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The KHO News is published monthly for friends of John and Jamal, covering news and their life and times in Bali. August 2007 Howard departs for Bali on his Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) Bali July 27: Australian Prime Minister John Howard, recklessly defied his own Governments travel warning and arrived in Bali aboard his personal RAAF, A$60 million Boeing Business Jet to meet with the Indonesian President, open an Australian funded Eye Clinic at Bali's Indra Hospital and escape the record cold Canberra weather and soak up some sun, fun and sand. The KHO Interview KHO: Mr Howard welcome to Warung Sobat and a very happy 68th birthday. JH: Thank you, nice to be here. KHO: Don't you think that it is hypocritical that only weeks ago you issued a new travel warning on Bali, then you defy your own warning and travel here?.  John Howard in Warung Sobat JH: No, we issue travel warnings as a courtesy to the Balinese people, to keep drunken yobbo Aussies out of Bali. Any intelligent person realizes this and travels to Bali. KHO: Recently Mr Costello accused you of being a "spend-thrift". Don't you think using the RAAF Boeing Business Jet to fly to Bali at a cost of around A$55,000 is extravagant? - when you and Janette could easily have flown JetStar for A$859 each. JH: No way would I travel on that airline, as John's mum said "It's a disgrace" anyway you know Janette makes all the decisions and she says A$55,000 is a small price to pay for a bit of extra comfort, also Costello would be livid if Janette  and I extravagantly spent A$19 for one of those dreadful JetStar meals. KHO: The Australian opinion polls are showing the next Federal election is unwinable. JH: Not true, someone has to win. KHO: Is it true that while you were meeting with the Indonesian President today Janet went to Ubud and bought a retirement villa. JH: Good try, I am not planning to retire never, ever.  I love the job.  KHO: Mr Howard do you like the food here in Warung Sobat?  JH: I like it, my favourite is the  Pepper Steak, only A$4.33 and at that price how could Costello ever accuse me of being a "spend-thrift" Warung Sobat A$4.33 Steak KHO: Well we are out space and will have to leave it there Mr Howard, thank you for joining us. JH: Always a pleasure.

Kerobokan Home Office News - August 2007 Page 2   L-R Jamal, John, Nancy, Pak Made, Wiwin and Rob After 3 weeks and 3 days it was time for Nancy to say farewell to Bali once again and wing her way back to Melbourne, Australia. Departing Sobat for airport Nancy's JetStar flight departed Denpassar 20 mins late and arrived in Melbourne 15 mins late. Nancy was last off the aircraft and met the captain who asked if she enjoyed the flight. She answered "The seats were uncomfortable and the food was terrible", the captain replied "I have no control over that - I just fly the aircraft". Grandson Trenton picked Nancy up at the airport and drove her the 130km to hometown Leongatha. Nancy said that she had a memorable holiday and would like to thank every one in Bali who helped her have a great time.  "Nancy's Holiday" - Page 8 Linda & Michael  in Bali for a Month John's old friends from Melbourne Michael and Linda with their two young daughters arrived in Bali early June for a months stay. Michael who runs a successful television antenna installation business decided it was time for his long service leave. On the way to Bali they spent two weeks in Hong Kong and visited Beijing in China. At Tiananmen Square - Beijing Next month we will feature their holiday in Hong Kong, China, Bali  and Lombok- Don't miss it. Advertisement Hong Kong, April 2007 August 28, 2007 John will celebrate his 63rd birthday in Bali John awaits his first birthday John was born in Leongatha, Victoria on Monday 28th of August, 1944 at 7:10am at Stradboke Hospital. John requests no flowers or gifts, just send money. Just before his  2nd birthday

