Subscribe |
Track your commentsYou post a comment on a blog. How do you know if anyone responded? You read an interesting post. How do you know when there are new comments? Use co.mments to bookmark posts you want to follow. It tracks new comments for you, so you don't miss out. You can see all the new comments from your tracking page, or subscribe to the feed. To get started, just grab yourself a bookmarklet and start tracking. Click here to get an account. |
Conversations for Patung
Tip: Don't have an account? Get one, it only takes a few seconds. (Why?)
-
Bali Furniture
September 10th, 2007, in Products, by Patung The furniture industry of Bali and some designs. Bali is famous for its furniture designs and imports in the United States, Australia, and elsewhere, justly so to some extent, but much of what is called "Bali furniture" has nothing much to do with Bali, rather it is simply marketed from the island. Bali ... [Source: http://www.indonesiamatters.com]
2 comments in conversation. Last comment found July 10.
-
Wake Up Call For Bali
March 31st, 2007, in Opinion, Travel, by Guest Writer Visitor Susi has submitted this opinion piece about conditions in Bali. I am extremely concerned about the state that Bali is in today. It is increasingly dire, desperate and downright ugly. The government, the tourism industry, and developers have all been "hyping" the heck out of Bali. They ha... [Source: http://www.indonesiamatters.com]
30 comments in conversation. Last comment found April 06.
Last 5 comments:
Colson Says:
April 3rd, 2007 at 1:12 pm
Magy: Up to a point I have to agree with you - Bali (and RI for that matter) isn't a total disaster area. But it isn't a good news show either. Not at all.
Ihaknt: Paris, crap food? You must be kidding. I'n not particularly fond of the city, but les Parisiens are still experts on art and food. Next time around ask for someone who knows where to go.
Ihaknt Says:
April 3rd, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Well Colson, it's just that after Rome and Venice, nothing really beats those simple pizzas and pastas. And don't get me wrong, I agree with you in regards to food art (especially the desserts. YUM), but as the hot food goes, I always go for simplicity. For me if it looks good on a plate but taste crap on your palate, then it's crap food. I always am open to any suggestions, especially when it comes to food and restaurants from different parts of the world!
Susi Says:
April 3rd, 2007 at 5:52 pm
I feel compelled to make a personal statement here (and by doing so to reveal exactly who I am!).
Susanto has posted a link to an article which appeared last week, which reports that Bali's police chief has been shaking his spear at an alleged "syndicate" of bali-bashers. (I post the item in full below. Please read it.)
Lest anyone should think that I am a bali-basher, be aware that:
I wrote the guidebook on Bali, Bali Chic, which has been a bestseller at Periplus bookshops throughout Indonesia for over a year, and has been favorably reviewed throughout the world. Google it. It's available on amazon.com in case you want to read it.
I was also the editor for the third edition of Bali-A Traveller's Companion, another bestselling guidebook available throughout the world. And I wrote the section on "Antiques and Artefacts" for another recently published guidebook, Shopsmart Bali.
Additionally, over the past ten years I have written articles celebrating many aspects of Bali's culture in magazines and newspapers around the world, and for important tourism promotion websites and blogs. I have given lectures, presentations and produced programs for many important institutions throughout the world, praising the cultural and historical riches of Bali, and other parts of Indonesia, as well.
I am not a bali-basher, but a "bali-booster".
This will put my expressions of concern about the island in their correct perspective.
Cheers,
Susi
Sunday, 25 March 2007
Police Looking at Websites that Attack Bali and its Tourism Industry
Speaking to Local Media Bosses, Police Chief Purwoko Questions Both the Motives and the Tactics of Those Seeking to Discredit Bali Via the Internet.
(3/24/2007) An article in the Indonesian-language NusaBali indicates that Bali's Police Chief, Inspector General Paulus Purwoko, is having a closer look at foreign Internet Operators working to discredit Bali's international reputation. In a meeting with local media leaders, Chief Purwoko said the presence of an international syndicate seeking to damage Bali's reputation was proven by the various Internet site's contents which unfairly portray and defame the social life of the Balinese people and the Government of the island.
