Archive for September, 2008
By Erin McWhirter
HAPPY holidaymakers scramble across the hot sand to plunge into the cool ocean off Bali¿s iconic Kuta Beach as a dazzling orange sunset fades on the horizon.
The mercury is still pushing more than 32C and the sweltering heat means these happy-go-lucky tourists, some of whom have been gleefully downing tropical cocktails at bars that line the beach, want to get all the fun they can in the last of the sun.
But fun turns quickly to danger.
A French woman and her two young sons are caught in one of Kuta’s famous rips and as spectators watch in fear from the comfort of their beach towels the beach’s lifeguards quickly spring into action.
Working frantically alongside the Indonesian lifeguards are two familiar faces for television fans – Ryan “Whippet” Clarke, 24, and Tom Bunting, 27, from Channel 10’s Logie Award-winning series Bondi Rescue.
The pair, along with several of their Bondi colleagues, including Kristian Yates, Anthony “Harries” Carroll, Andrew “Reidy” Reid and Dean “Deano” Gladstone, are in Bali on a cultural exchange of skills and knowledge.
However, without the state-of-the-art equipment usually at their disposal in Australia – jetskis, paddle boards, spinal boards, oxygen tanks and motorbikes – the Bondi boys are really being tested.
Adding to the strain for these larrikin boys in blue, both of whom will celebrate their fifth year patrolling Bondi this summer, is the fact they must adjust to reading the new surf conditions and the language barrier.
As Bunting, who is studying to become a chiropractor at university, and former Home And Away star Clarke, take to the water with just a tube (those flimsy boards that were used on Baywatch), they know they are in for a physically gruelling ordeal.
It turns out to be the toughest rescue of their careers and it’s all been caught on film for the new program Bondi Rescue: Bali.
“All the resources we associate with professional lifeguarding back at Bondi you don’t have here,” Bunting says after the rescue.
As he talks it is clear that daily patrols in the 35-plus temperatures and the basic equipment available for rescues is taking its toll.
“All you have is yourself, your two hands and your wits about you to basically manage the beach. The French rescue was so intense. I am not tall, so when I got out there I had the boy over my head and was just holding my breath underwater to get him in,” he says.
“There were moments when I just wanted out of it because it was too much. At Bondi we would have had two rescue boards and it would have taken five minutes, here I had a tube and the rescue took 15 minutes.”
Providing backup for each other is of the utmost importance to these Bondi boys and Clarke says it was paramount for the survival of those involved in the French rescue.
“We’ve has some pretty decent rescues while we’ve been over here,” Clarke says from the tree house-like control tower.
“Tom and I rescued a French lady and her two sons who were getting smashed in the surf a few days ago. That was pretty intense.
“It was one of the hardest rescues that we have ever been involved in.
“It was a bit touch-and-go during that time because we just didn’t have the resources we would have at home.”
To patrol the one-kilometre stretch at Bondi the lads sit at a lone control tower in the centre of the beach. In Kuta, there are five posts spread along a 5km stretch of sand.
Until recently, when the Bondi team bought two motorbikes, it was a case of running from post to post when someone was in trouble, a physically draining feat to say the least.
“If there is a rescue in the middle you have to run, dragging the board with you,” says Yates.
“I did a rescue the other day and by the time I got there I had run 2km and I was beat.
“The only reason we knew something was going on was because we saw the ‘circle of death’ around the two girls who had drowned and been dragged in. Sure enough there were two dead bodies there. I ran 2km and by this stage we had gotten them back to life.
“But when the ambulance came, it was nothing like back home. The best way to describe it is like an ice cream truck. It’s been an eye-opener being here.”
When the Bondi team depart they will leave a spinal board, an oxygen tank and a pair of bikes for the Kuta lifeguards to use.
Nine people have drowned at Kuta this year, with a yearly average of 20 to 30. The numbers are frightening, considering Bondi may lose one life every 12 months.
But while it has been a challenge, both sets of lifeguards are learning from each other.
“Just reading the surf here, in conditions we aren’t familiar with and the intensity of how fit they are has gotten us moving,” Yates says.
Terry McDermott, who orchestrated the entire exchange program and has had a long association with the Indonesian Professional Lifeguard Association over nearly 30 years of visits, says the Bondi boys have found the trip frustrating and challenging.
“I saw one of the worst first aid-related injuries in more than 20 years of lifeguarding over here,” McDermott says.
“It was a Swedish board rider who got impaled on his board, it was a life-threatening injury. I heard through the grapevine he got 200 stitches. Every rescue has been a huge challenge because it’s so different.”
Marshello Lolot Aryafara, 28, who has been a Kuta beach lifeguard since 2003, says viewers will see some action-packed footage.
But he also hopes the program boosts tourism in the area, after a dramatic decline since the Bali bombing, which claimed 88 Australian lives, six years ago.
“This is the real reality of our beach and hopefully it will help our economy and tourism in Bali so much,” McDermott says.
“These lifeguards are supporting us and giving us the tools we need, spending hours and hours with us to show us techniques so we can make our beaches a lot safer.
“We thank them.”
Source: http://www.news.com.au/
September 10th, 2008
Gianyar, Bali, (ANTARA News) - Bali built parks tainted with local characteristic arrangements of each municipality or city in order to preserve rare, traditional and plants.