Kerobokan Home Office News - August 2007 Page 3   David's 60th Birthday David and Desy David, a regular visitor from Perth, Australia celebrated his 60th birthday in Warung Sobat, Friday the 13th of July along with his partner Desy, her family and many of their friends. The champagne flowed and the entire restaurant sang happy birthday for David. The Party in full Swing Even Leo & Erna's dog Wayang  dropped in to congratulate David on his big day. New Waiter at Warung Sobat Meet Gede,  new trainee waiter at Warung Sobat.  He is replacing Komang who is off indefinitely after badly injuring his leg in a motor bike accident. Gede Kiki takes a Break Kiki cuts John's hair After working at the KHO for six months, houseboy Kiki is taking a break and returning home to Bandung for a holiday.  Bali Clouds The month of July has been unusual in Bali with cloud cover most days and only occasional sunshine, with an average temperature of 28 oC.  We first noticed when our Sola hot water service was not performing. Before this had only occurred during the December - March rainy season.  Is this global cooling? Register your villa The Head of the government tourism office has warned that owners who fail to register their commercial villas before the Aug 29, 2007 deadline can expect to have their properties closed. Stay in Bali Longer While many of us lament the introduction of the US$25 - VOA (Visa on Arrival) replacing the old two month free visa, there is an alternative. You can apply to your local Indonesian Embassy or Consulate for a 60 day tourist visa, costs A$60. All you need to do is fill out 2 duplicate forms, attach a passport photo to each + a copy of your return air booking. The visa usually takes five working days.  Gamalan Lessons Pak Made, owner of Warung Sobat takes time out from cooking to teach some kids from France how to play the traditional Gamalan. Hendrik Drops In Last Sunday night Hendrik who is a chef at Warung Italy dropped in to the KHO and later in Warung Sobat. Was nice to catch up again. Guide Pay Rise Nusa Bali: Bali's official guides are seeking a 100% increase in the current daily fee of Rp100,000 (A$12.60) they earn for guiding tourists around the island of Bali.

Kerobokan Home Office News - August 2007 Page 4   Aussies Miss Out A world leading travel writer has emerged from trips to Australia and Bali, bemused at the huge difference between the fears about Bali often generated in Australia and the exquisitely rich and tranquil experiences of those who actually  visit there. Pico Iyer – author of eight books whose articles are published worldwide in  magazines such as Time, the New York Times and the Financial Times – says he encountered superb security, the best in Asia, and “Aussies who couldn't believe that so many of their friends were staying at home”. He also found the island was bustling and crowded with visitors from Japan, Korea, Taiwan and other parts of Asia while many Australians missed out on one of world's top destinations.  Asian millionaires were flying in hundreds of guests for weddings while the Japanese (among the world’s most security conscious)  were coming in record numbers because it is one of the places where they feel most able to relax.  - e-travel blackboard Australia Sunset Food Court (SFC) Opens Just like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, Bali now has it's own Hawker food area. There are 25 stalls serving Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Taiwanese, Korean, Indonesia and even Italian. There is seating for over 400 and 40 cars.  Try it, it won't break the bank. Restaurant Hygiene Republika Newspaper reports that the Denpasar City Government is planning a rating system for restaurants in an attempt to improve hygiene and sanitation. SMS Sex Education Singapore's renowned Wei Siang Yu, nick named "Dr. Love" has launched an SMS sex education campaign in Indonesia, the first of its kind in the world's most populous Muslim nation. Indonesians are invited to send a text message with any sex-related question to a panel of volunteer local doctors who will either reply or use their question to compile information on a website.  It is estimated that some 57 percent of young Indonesians learn about sex from their friends or from viewing pornographic movies.  Aircraft Hazard Kites Fly over Bali Commercial airline Pilots flying in to  Bali's airport are complaining about the hazard to air safety by high flying kites. A 2000 law  prohibits kite flying within 9 km of the airport and more than 300 ft above ground level between 9 & 18 km from the airport not above 1000 ft outside that area. To make Bali's skies safer the Bali airport manage- ment has met with local villages to educate them about the rules.