In discussing the sites, whose contents are the part of an ongoing investigation and have been the focus of formal complaints by, among others, the Bali Tourism Board and the Bali Hotel Association, Chief Purwoko complained of the unbalanced slant of the information presented on the sites which endeavour to ridicule the police, immigration, customs, hotels and various local businesses.
The several sites which attempt to negatively impact on tourism to Bali by urging a boycott of the Island, are seen by Purwoko as having ulterior motives in trying to thwart Bali's recovery and divert business to competing destinations in the region.
Purwoko urged the Press local press to continue to act responsibly in reporting news affecting the Island's future welfare.
© Bali Discovery Tours. Articles may be quoted and reproduced if attributed to http://www.balidiscovery.com.
Colson Says:
April 4th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Freedom of speech is one of the main pillars of civilization. It's by far more important that a poor infrastructure.
Although it will not be of much help to you, I would like to offer at least moral support against this kind of threats. Gentlemen like general (?) P.P. are the ones who have real "negative impact" on Bali's reputation.
Susi, I wish you all the luck and success you need. Your success would help Bali prosper.
Susi Says:
April 4th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
Important to Mention Here.
Indonesia has declared that 2008 will be "Visit Indonesia Year." A bold move. Perhaps it will put pressure on everyone and anyone to "clean up the house" to welcome all of the guests who are expected to arrive.
And yet, it seems somehow premature, and risky.
Will it increase the eagerness of terrorists to make a big statement when the world is looking? (Counterbalancing this, and making me breathe easier is the astounding work being done to bust into the backrooms of terrorist networks in recent days. Surely this has been the culmination of months, and years of work on the part of those involved.)
Will the house be in good enough order to avoid embarassment? (I for one, will certainly do whatever I can to help on this front.)
One hopes and prays that the world can see that Indonesia's opportunities for fantastic travel experiences, is much, much more than just Bali.
Java is fantastic and gorgeous and welcoming, and in many ways is more stunning even then Bali (beaches, mountains, diversity, tea plantations, endless miles of country roads, seldom visited archaelogical sites, food, music, dance, artists, artisans, intellectuals, mystics, Java is bursting with all of this.)
Sumatra is like a vast continent where many wildly contrasting cultures exist abutting on each other geographically, but worlds apart, not to mention empty beaches, huge mountains, wildlife, forests, rituals, strange and bizarre music, tribal peoples, really really ancient culture . . . hello, this is the island-continent that was home for the Sriwijayan Empire with riches and culture rivalling the Khmers, and the matrix of wisdom for the Lojong Teachings of Tibetan Buddhism which are one of the main grounding structures of Tibetan Buddhism as practiced the world over. OK Sumatra is a marvel, don't forget the Sumatran Orangutan Society, otherwise known as SOS who are doing marvelous work, google them.)
I could go on and on, and probably will.
Nusa Tenggara, oh heavens, what a paradise, you cannot imagine the scenery, beaches, cultures, and lovely, lovely people, who in my experience are just as welcoming as the Balinese, but with less material "stuff" to offer. You can certainly be their guests, but don't expect to put on the Ritz, unless you go on an ultra luxury Pinisi boat like the Silolona, or stay at the Amanwana on Pulo Moyo off Sumbawa, or Nihiwatu in Sumba, but so many other options abound, just go, nothing to stop you but the slight hassle of popping a malaria pill now and then and taking a few Powerbars in your bag for those days that may be scanty on haute cuisine.) Roti, Savu, Flores (another island-continent), Timor, Alor, and more.
Maluku, I swoon, there is so much there, islands that are icons of tropical bliss and cultures that knock your socks off. Fancy watching some (legal) whaling done by hand?
Sulawesi, don't get me started. Manado is dive heaven. The Togians, don't mention them. Torajaland a misty mystical coffee and culture rich highland world untu itself. And more, so much more there.
Now let's talk Kalimantan. You want diving? You want big scenery and life-altering culture? Just go.
Aduh, sakit jari2 saya, overdosis ketik.
