized fuel prices within six months if the Indonesian Crude Price (ICP) is 15 percent higher than assumed in the state budget.

According to government data, the ICP in October stood at $109.25 per barrel, November at $112.94, December at $110.70, January at $115.90, February at $122.17 and March at $128.

This means the current six-month ICP average stands at $116.66 per barrel.
– The average Indonesian Crude Price (ICP) for December 2011 was US$110.7 per barrel, declined from US$112.52 per barrel in the previous month.
The Sweet Light Crude (SLC) also fell to US$112.52 per barrel from previous month’s US$116.04 per barrel.
Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources assessed the price decline was in line with crude oil price in international market, which was pressured by some factors such as production quota rise by OPEC members, global negative growth sentiment due to European debt crisis, the acceleration of oil production in Lybia and the dollar appreciation.
“For Asia and Pacific region, the decline in crude oil price was due to the decline in oil consumption by China along with the its economic slowdown,” OPEC said

The ICP is determined by Pertamina, based on moving average spot price of a basket of five internationally traded crudes:
  • Minas (Indonesia)
  • Tapis (Malaysia)
  • Gippsland (Australia)
  • Dubai (UAE)
  • Oman
In some cases ICP is used as index in long term LNG contracts in East Asia.

State-owned oil and gas firm PT Pertamina has increased prices for non-subsidized fuels, starting Sunday, due to the skyrocketing global prices for crude oil.

Pertamina spokesman M. Harun said Sunday that the increased prices reflected fluctuations in the market.
"We adjust the price of non-subsidized fuels every two weeks, on the first and fifteenth days of each month. The changes depend on market conditions," he told The Jakarta Post in a telephone interview.

The price of RON 92 Pertamax high-performance gasoline has gone up to Rp 10,200 (US$1.11) per liter, from Rp 9,850. Meanwhile, RON 95 Pertamax Plus is now being sold at Rp 10,350.

Indonesia can increase the price of subsidized fuel as early as next month if the Indonesian Crude Price hits $135 per barrel in April, ministers said on Sunday (April 1st. 2012)

Deputy Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources Widjajono Partowidagdo said that according to his calculation, if April’s ICP rises above $135 per barrel, the six-month ICP average will go beyond $120.75.

However, oil and gas expert Kurtubi says that based on his estimates of how world oil prices fluctuate, a price hike next month was unlikely. “The government will increase the price by July 1, at the soonest,” said the Center for Petroleum and Energy Economic Studies expert.

There will be no immediate subsidized fuel price increase on April 1st. 2012
That 7 factions rejecting the proposal are PDI-P, Gerindra, Hanura (the opposition) and four factions of SBY-Boediono’s Ruling Coalition members (Golkar, PKS, PPP, and PKB). Only two factions of the Ruling Coalition (President SBY’s Demokrat Party and PAN) support the government proposal.
While 4 factions rejecting the proposal but accepting the existence of the controversial Article 7 paragraph 6A, as proposed by the Government in the revision of the 2012 State Budget, are Golkar, PKS, PPP and PKB.
Article 7 paragraph 6A basically gives flexibility to the Government to adjust the fuel price with the world oil price.
Golkar supports the government to raise fuel price if the global oil price increased more than 15% of global oil price’s assumption set on the budget.
PKS also allows when global oil price rose more than 20% from the budget assumption. While PPP and PKB will support if the world oil price advanced above 10% and 17.5%, respectively.
Some observers said that the controversial Article 7 paragraph 6A is basically similar with Article 28 paragraph 2 of Law No 22/2001 regarding Oil and Gas (Migas) Law. The Article 28 paragraph 2 of Migas Law had been annuled by the Constitutional Court (MK) on December 15, 2004 as it violated the 1945 Consitution.
MK, according to Constitutional Judge Harjono, has prohibited the regulator to determine the fuel price based on market mechanism.
 As many as 356 lawmakers voted to pass the bill while 82 House members were against it. The other 93 lawmakers from the People’s Conscience Party (Hanura) and the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) walked out just before the voting process started.

Their plan would allow the government to raise the cost of fuel only if the ICP rose a certain percentage above the $105-per-barrel assumed average of oil prices used to formulate the 2012 state budget.

Initially, they wanted a 5-percent difference but eventually shifted their demand to 10 percent and then 15 percent.

The five other members of the pro-government coalition of parties laid down conditions that would make it impossible for the price increase to take place as scheduled.

Golkar, in its opinion read out by lawmaker Ahmadi Noor Supit, proposed that a “fuel price adjustment” only be made if the ICP was at least 15 percent higher than the 2012 budget price assumption for six consecutive months.

Ahmadi said while at first the party had understood the need for a price increase, “When the people began to make demands of the parties, we conducted a review. We reject an increase in the price of fuel.”

The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), a coalition member, wanted the ICP gap to be at least 20 percent, while coalition member the National Awakening Party (PKB) and the United Development Party (PPP) pushed for 17.5 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

The National Mandate Party (PAN) joined Golkar in demanding the ICP be at least 15 percent higher than the assumed price.

Under the agreed option the fuel price will only increase if the Indonesian Crude Price exceeds the amount set in the budget by at least 15 percent for six months.
Although the government has yet to announce the final decision on the planned fuel price hike, property prices on Bali are already rising.


 Planned Fuel Price Hike is driving Property price sky rocketing


Real Estate Indonesia’s (REI) Bali branch chairman Dewa Putu Selawa cited  property prices have increased 15 percent on average since early March, when the government revealed  its plan to increase the price of subsidized fuel by 33 percent or Rp 1,500 (16 US cents) to Rp 6,000 as of April 1 2012

“The increase is not only because the rising price of construction materials. The property business is very sensitive to rumors and discourse. Once the discourse of the fuel-price hike started, all property businesspeople reacted by increasing the prices,” Selawa said recently.

Selawa said that those in the real-estate business showed various reactions, depending on their capital. About 25 percent of the island’s real estate tycoons who had hefty capital were holding onto their property stock while waiting for the government’s final decision.

“Many businessmen canceled the sale of their properties because of the discourse. That’s because the prices would again increase when the fuel price is hiked. They were waiting to get the highest profit.”