Kerobokan Home Office News - August 2007 Page 5   Garuda Fire Sale Cash strapped Garuda Indonesia will sell non-productive assets to raise US$75M in cash. Including the Garuda maintenance facility, hotels, catering and five non-operational DC 10 aircraft. To add to their woes Garuda has been banned from flying into the European Union over safety concerns, ironically Garuda no longer flies to the EU, but they propose to re-commence services late 2007. Bars Reprimanded Bali Post reports that a meeting between Seminyak village elders and local business operators has ended in an agreement from the bar and restaurants on Jalan Abimanyu to tone down their noise and abide by local laws and regulations. This follows many complaints from nearby hotels and residents about the din emanating from the famous nightlife strip. Candi Dasa Bargain Bungalows Just as you enter Candi Dasa is a very economical accommodation called Bali Santi, owned by long time Australian Bali Expat Rosemary. Owner Rosemary (2R) with her friend John & Linda and Michael The hotel has nine comfortable individual bungalows set in tropical gardens, each with their own western style bathroom, cold water fans and mosquito nets. There are 5 larger rooms with queen or twin beds at Rp 125,000 (A$16) and 4 smaller rooms  with twin beds for Rp 75,000 (A$10) per night all including breakfast. Staff can arrange a massage for you for only Rp 30,000 (A$4) or they can arrange for you to take a cruise with one of the local fisherman in a Sampan. Or you can just relax on the beach and watch the ships sail past on their way to Lombok Island. Anyone who has suffered night leg cramp will tell you that it is an excruciating experience it is. Leg cramps occur when the leg muscle suddenly contracts and  usually last less than one minute, but may last several minutes before the contraction subsides. In some patients, the leg cramps occur primarily at night, and can awaken the patient from sleep. Leg cramps are more common in adolescents &  those over 60. The exact cause of a leg cramp is not well understood, muscle fatigue and heavy excising are contributing factors, however in the tropics dehydration and electrolyte imbalance and lost of salt and minerals due to sweating is more likely to be the cause.  The KHO Banana Cure In the tropics drink at least 2 litres of water a day, sprinkle salt on your food and most important, replace lost potassium, by eating a banana.

Kerobokan Home Office News - August 2007 Page 6   Every Friday Night a gang of us meet at Sobat to discuss the weeks activities, enjoy the great food and quaff lots of vino. Last Friday night was no exception when (photo left-right) Jamal - Real Estate, David a regular visitor from Perth, Australia, Desy from Banyuwangi, Bali resident Ines who is soon off to holiday in Europe, John -  KHO News, Jamal -  KHO Photographer, Wiwin, just back from the USA and Robert from Misty Mountain market Gardens all dined at Warung Sobat as ever suffering owner Pak Made (background) wonders if we will all ever-ever go home. For the sixth consecutive year Bali has been voted the world's best island by the New York-based Travel & Leisure magazine.  It was ranked according to value, activities, natural attractions, food and people, and  came ahead of  Hawaiian islands, Phuket and the Great Barrier Reef islands. The survey was taken from the magazine's 100 million readers. That Bali kept its ranking even through the 2002 and 2005 bombings reveals there is something about the place people cannot resist. Irresistible Bali - Sanur Beach Bali Smiles Arrivals up 41.82% In Bali there is a smile on every face now the tourists are returning in record numbers. Great news for the Balinese foreign arrivals are up 41.82% since Jan  2007. With 145,174 foreign visitors arriving on the island in June 2007 making it the best June on record. No wonder the Balinese are smiling.

Kerobokan Home Office News - August 2007 Page 7   July 23: JetStar Airways of Australia treated their 302 passengers on JQ 30 from Bangkok to Melbourne to a complimentary seventeen hour stopover in Bali.  Free Luxury Hotel The passengers received free airport transfers, free buffet meals and a complimentary room in two of Sanur's  luxury hotels. Complain Complain However nearly all the passengers were angry and not appreciative of JetStar's  benevolence, after the JetStar Captain decided to pull into Denpasar airport after loosing an engine. Although the Airbus A330-200 aircraft is capable of performing all flight manoeuvres on one engine including take-off and could easily have made it back to Melbourne. The captain thought best to be on the safe side and treat his passengers to a "break ashore" from the gruelling 10 hour flight.  Passengers Furious The passengers were furious when they were forced to wait onboard the aircraft before disembarking in Bali, few realizing that at the hour the jet arrived everyone had gone home and staff had to be recalled. Also they failed to realize that organization of over 150 hotel rooms in Bali's peak season at the last minute is no mean feat, not to mention the fleet of busses required to ferry the 302 passengers to the hotels, as well the organization needed at the hotels. Flying Is Dangerous Passengers obviously have no understanding of how inherently dangerous flying actual is. They sit in their comfortable arm chairs not for one minute thinking about the fact that they are 12 kilometres above sea level in the stratosphere where 200km per hour winds are the norm. The outside atmosphere  is so thin that without pressurization they would die in 10 mins. due to lack of oxygen or the cold. It is only the professionalism of the pilots and their understanding of weather and their skilled navigation around tropical storms that could destroy even the largest aircraft, that lull us into feeling flying is safe.  Space ship A jet aircraft is some of the highest level of technology known to man. The machine is a modern miracle only made possible by the early brave aviation pioneers, many hundreds loosing their lives and the years of R&D that millions of people can fly safely all over the world each year. Aviation pioneer Kingsford-Smith 57 years Few people consider that is is only 57 years since the first commercial jet airliner flew, the British de Havilland Comet, many people lost their lives in that aircraft until metal fatigue in aircraft was understood. Every time an aircraft crashes or suffers an incident the event is totally investigated and if necessary The de Havilland Comet the aircraft is modified and the new knowledge incorporated into new aircraft. If the incident was caused by pilot error, new procedures are incorporated into aircraft flying manuals and pilots are retrained. The JetStar Incident So when JetStar flight JQ 30 was an hour out of Bali and the captain decided to shutdown an engine after a failure warnings emanated from the computer monitoring system he avoided perhaps a catastrophic failure and possible full disintegration of the engine which could lead to a total airframe failure. Next the captain, following normal procedures decided to make a precautionary landing at the nearest suitable airport which was Bali airport. Seems the JetStar passengers would have preferred to risk death in the Australian outback, should the other engine had failed rather than be inconvenienced.