We haven't mentioned Irian Jaya yet. Glaciers? Yes. Birds of Paradise? Yes. Don't ask me, ask Patty Seery, mastermind behind the Silolona, and travel guru extraordinaire for Irian experiences. Yes, and beaches, too, don't worry about that.
Phew.
I would like to see "Visit Indonesia Year" be not all about Bali. Not to take the wind out of Bali's sails (already struggling in gale force), but to spread it around a bit, and increase understanding of this vast land.
Balinese complain an awful lot about inmigration of people from elsewhere in Indonesia. And it does cause some problems. If elsewhere had some visitors, too, maybe those people would stay where they came from, enjoy it, and thrive.
Much better picture, that, than the situation as it looks now?
Signing off,
Susi
-
Bali Hotels & Resorts
August 25th, 2007, in Travel, by Patung Bali hotel list, by region and town. Bali Island Bali is frequently the first, and sometimes only, thing that pops into the minds of people when Indonesia is spoken of. In fact more than a few people do not even realise that Bali is in Indonesia. Map of Bali, click for larger size. The beaches, peculiar and d... [Source: http://www.indonesiamatters.com]
No comments in conversation. -
Fitna by Geert Wilders
March 7th, 2008, in Opinion, by Lairedion Lairedion on the gathering storm over Geert Wilders' upcoming anti-Islam film "Fitna". Tensions are rising as Dutch controversial MP Geert Wilders is about to reveal his anti-Quran movie Fitna. How will Indonesian Muslims respond to the next "insult" on Islam, shortly after the second Danish cartoon controv... [Source: http://www.indonesiamatters.com]
30 comments in conversation. Last comment found March 24.
Last 5 comments:
Oigal Says:
March 13th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Stalin is obviously not a religious person and perhaps he's a 'rational' person
Ah the oldie but sad defence of the indoctrinated, which can be an interesting debate in it's own right. I would agree that he was not rational (or perhaps rational just a bloody immoral). But people like Stalin, Hitler, the "dear leader" (pick a despot) prove my point.
They themselves created a religion (all religions are man made anyway) appointing themselves as the head Deity on Earth along with all the bizarre little rituals that come with the dark fanasties. The more they to create a climate of worship, the less people culd question or apply any rational analysis. Want a perfect example of the creation of a religion, check out North Korea even comes with its own life after death bit where the Dear Leader's dirty ol man is laid out in state but still the official head of the country (I also like the push to suggest that the ol perv was reborn into his son)
Thanks for making my point so well
the 'muslim's' side ?
mmm tad arrogant don't you think claiming to speak for all Muslims, still there has never any shortage of that in any religion as well, self appointed representatives.
Why don't try humanist point of view..thats were you see the women and children on both sides getting slaughtered and are equally offended by the religious loons who create such evil in the name of an indifferent "big daddy in the sky"
Riyoz Says:
March 13th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Humanist point of view, huh ?….here are some numbers :
Reported by If Americans Knew by March 2008:
119 Israeli children have been killed by Palestinians and 982 Palestinian children have been killed by Israelis since September 29, 2000.
1,031 Israelis and at least 4,528 Palestinians have been killed since September 29, 2000.
6,845 Israelis and 31,815 Palestinians have been injured since September 29, 2000.
During Fiscal Year 2007, the U.S. gave more than $6.8 million per day to Israel and $0.3 million per day to the Palestinians.
Israel has been targeted by at least 65 UN resolutions and the Palestinians have been targeted by none.
1 Israeli is being held prisoner by Palestinians, while 10,756 Palestinians are currently imprisoned by Israel.
0 Israeli homes have been demolished by Palestinians and 18,147 Palestinian homes have been demolished by Israel since 1967
The Israeli unemployment rate is 9%, while the Palestinian unemployment is estimated at 40%.
Israel currently has 223 Jewish-only settlements and 'outposts' built on confiscated Palestinian land. Palestinians do not have any settlements on Israeli land. [3]
Please tell me what these numbers mean you, from your humanist point of view…. and btw, the Zionist are not 'religious' they're secular-ethnocentric nationalist at the core and they're doing it for the money and control….Palestinians are merely defending their freedom, their homeland that's under Zionist brutal military occupation since 1948….man, can't your 'humanist' pair of eyes see that ? you said that you're not an israeli advocate and you "have no intention or desire to defend Israel's actions", yet you fail to see the bigger picture of what's happening in Palestine…? that's really weird……I've tried to post some historical facts and you merely labelled them as as crazy 'conspiracy theory'….ckckck…..