Those with small capital had no choice but to sell their properties at the current prices.

The Bali branch of REI has 72 members, 25 percent of whom had a large amount of capital.

Selawa himself raised the prices of his properties.

“I have a property that is worth Rp 350 million per 100 square meters. Due to the discourse on fuel-price hike, I increased the price up to Rp 500 million per 100 square meters. When the fuel price is hiked, the prices of other needs would increase and the land prices would also increase,” he said.

He is confident that property prices would not fall, even if the government abandons its plan to increase fuel prices.

“Don’t ever expect that property prices will go down. The property prices will always rise,” he said.

Another property developer, Widiana Kepakisan, said that the discourse about fuel prices has increased the price of building materials, transportation, as well as cost of labor.

“The discourse has automatically driven the increase of land prices,” he said. “Fuel is like a political commodity. Once the government in Jakarta said they will increase the price, it affected businesses in this island automatically.”

Widiana also increased the prices of his properties in Jimbaran.

“A unit of house type 70, which was worth only Rp 825 million before the discourse, now is priced at Rp 925 million per unit,” he said.

Bali has the highest rate of increased land prices in the country.

A recent study by Knight Frank and Elite Havens shows the price of land in Bali increased by an average 34 percent in 2011, while the normal growth rate was only around 8 to 16 percent.

March 20, 2012

Nyepi Day 2012 ( Day of Silence 2012)

Silent Days and Silent Nights

Once every year, Hindus in Bali celebrate a holy day referred to as Nyepi. The word Nyepi comes from the phrase Sepi or Sipeng, meaning silent or dead moon, This holy day is to celebrate the arriving of new Caka year which this year of 2012 is 1934 Caka year which falls on March, 23rd. 2012.

 Nyepi - Bali’s Day of Absolute Silence is Friday, March 23, 2012. Here’s Our Guide on What to Expect

 Bali’s magical and highly spiritual day of absolute silence – Hari Raya Nyepi falls on Friday, March 23, 2012 marking the first day of the Bali Hindu New Year of Caka 1934.
Unique in all the world, Nyepi Day is preceded by a night of revelry in which elaborately adorned papier-mâché floats are carried through Bali’s street  - with images depicting all manner of demons and well-known celebrities, carried on the shoulders of village youth who have spent the weeks leading up to the festival creating the colorful displays. As dawn approaches, the celebrants, now rid of their wild impetuosity, slip away to their respective homes for a 24-hour period of mandatory solitude and reflection from which to launch the year ahead.



   
On March, 23rd. 2012 (Nyepi or Caka Year 1934) you could witness the Balinese Hindus carrying out the Catur Brata Penyepian, in an additional way the Balinese display how they love their environment in accordance to the Balinese Hindu Philosophy known as “Tri Hitakarana” that explains the relationship between Humanity, God and the Environment. 
Nyepi mandates a day of absolute quietude, based on the four precepts of Catur Brata:
  • Amati Geni: Prohibiting the lighting of fires, the use of lighting or the satisfaction of pleasurable human appetites.
  • Amati Karya: Prohibiting all forms of physical work other than those dedicated to spiritual cleansing and renewal.
  • Amati Lelungan: Prohibiting movement or travel; requiring people to stay within their residences.
  • Amati Lelangunan: Prohibiting all forms of entertainment, recreations or general merrymaking.
In keeping with the strict traditions of the holy day, Bali grinds to an absolute halt for 24-hours from 6:00 a.m. on Friday, March 23 until Saturday, March 24, 2012.

The observance of the day is all pervasive and includes:

  • The requirement that Bali visitors stay confined within the grounds of hotels for the 24-hour period and not leave the premises, except in cases of medical emergency.
  • Hotels are asked to limit outside lighting out of respect to the surrounding Balinese communities.
  • Employees of hotels and emergency services must stay confined to their place of employment for the entire 24-hour period.
  • All streets are empty and closed. All businesses are closed. Only emergency vehicles are permitted on the roads.
  • All seaports are closed during the 24-hour period.
  • Bali’s airport is closed during the 24-hour period. No passengers are allowed to land or take off from the airport. Technical stops are allowed but no passenger may disembark or embark on a flight during this period.
  • Television and radio stations are closed and cable broadcast companies are asked to suspend their signals to Bali during the proscribed period.

On Nyepi day  – the day for meditation and absolute silence in Bali, - which this year falls on Friday, 23 March, the entire island of Bali will be closed for 24 hours to all traffic, including air traffic. In keeping with the strict traditions of the holy day, Bali grinds to an absolute stop from 6:00 a.m. on Friday, March 23 until Saturday, March 24, 2012.
Those wishing to visit Bali on or around that day, please take special notice. 
On the eve of Nyepi, celebrations are held when floats of huge colorful paper demons are paraded through the streets of cities, carried to the beach and torched, making a bright bonfire. Each one then quietly retreats to their respective homes to spend the entire day in silent reflection, free from any noise. Homes may also not have any open fires, nor any lights lit at night.
On this day, no one is allowed on the streets and on the beach, including tourists. Flights to and from Bali will be suspended.
While this may sound eerie, in fact, those that have gone through this absolute quietness of a whole island find it a most exhilarating experience. 
We wish you a happy Nyepi day 2012
   

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March 19, 2012

BHA Press Release - Bali Terrorism Raid


BHA Press Release - Bali Terrorism Raid
Denpasar, Bali, March 19—2012
 Following a successful raid on a terrorist hideout and the elimination of wanted terror suspects in Denpasar and Sanur, Bali, the Bali Hotels Association (BHA) is issuing the following statement.
“We would like to commend the authorities in Bali for their successful operation following surveillance and counter-terrorism intelligence,” said Jean-Charles Le Coz, BHA chairman.
“The Indonesian authorities, and especially those on Bali, are to be recognized for acting quickly and swiftly in this matter; in the meantime, it's very much business as usual on the island."
On the evening of March 18, five allegedly armed terror suspects were confronted by the elite Detachment 88 counter-terrorism squad in Denpasar and Sanur. Authorities remain confident that already-stringent security measures are paying off, while the raid shows that efforts to contain any threat to the island’s peaceful way of life are working.
“While we always advise everyone in Bali—whether locals or holidaymakers—to be vigilant for anything suspicious, we also have to thank the law-enforcement and terrorism officials for protecting our island from those who seeks to disrupt and destroy,” said BHA’s Le Coz.
Security precautions are active in all areas, but especially in strategic places such entertainment spots, hotels and malls, said a police spokesperson. As such, BHA can confidently report that the incident will have no effect on business, said Le Coz.
“The raid shows that Bali is prepared, and we have full confidence in our collective ability to prevail against threats. As always, we advise common sense, and our members work closely with police at all times to ensure the safety of guests staying in Bali. Security has always been a primary concern, and will remain so,” he said.