Kerobokan Home Office News - August 2007 Page 8   As reported last month John's mother Nancy spent over 3 weeks in Bali in July during which she celebrated her 88th birthday. This month we follow her Bali holiday. "What do you suggest -John?" Nancy has a second birthday dinner with John and Jamal at Ultimo restaurant on Bali's famous eat-street, Jalan Oberoi. Yet another birthday cake With Alit and Patrik At Warung Sobat Nancy caught up with Bali regulars Alit and Patrik from France. Then it was on down to Padangbai, our favourite weekend spot with friends Michael and Linda from Australia. Friend Onney serenades Nancy Then it was on up to Candi Dasa for a seafood lunch at the seaside Restaurant Bamboo. "Would you like some chilli" With Kiki & John

Kerobokan Home Office News - August 2007 Page 9   Yet another night at Warung Sobat with Pak Made, Ketut, Nancy, Hugh from Melbourne, John, local resident Peter,  his two girl friends and Paul from New Zealand. Nancy's birthday hat Even a week after her birthday Nancy was still celebrating, with a paper hat she made herself from a serviette, I guess if you make it to 88, why not?. Nancy with Hugh & John Nancy tells Paul everything With Pak Made's son Gede Ines drops over and takes Nancy out for afternoon tea at Bali's gourmet food palace, the Bali Deli. Nancy & Ines share a drink On many nights Nancy has dinner with John's friends Michael and Linda from Melbourne. With Wiwin and Linda Michael and Linda are spending a month in Bali with their two girls Maddy and Lilly. They are staying in a 4 bedroom, two story Villa Jamal found for them in Batu Belig. John with Michael Jamal with Linda Maddy and Lilly

Kerobokan Home Office News - August 2007 Page 10   Pak Made's Tour Pak Made of Warung Sobat fame took Nancy out on a day tour of Bali, first visiting the historic Tabanan Hot Water Springs.  Pak Made and Nancy Hot Springs Pool Nancy Poolside Nancy & Jamal at the Springs Nancy explores the springs Nancy finds a flower After the springs Pak Made took Nancy on a scenic drive through some of Bali's most beautiful terraces paddy fields.  Terraced Paddy Fields "What in heavens name is that?" "A buffalo ploughing"  "What an unbelievable view"   With John on the mountain Finally Pak Made shouted Nancy a Balinese buffet lunch at a scenic restaurant in the mountains. Nancy said later "The trip was the highlight of my Bali holiday" The mountain top restaurant

