NO H1N1 “swine flu” in Bali Indonesia

As confirmed cases of H1N1 pass the 900 mark recorded in some 11 countries worldwide, cases of the disease feared by the World Health Organization (HMO) to become a worldwide pandemic remain confined largely to the western hemisphere, with a case of the disease now also identified in Hong Kong.

No cases or suspected cases of the H1N1 virus have been reported in Indonesia or Bali.

Also known as the "swine flu" due to it's genetic link to a viral infection found among some pig populations, and despite the banning of pork imports, the public is not at danger of contracting H1N1 through the consumption of pork products.

Using practical experience and infrastructures developed during the SARS scare, the Bali provincial government has wasted no time in putting into place a number of measures to prevent and control any possible local contagion of the disease.

Among the measures now in effect:

• Thermal scanners are now in operation at Bali's International Airport identifying passengers with higher than normal body temperatures.

• Medical teams are on duty at the airport to asses anyone suffering from flu–like symptoms.

• Special isolation wards set up to handle the SARS patients are on standby, ready to receive H1N1 patients.

• Governor Pastika has established a joint team comprised of health officials, animal husbandry agencies, transportation providers and other bodies who are charged with continual assessment of any developing threat to public health.

• As an added precaution, health officials are visiting swine production facilities and introducing disinfection procedures.

• Quarantine measures have been intensified at Bali's ports and airport.

• The government has temporarily suspended the importation of pork products.

• Supplies of anti-viral drugs are being identified for possible use if an outbreak should occur in Indonesia.

• Indonesia has issued a travel warning against unnecessary travel to Mexico.

The national government, meanwhile, has earmarked Rp. 40 billion (US$3.63 million) in emergency funds to be used in combating the H1N1 virus

Bali Mass Cremation

On Wednesday, August 6, 2008, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his wife, "Ibu Ani," attended a mass cremation held in the village of Batur at Mount Kintamani.

The mass cremation, an event held once every two years at the village, "freed" the souls of 139 deceased local residents including 94-year-old Guru Nyoman Santi, the Father of Indonesia's current Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik. Santi died approximately 1.5 years ago.

While President Yudhoyono did not speak publicly at the Balinese cremation ceremony, the Bali Post quoted Minister Wacik who related: "Earlier, the President whispered to me, if the entire Indonesian people could only emulate an event (the cremation) like this – to gather together, shoulder to shoulder in unity – national development could be accelerated."

A number of cabinet members joined the President and Jero Wacik cremation ceremony in Kintamani.

Cremation in Bali is one of culture and tradition and one of tourist interest. They can vacation / traveling in Bali and they can knows about truly Bali.

Crime Rates Down in Denpasar

Tempo Interaktif reports that crime rates in Denpasar are on the decline. During the first six months of 2008 a total of 2,821 criminal cases were recorded in Denpasar and surrounding areas, a decrease of 2.45% as compared to the 2,891 cases reported in the same period in 2007.

The crime statistics released by the head of the publication sub-section of the public relations division of the Bali Police, Sri Harmiti, are comprised of reported incidents of simple larceny, armed robbery and vehicle theft.

According to Harmiti, 63% of the cases handled by the police were solved, with the remainder still considered "open" and under investigation.

Harmiti credits the slight downturn in criminality to increase community patrols by police and a heightened level of community contact between the police and the Balinese people.

Bali Safe For Summer

Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono launched Bali's new tourism branding campaign when visiting Bali to officiate at the opening of the Bali Arts Festival on June 16, 2007.

While the physical representation of the branding slogan has yet to be widely distributed to the media, the new marketing image of Bali will reportedly include the phrase "Bali Shanti Shanti Shanti" presented against a tri-colored background of red, white and black reflecting sacred colors of the Bali Hindu religion.

"Bali Shanti Shanti Shanti" which translates into "Bali Peace Peace Peace" was selected by a team of branding experts after six months of interviews with a wide cross-section of the local community and reflects the wishes of the people of Bali for both their home island and the rest of the world.

As reported by TTG, the Bali branding team coordinator, Ms. Teguh Mahasari explained the branding decision, saying: "The branding was initiated by the Bali governor not just to attract international tourists, but it also aims to inspire the Balinese themselves to achieve the ideal Bali...We cannot deny the fact that the island is facing problems, such as with environment, infrastructure and excessive commercial development. This is something locals need to address to achieve what Hinduism teaches us: "Shanti, Shanti, Shanti."

Some local tourism observers have questioned the wisdom of the new branding program, claiming it is over-ambitious to think a single panacea exists that will simultaneously solidify Bali's self-image while serving at the same time as its promotional image to the larger world.

Perhaps more fundamentally threatening to the eventual success or failure of the "Bali Shanti Shanti Shanti" campaign is the continuing reluctance of Bali's government to provide a promotional budget that would make the branding campaign known to a larger audience. So now you can enjoyed your summer vacation on bali.

Bali Safe For The Tourists

Travellers wishing to visit Bali have no need to worry about the security situation on the island. Denpasar' Police Chief Dewa Made Suharya said recently that Bali, miles away from Jakarta, is safe for tourists, and that police pledge to maintain this security .

He said that police would take stern measures against anyone trying to conduct 'suspicious' activities that may lead to rioting.

"Bali is safe and the security is under full control," he said .

Meanwhile, Governor of Bali Dewa Made Beratha said that to keep Bali safe and peaceful, the island has been declared "closed" for any political activities, meaning that no such activities may take place on the island at present.

Indonesia's No. 1 tourist destination has remained safe and totally unaffected by the unrest that has recently occurred in other parts the country. "This safe and secure location should not be used as an arena for political battles," the governor was quoted as saying in the Bali Post.

Business As Usual

Activities in all regions of Indonesia, including Bali, continue as usual. Tourists on the island are spending their holidays in comfort as their safety is guaranteed, a hotelier said.

Several Bali hotels contacted by indo.com affirmed that the current politically unstable situation has had no impact on hotel occupancy rates.

Meanwhile, a foreign traveller recently said in a travel forum: "Bali is probably the safest place I have ever been. I have been living here for the last six years with my family. Not once I have felt threatened in any way. The Balinese are so gentle, kind and spiritual. Don't mix Bali up with the rest of Indonesia," he added.

As another traveller said: "Too bad for you and your family that you didn't go to Bali. I've been there for 3 weeks with my husband and four other adults and two children. This holiday was the best I've ever had. We're definitely going back."