Bali Hotels Association (BHA) is a group of star-rated hotels and resorts. Members include the management of more than a hundred of the island’s best hotels and resorts, representing more than 15,000 hotel rooms and 30,000 employees. The association runs sustainable tourism, education and environmental projects, and helps set tourism security and safety standards, following a multi-stakeholder approach that supports public-private partnerships in corporate social responsibility. The association also provides a professional information and discussion forum, enabling it to speak with a common voice on issues relevant to the tourism and hospitality industry in Bali.
For more information and updates about Bali Hotels Association (BHA), visit www.balihotelsassociation.com

Bali safe, but vigilance crucial: Governor

Ni Komang Erviani and Rabby Pramudatama, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar/Jakarta | Wed, 03/21/2012 8:23 AM
Following the recent killing of five suspected terrorists in police raids in Bali, the province’s governor, Made Mangku Pastika, reminded the public to remain cautious of the looming threat of terrorism.

“The terrorist threat is real. I have many times stated that there are real threats targeting Bali. But despite that, the province’s safety remains paramount,” Pastika said on Tuesday.

Pastika said that as a top international tourist destination, Bali would always be a strategic target for global terrorism. A small incident in Bali would be sufficient to give terrorists global exposure, he said.

“Even a small firecracker exploding in Bali would be reported all over the world, let alone a bomb,” said Pastika, a retired police general who rose to prominence after leading an international task force that succeeded in apprehending al-Qaeda-linked terrorists responsible for the infamous 2002 Bali bombing.

“Terrorists have always wanted to convey a strong message to remind the world that they still exist. So we must never underestimate them,” said Pastika, who served as Bali Police chief when terrorists conducted a second bomb attack in 2005 in the predominantly Hindu province.

Pastika said that the National Police had always informed him when they received intelligence reports on new terrorist threats targeting the resort island. “When there’s been an indication of an impending terrorist attack, the police have always informed me about any preventive measures,” he said.

The police’s Detachment 88 antiterror squad shot dead five suspected terrorists at two separate locations in Bali on Sunday. According to the police, the suspects may have had links to terrorist group Jamaah Ansharut Tauhid (JAT), founded by terrorist convict Abu Bakar Ba’asyir.

Indonesia, with the world’s largest Muslim-majority population, has seen five major terrorist attacks in the past eight years, including the first Bali bombing in 2002, which killed more than 200 people, most of them foreign tourists.

The country has not seen a major terrorist attack since the bombing of the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels in Jakarta in 2009 that killed seven people, mostly foreigners.

Since the 2002 Bali bombing, the law enforcement agencies have conducted largely successful counterterrorism operations, in which more than 600 terrorists have been put behind bars. Most of the country’s notorious terrorist masterminds have also either been killed in police raids or convicted in the courts.

However, a recent string of terrorist plots foiled by the police have served as a stark reminder that the fight against terrorism is far from over.

Separately, the National Police insisted on Tuesday that no human rights violations were committed during Sunday’s raids. “There’s no evidence of wrongdoings in the raids. We can be held accountable for our actions.” spokesman Insp. Gen. Saud Usman Nasution, a former Detachment 88 commander, said.

The police’s standard operating procedure stipulates that officers can shoot suspects in order to immobilize them or if they pose a risk to the safety of the officers, according to Saud. “The suspects possessed firearms, which could harm police officers as well as civilians. Moreover, the raid took place at night when visuals were low.”Following the recent killing of five suspected terrorists in police raids in Bali, the province’s governor, Made Mangku Pastika, reminded the public to remain cautious of the looming threat of terrorism.

“The terrorist threat is real. I have many times stated that there are real threats targeting Bali. But despite that, the province’s safety remains paramount,” Pastika said on Tuesday.

Pastika said that as a top international tourist destination, Bali would always be a strategic target for global terrorism. A small incident in Bali would be sufficient to give terrorists global exposure, he said.

“Even a small firecracker exploding in Bali would be reported all over the world, let alone a bomb,” said Pastika, a retired police general who rose to prominence after leading an international task force that succeeded in apprehending al-Qaeda-linked terrorists responsible for the infamous 2002 Bali bombing.

“Terrorists have always wanted to convey a strong message to remind the world that they still exist. So we must never underestimate them,” said Pastika, who served as Bali Police chief when terrorists conducted a second bomb attack in 2005 in the predominantly Hindu province.

Pastika said that the National Police had always informed him when they received intelligence reports on new terrorist threats targeting the resort island. “When there’s been an indication of an impending terrorist attack, the police have always informed me about any preventive measures,” he said.

The police’s Detachment 88 antiterror squad shot dead five suspected terrorists at two separate locations in Bali on Sunday. According to the police, the suspects may have had links to terrorist group Jamaah Ansharut Tauhid (JAT), founded by terrorist convict Abu Bakar Ba’asyir.

Indonesia, with the world’s largest Muslim-majority population, has seen five major terrorist attacks in the past eight years, including the first Bali bombing in 2002, which killed more than 200 people, most of them foreign tourists.

The country has not seen a major terrorist attack since the bombing of the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels in Jakarta in 2009 that killed seven people, mostly foreigners.

Since the 2002 Bali bombing, the law enforcement agencies have conducted largely successful counterterrorism operations, in which more than 600 terrorists have been put behind bars. Most of the country’s notorious terrorist masterminds have also either been killed in police raids or convicted in the courts.

However, a recent string of terrorist plots foiled by the police have served as a stark reminder that the fight against terrorism is far from over.