Kerobokan Home Office News - August 2007 Page 11   "Cheap Flights. Low fares all day everyday from the worlds best Cheap Fare airline" WHAT?, maybe on some domestic routes, but certainly not to Bali as we proved last month with our Garuda fare comparison. Fare Comparison Oct. 2007 MEL-DPS-MEL Airline Fare AU$ JetStar JetSaver  905 JetStar JetFlex 1345 Garuda 30 day   695 This month we take a look at the fares from Denpasar to MEL (or SYD). Again the Garuda fare is substantially cheaper than from the Worlds Best Cheap Fare Airline. Fare Comparison Oct. 2007 DPS-MEL-DPS Airline Fare US$ AU$ JetStar JetSaver  747  859 JetStar JetFlex 1137 1308 Garuda 30 day   615  707 Prices for JetStar were obtained from their website. Garuda prices from Vision Tour Surabaya, Indonesia.. The Garuda ticket is a full airline ticket with full changeability and a refund with a penalty, comparable only to the US$1137 JetFlex fare from JetStar, that's a whopping difference of A$601 more to fly JetStar than Garuda - CHEAP??? Free Meal - Free Drinks Free Garuda Meal* Plus on Garuda you get full airline service, a free decent meal and free alcoholic drinks, a free blanket and headphones, all  extra on JetStar, meal A$19 each way and $6+ for a drink and $7 for JetStar $19 Meal & Drink* a blanket. With  Garuda you get a really comfortable airline seat and  cabin crew without attitude. * Meals may vary, from those depicted Comfortable Garuda headphones Free Garuda Blanket Free - JetStar A$8 (inc. pillow) Uncomfortable cheap JetStar headphones $A5 Garuda Free Drinks & nuts - JetStar A$6 up  JetStar Meal A$19 We don't understand how JetStar can justify it's meal price of A$19. On American low-cost carriers the average meal is US$10. AirAsia  offers a hot Nasi Rendang (stewed lamb in coconut milk with steamed rice)  for RM 7 (A$2.33) far more delicious than anything I've ever had on JetStar. Now add a drink A$$1.66. That brings your AirAsia equivalent meal to A$3.99.  Mr JetStar we are not idiots, yes your airline is cheap when it comes to the flying experience, but your tickets are certainly not cheap. Ingredients 1 kg Broccoli 300 gm Potatoes 3 Onions Chicken Stock Cream Butter Salt Pepper Method Chop broccoli, potatoes and onion into small pieces. Save some broccoli heads for later decoration. Place in saucepan, add water to just cover the vegetables, add chicken stock (fresh or cubed). Simmer on a low heat until soft. The lower the heat the more flavour. Blend in blender and return to saucepan, add broccoli heads and cook, add cream and butter before serving. Freeze the balance in serving portions.

Kerobokan Home Office News - August 2007 Page 12    Jamal's House Renovation Project Update: As we told you a few months back Jamal has been renovating a house he sold to a Luxembourg couple last December. The house is now really taking shape as all the major structural changes have been made, the front lounge and entrance area complete with a genuine Balinese front door and now the fittings are being installed. The current phase is the completion of the ensuite bathroom in the master bedroom. Entrance & Lounge area Logistics Each day Jamal takes photo's of the progress and sends them via email to the Luxembourg clients. One wonders what we ever did before the internet and emails. Shooting Updates Builder Fendy on the Job The new Toilet Jamal has chosen nothing but the best Toto brand bathroom fittings. The Luxury Spar Bath All Stainless Steel Fittings Traditional Elegance

Kerobokan Home Office News - August 2007 Page 13    John's Melbourne House Looking from John's House down St Kilda Road to the CBD John's House is situated 5 km's down Melbourne's world famous boulevard, St Kilda Road from the Melbourne CBD. A few short years  after the Great War and the signing of the Armistice in 1918 and the birth of John's mum Nancy in 1919 a rich businessman built a dwelling for he and his family in Somerset Street, St Kilda. Today that home belongs to John  who stays there when visiting Melbourne. The house has three bedrooms, spacious living areas, kitchen, laundry, front & back terrace and a 2 car lock-up garage. The Welcoming Entrance The Front Garden   Wide Passageway Office & Computer room Liveable Lounge Room Lounge - Looking to the Back   The Masters Bedroom Traditional Scullery Rear Winter Garden Two Car Lock-up Garage

