Bali Tourism News

Food Crisis in East Nusa Tenggara

Famines are rare in Indonesia. I have seen farmers suffering hard times due to failed crops, mice infestation and destruction by rain&344; food crisis’ are now becoming more prevalent throughout the archipelago.

In the Sikka regency of East Nusa Tenggara a food crisis is threatening at least 50,000 families in 10 districts in following a failed harvest due to pests and insufficient rain. The regency has only 306 tons of rice left in the warehouse of its provincial logistics agency while residents need at least 50,000 tons.

The food crisis has hit 10 districts hardest: Bola, Kewapante, Lela, Magepanda, Mago, Meumere, Nita, Paga, Palue and Talibura. Many residents have started to consume alternative foods such as flour made from the putak plant. With its hard fibers the flour is difficult for children to consume. The Central Government has now promised to distribute 9,210 tons of rice to families in worst hit areas.

According to the article in the Jakarta Post, data from the social office showed at least 13,000 families were threatened by starvation and more than 35,000 families were experiencing a food crisis. Village heads were asked to report situations in their respective villages and list residents experiencing food crisis in order to respond appropriately.

The food crisis is not the province’s first. Last month a food crisis was blamed for widespread cases of malnutrition among children.

Add comment June 19th, 2006

Jatiluwih: Perfection in Bali

Driving back from Gunung Batukaru, I took the left turnoff at Wongayagede where the 14 kilometre road leads to my favourite destination in Bali, Jatiluwih.

I had been on this road many times before and was aware of the narrow and twisting turns and of course the potholes. It was just a matter of keeping my eye on the road, but, with the panorama around me, it was difficult.

The winding road weaves its way through lush green terrain, dense banana groves, fields of chilli peppers and tomato plants, and, coffee plantations. Farmhouses dot the landscape, piles of coconuts on the side of the road ready to be picked up, and farmers lay out their padi rice on plastic sheets to dry in the sun.

Wide and gently sloping rice terraces on the hillside are a photographer’s delight and this spectacular panorama can be seen from many vantage points, and, most with restaurants or warungs. The Paddy Venture does have nice views (a tad expensive for what you see), but my favourite by far is Cafe Jatiluwih. Located in the hamlet of Jatiluwih and perched on a hillside, the food is as good as the view.
Driving through the hamlet of Jatiluwih is like driving through the ‘real’ Bali, practically untouched by western intervention. Here, life goes on in a slow pace, the locals are the friendliest on the island, and when you finally arrive at the village of Senganan where the road ends, you’ll want to turn around and do it all again. I did, many times over the years.

Add comment June 19th, 2006