Separately, the National Police insisted on Tuesday that no human rights violations were committed during Sunday’s raids. “There’s no evidence of wrongdoings in the raids. We can be held accountable for our actions.” spokesman Insp. Gen. Saud Usman Nasution, a former Detachment 88 commander, said.

The police’s standard operating procedure stipulates that officers can shoot suspects in order to immobilize them or if they pose a risk to the safety of the officers, according to Saud. “The suspects possessed firearms, which could harm police officers as well as civilians. Moreover, the raid took place at night when visuals were low.”

 THREE of the five men killed in a police raid in Bali, including one of Indonesia's most wanted, were apparently awaiting the arrival of prostitutes as counter-terrorism officers swooped. A staff member at the Lhaksmi Hotel in the Sanur, one of the popular tourist area's less than classy establishments, has revealed that the men were actually waiting for the arrival of some lady friends when police stormed the address.
"They had ordered two prostitutes and they were waiting in a small gazebo," Made Tama, who works at Lhaksmi Hotel told AAP on Monday.
"The two girls actually had arrived, but when they're were about to go inside (Detachment 88) officers would not let them. I was forbidden too."
Made, who had greeted the girls on their arrival at the hotel, also revealed it was not the first night of action the three men had seen recently.

"They actually ordered for another girl and they had ordered them previously.
"But one of the girls, Gita, who is very beautiful - she didn't show up."
Sources told The Australian that at least one of the five men killed overnight in Bali was involved in a 2010 bank raid to finance terrorist activities, according to police sources.
The suspects were killed during raids on hotel rooms in Sanur and Denpasar about 10pm local time by more than 100 officers of Indonesia's crack anti-terror unit Densus 88 officers.
Police sources said one was a "major terrorism suspect" with connections to the CIMB Niaga bank robbery in Medan, North Sumatra in August 2010, which in turn was linked with the so-called al Qa'ida in Aceh militant training camp broken up eight months earlier.
A Bali police source said today the suspect was “HN”, one of two men killed in the second raid in Denpasar.
He was 32 years old, from Bandung West Java, and was among those wanted for the Medan raid in which a policemen was killed.
"Five people who planned to carry out an act of terrorism and several robberies have been gunned down Sunday evening," said national police spokesman Boy Rafli Amar.
"All of them died in shoot-outs. They opened fire at the police while trying to escape."
Three men were killed in the Densus 88 attack on a cheap hotel bungalow in Sanur and the others died in a hotel room in downtown Denpasar, about 15km away.
Members of the group had been seen at a Kuta currency shop, run by PT Bali Money Changer, and a gold shop in Uluwatu. Police believe the establishments were targetted for robbery.
A Bali police spokesman said the five were associated and that arms and ammunition had been recovered from at least one of the locations.
Several of the suspects came to Bali in February and are understood to have been under surveillance since.
Bali Police will provide further details later today.
Witnesses reported seeing police removing bodies from a bungalow at the hotel, which remained surrounded by heavily armed officers late on Sunday night.
Police confirmed the raids were linked, adding that those killed had either resisted arrest or tried to escape.
"On Danau Poso three people were killed from police fire and on Gunung Soputan two were shot dead," Bali Police spokesman Hariadi said.
"They are linked to terrorism."
A number of firearms and ammunition were recovered from both addresses but Mr Hariadi refused to confirm if any explosives were discovered at either of the locations.
Mr Hariadi added that it was believed the group had been planning robberies, to be used to fund terror attacks, but did not provide further details.
However, another senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said it was possible the group was planning to carry out attacks on Thursday, on the eve of Nyepi, or the annual Day of Silence, which marks the Balinese Hindu New Year.
Balinese traditionally hold large parades on the eve of Nyepi, which also draw large numbers of tourists.
The latest development is a stark reminder of the lingering threat of terrorism in Indonesia and comes ahead of the 10th anniversary later this year of the 2002 Bali bombings which killed 202 people, including 88 Australians.
 Additional reporting: AAP

A BAR on the tourist strip of Seminyak in Bali that is popular with Australians was one of the targets of a terror cell that has been destroyed by Indonesian police. Crack officers from Detachment 88 killed five suspected terrorists and foiled a plot to attack tourists in Bali during local new year celebrations this week.
More than 5000 Australians are currently holidaying in Bali and one of the targets named by Indonesian authorities was a late night bar called La Vida Loca that is frequented late at night by young Australians.
According to tourist websites the crowds don't get to the bar until after 2am when it "packs them in for vodka drinks, with a great live band nightly, playing mostly Latino grooves".
"Bring your sunglasses as well as your salsa moves as most La Vida Loca's party till sunrise,'' it says.
Police sources said attacks were planned for Thursday night, which is the eve of the annual Nyepi or day of silence to mark the Balinese Hindu new year.
One of the five suspected terrorists was on a police wanted list for the past two years and took part in a terrorism linked robbery last year.
The 32-year-old, known as Hn, had also taken part in the armed robbery of a bank in Medan, Sumatra.
He was one of three men gunned down in Denpasar during a battle with the anti-terrorist unit Detachment 88.
Another two suspects were killed by police in the tourist spot of Sanur, close to a pub called the Cat and Fiddle.
Police confirmed the raids were linked, adding that those killed had either resisted arrest or tried to escape.
"On Danau Poso three people were killed from police fire and on Gunung Soputan two were shot dead," Bali Police spokesman Hariadi said.
"They are linked to terrorism."
A number of firearms and ammunition were recovered from both addresses but Hariadi refused to confirm if any explosives were discovered at either of the locations.
Hariadi added that it was believed the group had been planning robberies, to be used to fund terror attacks, but did not provide further details.
However, another senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said it was possible the group was planning to carry out attacks on Thursday.
The Balinese traditionally hold large parades on the eve of Nyepi, which also draw large numbers of tourists.
The latest development is a stark reminder of the lingering threat of terrorism in Indonesia and comes ahead of the 10th anniversary later this year of the 2002 Bali bombings which killed 202 people, including 88 Australians.
The Jakarta Globe newspaper reported that a police source said that a high-profile terrorism suspect was among the groups raided overnight but would not confirm whether he was one of the five people killed.
It's understood police were also investigating whether members of the groups raided on Sunday were linked to a terrorist network discovered training at a paramilitary camp in Aceh in 2010.
The Aceh camp was set up by Abu Bakar Bashir, the former spiritual leader of Jemaah Islamiyah and the group blamed for the 2002 bombings in Bali.
While Bashir is serving 15 years in relation to his involvement in the Aceh network, a number of members are known to be still at large.