"mmm tad arrogant don't you think claiming to speak for all Muslims, still there has never any shortage of that in any religion as well, self appointed representatives"
nah…I did't say that, I was asking you as to which side do you think I represent ?
"Ah the oldie but sad defence of the indoctrinated", ah…and you are not 'indoctrinated' by your own thoughts ?….I tell you…everyone's indoctrinated…and everyone who hold firm their beliefs are basically indoctrinated and became 'fundamentalists' to that belief…..
Riyoz Says:
March 13th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
@ Riyoz
You sound very much as somebody which quite simply ignores the fact that among the Arabic community the Palestinians we simply sold out - outcasts nobody of the Arabic brotherhood seriously wants to deal with. It is a sad part of this country to always have followed the wrong leaders. Arafat was the Palestinians worst enemy. He sold the people out - or how much money did he funnel away instead of giving those money to the people? But wasn't that with many other so called leaders in the so uncorrupted Arabic brotherhood the same? Yes yes the western world all we infidels are so bad and corrupted only the pure and fault free Muslims are the good ones.
Sure the point you simply ignore are politics. Not only the western countries created this disaster in the Middle East also the countries and their leaders there did their part to it.
Face it.
Since years peace agreements could have been found and yes claim Israel is using bad manners - they do but it is not they case that from Palestinians not harm and chaos is coming as well. Or how is the current political situation there?"
Yes, I know that Arafat and Fatah was and is corrupt, Fatah's Muhammad Dahlan even ask the Israelis for weapons and ammos when the plan to get rid of Hamas when they lose the 2006 election….heck, I even think that the whole idea of a Palestinian Authority under Zionist Israeli occupation is a very very sick joke….I'm fairly aware of the politics, sir….but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try help those people out or better yet, to stop the brutal Zionist Israeli occupation on their homeland, does it ?….and all of this wouldn't be happening if the Zionist didn't invade and occupy Palestine in 1948, would it ?…I mean, I'm not against Jews living in Palestine or in any other places, as a matter of fact, they have the same rights as other human beings to live in whatever place they chose to live….but the Zionist are doing way beyond that, they're trying to create a Jewish only state by occupying somebody else's home land and forcefully expelled the land's native inhabitants….and that, to me, is wrong ! It's a classic invasion and colonialization scheme, sir….
I'm not saying that all Arabs or Muslims are saints and fault free, and all Westerners (or 'infidels', if you prefer) are corrupt, bad and rotten to the core….nope, I'm not saying that….we are merely normal human beings prone to mistakes….there're bad and good people every where, and I surely hope that the good people of this world will unite and stop what ever attrocities are being commited by the bad ones….
Lairedion Says:
March 13th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
"Well said. No matter what the message is, banning Al-Quran is not an option. I encourage Muslims to watch the movie. I'm sure they're smart enough to dismiss Wilder's claims Al-Quran is fascist."
I hope so, man….:)
Do you hope Muslims are smart enough or are you worried Wilders may have some valid points?
C L O S E R » Coming soon…Fitna I Says:
March 8th, 2008 at 12:10 am
[…] Matters has a lot of attention for Dutch politics and Geert Wilders as well. Where does the freedom of speech crosses the line and turns into discrimination thus […]
Last 2 comments:
Omar Juma Says:
October 18th, 2007 at 3:48 am
Dear Sir/
I would like to know if you have any representation in Middle East, I have interested clients who are looking for Distribution rights.
Regards,
Omar JUMA
Gautam Maskara Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Please mail us a price list to have an idea of the prices for different beds, sofa sets, dining table, television cabinets and few other house hold items like almirah etc. We would like to have a price idea before we come all over to bali from india to buy these furniture. Also please give us the wood details.
Thanks.