Kerobokan Home Office News - August 2007 Page 14   According to the ASEAN Region Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan Indonesia suffered 30,464 road deaths in the last year. This figure is an estimation based on local research, health statistics & sample surveys (where available). Official Police Figures Deaths Injuries 8,761 13,941 The official police figures paint a different picture, this is due to many accidents not being reported. 1 Road Death per 7,333 The Asian Development Bank estimation of 30,464 deaths equates to 1 death in 7,333 people for the year, whilst the official figure equates as one death per 25,110 people. As a comparison Australia had one death per 12,500 for the same period. Safety Helmets The death toll has somewhat reduced since 15 years ago when helmets were made mandatory for motor cyclists although many still don't wear them in the country and back streets, where they know there are no police. Indonesians tend to live for the moment, planning or prevention doesn't compute with most. Sadly children are often carried without helmets.  I remember asking an Indonesian one time, "why are you not wearing your helmet?", his answer "I'm not having and accident" Seat Belts Three years ago the mandatory installation and wearing seat belts in the front seats  of motor vehicles was introduced. The Asian Development Bank  estimates 2,550,000 people were injured in road accidents in the 2006-2007 period as against the police figure of 13,941. The bank estimates the cost to the Indonesian economy of road trauma is around 6 billion US$ per year. Sobat Staff Accidents On the local front three of Warung Sobat's staff have suffered motor bike accidents in the last 3 months. Komang - Off work indefinitely with an injured leg. Ketut - Off work for 2 weeks with a injured hand. Putuh - Off work twice after smashing up 2 motor bikes. In Indonesia 72.5% of all vehicles are motor bikes. Since living in Bali we have had three of our friends die in motor bike accidents.

Kerobokan Home Office News - August 2007 Page 15   Around 400,000 new cars were sold in Indonesia in the 2006-2007 year. PT Astra is Indonesia's largest supplier of vehicles, currently holding 53% of the market. PT Astra import components and assemble in Indonesia. In the 2006-2007 period they sold 208,316 vehicles. They are the suppliers of Toyota and Daihatsu cars and Honda motor bikes, they also sell Isuzu, Nissan Diesel and Peugeot-branded cars. Astra is also engaged in palm oil plantation, heavy equipment and mining, and in the financing business. PT Astra is 50.11% owned by the Singapore Jardine Cycle & Carriage Ltd. The Toyota Avenza The Toyota Avenza is the top selling vehicle in Indonesia, the automatic luxury model costs  Rp 239 million (A$32,000). The Avenza has a Segaris 4 cylinder, 16 OHV engine of either 1.298 or 1,495cc. The fuel capacity is 45 Lit. Designed as a family vehicle the Avenza comfortably seats six passengers, however Indonesians could easily cram in 8 people. Expensive Other Toyota vehicles available are Corolla Rp 554 mill (A$73,000), Crown Rp 1.069 mill  (A$140,000), Fortuner Rp 381 mill (A$50,000), Hilux utility Rp 113 mill (A$14,000). A Toyota Land Cruiser costs Rp 1,475 million (A$194,000). The Daihatsu Xenia Another very popular car in Indonesia is the Daihatsu Xenia as owned by our friend Pak Made from Warung Sobat. The car comes with either a 1000cc or 1300cc engine and 5 gears or automatic. The on-road price starts at Rp 86 mill. (A$11,466) Suzuki Katana Jeep John's favourite the classic Suzuki Katana cost Rp 93 mill (A$ 11,772) Mercedes-Benz Class In Indonesia a Mercedes C-Class  costs  Rp 910 mill or A$122,000. Honda The Honda  Supra Fit PT Astra also produces Honda Motor bikes in Indonesia at their factory in Cikarang, 20 km outside Jamal's hometown of Bandung. The factory has a capacity of 3 million bikes per year. Honda Factory - Cikarang One of the most popular models is the economic Honda Supra Fit featuring an electronically controlled 4 stroke 100cc engine. Honda produce 18 models starting from the Supra Fit at Rp 10.3 mill. (A$1,355) to the trendy Tiger CW at Rp 23 mill. (A$3,000). The KHO is the affectionate name of our house in Bali, this is a non - commercial site, to keep our many friends in touch with the local scene. Our aim is to help the local people through promoting tourism.  Email us at:jbsymons@indo.net.id Check Past Editions Copyright ©2007 The Kerobokan Home Office - All Rights Reserved