Source :http://www.news.com.au/

March 12, 2012

Charity run Berlari terus with Scott Thompson , Bali to Jakarta

  A Scottish Man with a heart of gold , Scott Thompson runs for charity

Scott Thompson










 Scott and his parents 's support and surprise visit 

Welcome Home, Scott , We are proud of you




25 , April 1st. 2012 

All over folks, my RB2J project is complete. 1239km in total and the most amazing day to finish. Thank YOU for making it so special. I promise to follow up with a final report and photos in the next day so. Take care and stay safe. It's good to be home:-)!

Yours in Berlariterus....  

24, March 31st 2011 
 
If I thought yesterday was quick then today was over in the blink of an eye. After averaging almost 52kms per day for 23 consecutive days I only had to work my way through 27kms today. It was all over in no time with the help of 7 friends from Senayan Runners (thanks to Riena, Park, Richard, Timo, Yuda, Heru and Ira). Once again I had the support out on the road of Peter and Vera (YCAB) both running and cycling from start to finish, thanks guys. Early on in the run we had a 5 minute stop at Achilles Radial's factory (one of my Gold Sponsors) to meet up with staff and employees. Managed a few photographs before heading back onto the road with our running group now expanded to over 100!
I also have my Mum and Dad out from Scotland!! They"ve been with me the past 2 days which has been very special indeed - just lovely to be able to share the final few days with you both, thanks Mum and Dad for coming out for an early summer:-). A great day then which leaves me the final 25kms to take my overall RB2J run total to 1239kms. I can now say that it has been a very loonnnggggg run!
This project has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I believe the most demanding physically and mentally. I feel very fortunate to have met so many kind people along the way and seen so many memorable sights. At the moment my memory is a little muddled but over time will unravel to leave an indelible warm and remarkable experience on my conscience. You have been too kind to Berlariterus. Thank you so much for looking out for me on the road and supporting me the whole way.
As I've mentioned before, running home from Bali was only ever about raising money, and with the help and generosity of many the current fund raising total sits at an unbelievable Rp3.8billion (which equates to almost US$420,000)! Thank YOU all for believing in my project.
So that's it folks, 1 more run to get me into the centre of Jakarta. This final run tomorrow will see me close out at Senayan (next to the driving range on Jl. Sudirman) at around 8.30am. I believe there will be a few of the YCAB kids joining the run and also at the finish a few of the MCK kids will be present. I can't wait to see you all.
Yours in Berlariterus...

 Day 23 , March 30

Day 23 over, 53kms and 1187km in total. Today you'll will be delighted to hear was ALL downhill, not literally but it came so easy... knew it would happen eventually, haha.
It would also appear that I'm a day ahead of schedule(!) with only around 50kms or so to go to the finish at Senayan. The decision to push on and finish through the night or tomorrow sometime was taken out of my hands with YCAB kindly arranging a run in on Sunday morning. Thanks again guys. Been told 600 people have already signed up to run with Berlariterus, unreal, I'm honestly humbled and honoured by all the fuss, thank you.
So tomorrow will be a short run of 25kms or so, to leave me with the same again on Sunday morning. I simply can't comprehend that I've ran my last 50kms and will hang up the old running shoes;-) For a while anyway!
It will be in for an even bigger shock to the system to get into the office on Monday and back to reality. I actually can't wait. It has been an amazing 23 days on the road but it's time now to return to a bit of normality.
My end of the agreement of running from Bali to Jakarta with the many sponsors and supporters is just about done, with a short day tomorrow I'll try to give a brief update on the fund raising appeal.
2 sleeps and 2 short runs to go.
Yours in berlariterus...

 Day 22, March 29th. 2012
Well after yesterday's shocker today proved to be 'it never always gets worse'. The body truly is amazing, not sure how you can go from my state of body (and mind) yesterday to running with ease today and probably closing out one of the quickest days over the past 3 weeks. Got no idea how that works but glad to have kept my chin to chest an muddled on through a particularly bad patch.
My big mate Krzys must take some of the credit for my rapid rebound with his surprise trip out last night. He did an awesome job of supporting me with his chat for the entire day, cheers mate. A great day it was (in the sun, aye) with the best pint of hot builders tea every produced (thanks Krzys) and all washed down with a packet of Hobnobs!
So all up 1134kms, 54kms for today and I'd say less than 116kms to the finish;-) I can't wait as you can imagine.
BTW for anyone that is interested and in Jakarta I will be finishing around 8.30am at the eastern car park at Seyanan (next to the golf driving range and the baseball arena) on Sunday morning. For those that would like to join me for the last 21, 10 or 5kms please do get in touch with YCAB (ira@ycab.org) they have done an amazing job of arranging a finish for me, a very lucky boy, thank you. Of course would love to see you all out there on Sunday.
Yours in Berlariterus...


Day 21 ,  March 28th. 2012
I thought today might happen but not so close to finishing line, what an absolute nightmare, apart from the first 15kms, up to passing under the sign for the Big Durian.
I think someone told me it was all downhill after Cirebon and I believed them. Something like 'you'll now be able to cruise into Jakarta'!?  Hmmm, makes me wonder, certainly no easy finish but will try my best to seek it out.
Today has been nothing but sun, heat and traffic from start to finish. It has been relentless and so oppressive that it beats any single blistering day in the Sahara race.
There was no shade from the sun, nor cover from my suffering in public; absolute unmitigated grind that will be sure to stay with me for a very long time.
Here's hoping my memory serves me well in the future and to help give it a jolt, I asked P'Wawan to take a photo of me shivering in bed... A storming finish to the day, not!  Perhaps I should frame the photo as a deterrent, but then again my misery doesn't quite show on the digital image. Haha, never again, shivering tired and sore but Day 21 is done, good for another 55kms that's 1080kms all up since I left Bali airport. Thank goodness we can now move on to Day 22.
Yours in Berlariterus...
 
Day 20 , March 27th. 2012
Hitting day 20 and the 1000km milestone was good, but nobody told me about the 'brickwall' standing just past it, lol. My knee decided it was not better after all and I pushed on for 53kms in the blistering heat (wonder how many times I've mentioned the HEAT), sorry broken record I know, but today was unbelievably hot and humid. I believe I probably felt the heat more today as I was on own for the first time in 5 days. On an a high though,  I had the best steak sandwich ever in Cirebon (Enak Sekali).
Thanks to all you good people that have been donating during my run. I am hoping to post an update before I finish which I believe will put us over US$400,000. Overwhelmed by the support I have received for my run, thank YOU so-so much.
Yours in Berlariterus...
 
May 19, March 26th. 2012
Probably my best since pre Situbundo which seems a long way back now. I had David again for company, was super to have him again. Well done David and thank you pushing me along to day 20. Finished up on 50kms which leaves me just south of a major milestone at 972kms. Really not sure if i should air this but my right knee is feeling much better:-)
Yours in Berlariterus...
 
Day 18 , March25th. 2012
Another cloudless scorcher in equatorial Java. The combination of the relentless heat and the humidity means I struggle to keep my fluid intake high enough to balance the loss and to ensure my electrolytes stay on an even keel. Not sure, think might have picked up a wee urinal tract infection, a very minor one mind and best keep that to ourselves;-) Otherwise today was all about counting the kms off on the way to Tegal. I made it and got a great surprise along the way when and old friend pitched up for a run at the 20km point. Brilliant timing David, thank you so much for coming all the way out from Jakarta, really appreciate you being around. So there you go, day 18 over with and another 50kms. Today's effort lifts my total to 922kms and brings the 1000km milestone a touch closer.
Yours in Berlariterus...

 
Day 17 March 24th. 2012
Day 17 over with and 100kms clocked up for the past 2 days. We're now sitting on 872kms and in 2.5 days I should have the province of West Java in my sights.
After the carnival atmosphere of yesterday's run, today was back to chin on chest and pushing forward on my own. However got a massive boost with John joining me mid run for +20kms and carrying me forward with his craic before rushing off back to Semarang airport. Thanks mate.
Ok, on to tomorrow. Target is Tegal and another 50kms.
Yours in berlariterus...

 
Day 16  , March 23rd. 2012

Today was a special day with 16 people flying to Semarang to offer their support, a lucky boy, thank you all.
Vera and Peter flew in with family and their bikes and did a great job in cycling along with us. Mr Farhan was also in town and I noticed he was in a pair of shorts and running shoes and think might have joined us for a few kms.
On the run it was amazing to have the support of Kyle, John, Mark, Daniel, Helen and Kath. Really thrilled you guys made the effort of flying down just to run most of the day!! I also had Steven running too, somehow he managed to fly from and to Jakarta today and still got in 20 or more kms.
And finally a special thank you to P'Budi and Andry for all your help leading up to this point, it was great to see you along the route the past 2 days. Thank you too for all the Pisang Raja.
Safe to say I went to bed tired as usual but happy and content, thank you for your support, it really meant a lot to see you all in Semarang.
Yours in berlariterus...


Day 15 , March 22nd. 2012 
Hope you've all had a good week and now set for your long weekend (public holiday tomorrow for those in Indonesia). On my side I can't complain, still on track and achieved my target today of 50kms which lifts the total to 772kms. A little disappointed we got routed north around Semarang today and missed out on seeing the city. Not to worry, we still finished up west of Semarang with focus for the next 4 or 5 days pushing on towards Cirebon:-)
Yours in Berlariterus...
  


 Day 14   , March 2st. 2012 
 
Today I saw my first road sign for Jakarta! It was totally unexpected with so many kms still to cover, but it gave me a nice jolt and a sent a shiver down my spine as I passed under it.
The sun was out all day yet I felt significantly stronger than the day before finishing up with my longest run to date of 62kms - I can't believe only 29kms to Semarang and total to date of 722kms
A short post today, got a few things to attend to tonight. For one thing yesterday and today's run has created a number of new hot spots and blisters on the feet and I'll need to 'tread' carefully over the coming day.
Yours in berlariterus...



Day 13 , March the 20. 2012

Deary me, today should have been relatively easy judging by the weather when I started off this morning, the scenery was stunning on the left and right; a truly beautiful part of the world.
Indeed lovely and cool for most of the morning (probably still 30C) but as the breeze died away so did my second wind. Wonder where they went? I can now vouch for the well known kids song 'the hip bone is connected to the knee bone'..... and for the first time since starting out 13 days ago I was forced into a walk before a scheduled pit stop. My right quad muscle was misbehaving massively. Anyhow I still got in 51kms today, the first and last km as always were the longest but the most pleasant. 661kms. Day 14 now beckons.
Yours in Berlariterus...


Day 12 - 610kms covered. March 19th. 2012
The result of that effort is a blistered left foot, left achilles not great but we waddle on, left knee sore, right knee a mess, shin splints on the right calf, right hip sakit sekali. So pretty much everything south of the belly button malfunctioning. But worst of all are my love handles! I worked pretty hard on gaining weight beforehand (thinking I'd lose it in the first week) but after almost 2 weeks I'm still carrying those chunky side stores, what is that all about?!!
Closing out today puts me at the halfway point,  feel that it's far from all downhill though. My thoughts are becoming clearer for I realised today it has been 2 weeks since I consumed some chillies and drank some of that gold coloured stuff that comes in green bottles and small cans;-) That in itself must be a PB for me!!
Today I crossed the provincial border into Central Java. Leaving behind East Java which was emotional considering all that had passed. I've struggled for most of it but have received truly amazing support which heartened and hardened my resolve - Jawa Timur, terima kasih banyak.
Now for a week or so in Central Java, can't wait.
Yours in Berlariterus...


Day 11 , March 18th. 2012
It was a late start today and a corresponding late finish, nonetheless 54kms and that bit closer to home. Although with the one way road system in Tuban I'm sure I did a few extra kms than I had to by going inland to work my way through the centre of Town and then back out to the main coastal road. Not to worry, I'm in the hands of the police so happy to be guided along by what they deem to be the most appropriate route.
Running in the tropics as you can imagine requires constant management of the heat and humidity, particularly if lumbering on through midday and into the afternoon. Today was another day where I consumed upwards of 12 litres of fluid yet only had one tree/pee/wee stop all day (best not tell my mother lol).
Getting my fluids and fuel on board plus attending to my knees is made all the easier with a fantastic support crew overseen by P'Wawan, an absolute star and I can't thank him enough for all his help. Equally so, I must thank the G4S (P'Bayu and P'Warindi) and Medic One guys (Christian from Bali Airport to Surabaya and now Vani) for their efforts. They are so professional in looking out for my well being but don't hold back when it comes to helping out at every pit stop. The final member of my support crew is a young physiotherapist called Hendri from Surabaya Sport Physiotherapy. You're all doing a grand job, many thanks indeed.
Yours in Berlariterus...

Day 10, March 17th. 2012
Mrs Berlariterus arrived today and some tough-loving was the order of the day as I was sent to the bathroom mirror and told not to leave 'til head, face, nose and ears were shaved/trimmed. Her no nonsense approach continued with instructions on where to self-apply nappy rash powders and creams! It was great to see Lau and my bababear; love you both to the moon and back. I finished today with 46kms, my earliest finish to date which was nice especially as I got to walk and run with my two favourite girls who came so well prepared in their FitFlops!! My total kms covered now at 503:-)  On to day 11.
Yours in Berlariterus...

 Day 9, March 16th. 2012
I had my best run in 4 or 5 days today and although the body hasn't healed I feel it's starting to adapt to the daily slog. I wonder if this is my second wind blowing through, certainly hope so.
Today was a memorable day and I had a chuckle to myself at what I've created as we paraded through Indonesia's second largest city - Surabaya. I felt extremely honoured for the 9th day in a row to have the support of the police.
To anyone out there who was held up by our passage through the city centre, I apologise for any congestion or frustration caused on the roads of Surabaya. All day it was simply a case of plain sailing across road intersections allowing safe passage for a convoy that must have stretched for as far as the eye could see. Ok a slight exaggeration but we must have stretched out for 100 metres at times - definitely an experience not to be forgotten nor repeated - by me at least;-).
I was thrilled my friend Nigel took the time to fly down from Jakarta and join me for the day, a great run mate! I had the pleasure of Mr Sapta joining me for the day, thanks for biking/running the entire 50kms. We also had Pak Didi and team TBT joining us, of course Pak Eddy and for part of the way team Honda was well represented! Thank you all for a great day in Surabaya.
Yours in Berlariterus...
 
Day 8 , March 15th. 2012
100kms achieved the past 2 days. It's all about moving forward and I can be happy with that fact. My knee is not great, but believe getting through today was a milestone in that I'm now a third of the way into my project with 407kms clocked. I hope the next couple of days will pass in a blink or 2 and when I surface I'll be that bit closer to the half way point and still moving forward. Fingers and knees crossed.
My run involved 50kms of flat running as I moved my way along the north coast. However does seem odd to be heading directly north for the next 70kms in order to go via Surabaya when my destination is due west!
Finishing point today was downtown Sidorajo which was achieved around 4pm after a forced 2km detour off the planned route. No probs and all set for tomorrow.
Yours in Berlariterus...

Day 7 Mark kennedy, March 14th. 2012
 Oh dear, today has been one of the saddest. The transient world that expatriates live, friends can take the form of family. In the past 2 years Mark has been one of my closest friends and the first to get behind my RB2J project with sponsorship as well offering advice and encouragement. Our families are close and we have a special connection through his lovely wife Sarah to Mary's Cancer Kiddies. A true friend, husband to Sarah and a loving Dad to Daniel and Rebecca. Will miss you. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you Sarah, love scott

Day 6 , March 13th. 2012
Day 6 over with and another 50kms closer to Jakarta. Happy with that thought. My total kms now sitting at 307.
Today was a lot quieter out on the road and spent most of the day passing paddy field after paddy field.
It was however a nice change to look down to the coal stockpile at the Paiton power plant complex. Must be over 11 years from when I paid the plant a visit, would never thought the next time I would be passing it on foot.
Look down on all that coal made me think of off the team as missing out on the monthly management meetings. Goodness me, I'll be glad to get back to the office and normality of life. Seems like an appropriate time to thank Lawrence and the Harum Energy team for their support and for allowing to disappear out of the office for 17 days. Managing to use up all but 3 days of this year's annual leave but what a return!! The fund raising appeal total is now over 3.5 billion Rupiah and closing in on the US$400,000 mark. Thank you all, and again on behalf of YCAB and MCK thank you for contributing so generously towards my charity run.
Yours in Berlariterus...

Day 5, March 12th. 2012
As it turned out my longest day yesterday, was followed today by my toughest. Now I wonder what tomorrow will bring?
So today I managed quite successfully to endure 52kms of misery down my right side and no doubt my left side will follow suit tomorrow or the day after. Serves you right I hear you cry. But how can it be? All the training these past months with no major issues to speak of and then a day or so into my run and my right knee and now hip are more than a touch unwell. Sure I expected muscular/joint issues but not as early as this, goodness me!!! My issues stems from my right IT band, tendonitis firmly lodged in my knee which is putting stress on the rest of my body. Got no choice but to adapt and hope my body does too.
Today was tough going and early on I wondered what I'd created for myself. I had no where to hide and fully exposed with an entourage of 2 police cars, 4 motorcycle out-riders plus my 2 support cars and me sandwiched in the middle of a cavalcade a head of state would be happy with. But got no one to blame but myself hey.
So safe to say I wasn't in great place for most of the day but what helped me immeasurably (and in ways I struggle to describe) were the families and schools coming out along the road to search out for 'berlariterus' as I passed by. Little did they know that I was searching them out too, drawing my own bit of inspiration from their big smiles and looking to their eyes for some comfort. And as its 2012, I suppose it's ok to briefly highlight my low point of today. It was compounded by the fact my bababear had recorded a couple of songs and then uploaded onto my ipod shuffles. So here I was feeling alone and sorry for myself in the tropical heat of the day, 30kms still to go, my body jarring on every step, listening to my ipod and then hearing my bababear sing a couple of covers (very well I might add).
Now the police escort front and back, and support cars can see I'm running, listening to music, trying to eat a banana and drink some watered down chocolate milk but oblivious to the fact I'm crying my eyes out. Haha, again a right auld mess Berlariterus. Does make me laugh though typing this out:-)
So what now. Well the strategy is very simple as auld Nick put it: km by km, day by day. I do find once I get over the first 2 hours the body and mind appear to work in tandem to be more excepting. I've also been waking up nauseous and thinking about what lies ahead!! Soft lad and happy days ahead!
Anyhow, will finish off now with a clear mantra for the next 3 weeks... 'IT NEVER ALWAYS GETS WORSE'. That's good enough for me.
Yours in berlariterus...
 Day 4, March 11th. 2012

 Another day over and my longest day to date at 55kms. My route today saw me start just north of Ketapang on the east coast of Java and work my way over a small ridge between Mount Raing range and Mount Bauran. It was nice to look down on the Java sea as I made my way the north coast towards. Situbondo. I can safely confirm it was a lot easier talking about it than actually doing it, lol. Anyhow, just taking each day as it comes - wise advice I received from an old friend today.
Yours in Berlariterus...
Day 3, March 10th. 2012
Today saw me leave Bali around midday on the Ferry to Ketapang arriving half an hour before we left, cool hey!! No supersonic ferry, just Bali is 1 hour head of Java and the beauty of this time change is that I'll get an extra hour in bed to rest, lovely! Total kms today was 43, 35' to Gilmanuk and another 8k along the road towards Situbondo. Gives me 150kms for the 3 days of running and my body knows it. My right knee in particular not good but we push on. I certainly forgot all about my aches and pains when we dropped in on Sanatana Dharm Orphanage. The kids were lined up along the main road and waved and cheered us in. What an unbelievable welcome... I can't imagine another welcome by complete strangers ever having the same affect, a time and place and a state of mind combined for my most memourable part of the run so far. After the welcome the kids walked us up to their home where I was presented with Rp23Million kindly raised by the management and staff of Ayana Resort. Thank you very much for Ayana and Mr Jerome for this wonderful support. I should say that receiving this support in front of the kids was very touching indeed and something that I will recall with fondness for many-many years to come. I was made to feel very special indeed, thank you to all the kids and staff at Sanatana Dharm - I promise to repay your unforgettable welcome;-)
Yours in berlariterus...
Day 2 , March 9th. 2012
A challenging day to say the least running from yesterday's finish point thru' to the hotel in Negara. It must have been close on 35C for most of the day. Add another 5C radiating back up off the road, throw in the humidity and the rolling hills for a steamy 57ks which only closed out around 3pm in the afternoon. At the time it didn't seem quite so bad, probably something to do with having great company, thanks guys;-). My support crew working like a dream too and superbly marshalled by Wawan - he's doing an amazing job of keeping the berlariterus on the road, thanks Pak. Yours in Berlariterus...
Day 1, March 8th. 2012
Started at 7am this morning at Denpassar Airport Bali, it was great to see some friends there to see me off. Unfortunately the GPS tracker not working will try and get it fixed in the next day or so. That aside everything else ran very smoothly, made our  way out of the airport and worked our way up past Legian managing to pick up a couple of Surfers that hadn't slept all night along the way, which made for an interesting conversation! I wasn't running alone on my 1st day I had some great company in the form of Gerome and Muara who are joining me for my first couple of days in Bali. After Legian it was up through Seminyak on our way to Gili Manuk. Managed to finish up about 1:30pm with 50 km's under our belts! Glad to have the first day out the way, feeling a bit stiff, fingers crossed for tomorrow.
Yours in Berlariterus.... 

The lights will guide you home 

I 'm running home in the morning and look forward to the lights of Jakarta and my beautiful family - 25 sleeps and a few kms to go:-)

Will leave you with this tune as I head for bed, good night, sleep tight and sweet dreams.

Scottish man with a heart of gold, Scott Thompson, will run for 25 consecutive days for charity


Berlariterus...
 Posted by Scott Thompson
Source : http://www.runningbalitojakarta.com/blog/

March 08, 2012

Maya Ubud CSR : Waste Management Education for Elementary School Students

Waste Management Education for Elementary School Students







Ubud, – Maya Ubud Resort & Spa is firmly committed in incorporating sustainable business practices into its operation. We believe that good waste management and treatment helps protect the environment and needs to be conveyed to the youth of Bali through education programs.





On February 18, 2012, Maya Ubud Resort & Spa with the support of Gita International Yoga of Melbourne, Australia, engaged the 66 students and 7 teachers in one of the neighboring elementary schools in a program to learn about the necessity of waste management. The school, SDN 3 Pejeng Kawan is located about five minutes from the resort. 



The Resort’s Green Team shared a video and made a slide presentation to the children and teachers on waste management. The training session was followed by a cleaning blitz of the school yard and nearby area during which 97kgs of trash and plastic were collected. 

On this occasion the Resort installed two large garbage containers in the school yard with organic and non-organic signs along with canvas bags for dry garbage and plastic and established a schedule wherein the Resort would collect the garbage each week and arrange for its proper disposal at the Temesi Recycling Plant in Gianyar.
 
During the visit, the school was also presented with waste bins and wall clocks for all classrooms and teacher’s office and equipped classroom with wall maps of Bali Province, Indonesia, the ASEAN countries and the world. Before parting, all students were provided milk and snacks and stationery for them to take home.

About Maya Ubud Resort & Spa, Bali

Maya Ubud Resort & Spa sits between the Petanu River valley and the verdant rice fields of Peliatan. With 108 private pool villas and luxury guestrooms, it is around one hour from Bali’s international airport.

Dining alternatives encompass international and regional dishes, plus healthy spa-style cuisine and dinner cultural performances.

The Spa at Maya is nestled along the river and has private double and single treatment pavilions, offering revitalizing treatments that refresh body and soul.

Recreation facilities include two swimming pools, tennis, pitch and putt, yoga pavilion and gym, village trekking, nature excursions and mountain biking. A shuttle bus links Ubud Township.