The local arrangements parks planning was introduced gradually to the society in a program of turning Bali into a park island, Sudarsa, head of Gianyar`s Environment Office said here Monday.
Gianyar, a home of Bali`s arts and culture which is located 20 kilometres to the east of Denpasar has built parks with local characteristics as a habitat for flora and beautiful functional green spaces to gove a pretty sight of the city.
The parks condition in the city decorated with sculptures of characters from wayang stories needed to be spread to the society, Sudarsa told Bali`s parks competition judges.
Bali, the island of gods which has been visited by local and foreign tourists thanks to its natural beauty and culture and arts made an effort to preserve various rare flora through the office parks competition in all municipalities and cities.
Ketut Sunyana, head of the judges said the initiative to include rare plants in the park was a special consideration besides other categories while observing the Gianyar regent office park.
He added that the competition is an effort to create Bali`s image as a park island to draw lure tourists.
The provincial administration sets the competition of regents` official residences and office parks along with regional legislative office parks to encourage their care care for plants by standing out rare flora and local icons besides other plants which have religious meanings.
The competition was part in a series of events to commemorate world environment day on June 5, 2008.(*)
COPYRIGHT © 2008
Source: ANTARA News
September 9th, 2008
Reggae music wafts past the open-air tower on Bali’s Kuta beach as a group of Bondi lifeguards shoot the breeze about morning rescues, surf breaks and the night ahead. There are echoes of home for the Sydney lads-turned-reality TV stars. The big difference is the beach: stretching for 10 kilometres, this is a surfers’ paradise known for rolling breakers and treacherous rips that grasp at unwary tourists.
The rear of the tower is home to the production staff of Bondi Rescue: Bali, an eight-episode spin-off to Ten’s popular reality series. Transplanting the show to Bali has been a culture shock for the lifeguards of both nations. Laid-back Bali attitudes have charmed and alarmed the Bondi boys, especially when lives are at stake. The Australians came with a professional approach and expensive gear, both of which have saved several lives during shooting.
Kuta Beach seemed a great setting to Bondi Rescue creator and part-time lifeguard Ben Davies, a Bali regular. Between 20 and 30 people die each year along the Kuta to Legian strip, mostly in unpatrolled areas.
“About 60 per cent of the rescues are local tourists, the rest from overseas,” Davies says. “A lot of non-swimmers drown close to shore.”
According to Davies, the dramas and logistics of shooting are “multiplied by four” in Bali. The lifeguards are serious about their work but this is a television production and plenty of scenes are staged for the cameras. The series will be largely chronological, with some dramatic licence.
Davies says the Bondi lifeguards had a lot to learn. “The beach operates differently - a really strong current and undertow that you don’t have at home. The surf is bigger and monitoring such a large area is a challenge. In Bondi it is simple to get a patient to hospital, here you aren’t calling 000 and having two guys walk up with pressed shirts. You have 50 to 60 people screaming, a van for an ambulance, wheels spinning in the sand and a hospital too far away.”
On arrival, Davies told the Australians to “watch and observe, rather than tearing in and stepping on toes. If someone is in trouble and our boys see it they won’t tell the Balinese boys unless it’s critical.”
Despite the orders, youngster Tom Bunting was the first to jump in, helping save a girl on day one. “He couldn’t help himself,” Davies says. The Balinese guards loved the enthusiasm but the Aussies held back on other rescues for the rest of the week.
Bunting, on guard at the far end of the beach, is clearly enjoying his first Bali experience. “Bondi is a kilometre stretch, contained, you’ve got your bearings,” he says. “This is a 10-kilometre beach and there are a lot of tourists here, a lot of non-swimmers. Everyone seems so laid back and you want to get into relax mode but you have to stay alert.”
Marshello, leader of the Kuta lifesavers, acknowledges the differences in approach between the two sets of lifeguards. “If they come to work they are working,” he says. “For us, we come to enjoy our beach and enjoy our work at the same time. They don’t want to talk to people too much, even smile. Here I can walk around and eat, have a swim. The Western way of work is very different to the Indonesian way of work.”
A full-time lifesaver since 2003, Marshello still relies on the support of friends and families. “To be a lifeguard in Bali you need to be supported by a lot of people, people give me clothes, food, watches - you need help to live.”
There is no hint of jealousy, however, towards his wealthier Australian colleagues. “It’s good for us to watch the way they work, the professionalism. I hope we could have the same standard of equipment. I have learnt a lot from the way they do first aid.
“They teach us how to be calm and focused, first of all to be professional, not just sitting down and talking to people.”
For Bondi Rescue pin-up boy Anthony “Harries” Carroll, the Bali experience has been a thrill. Gazing down the beach he talks of plans to return, boosting training for the locals and helping them develop an internationally recognised association.
“They are so giving. This is their water, their backyard and they have stood back and watched us and learnt how we can preserve human life.”
Bondi Rescue: Bali begins on Ten on Wednesday at 7.30pm.
Source: http://www.smh.com.au/news
September 8th, 2008
The number of foreign tourist arrivals in Bali rose significantly in the first semester of this year, a regional tourism official said.
“According to records, a total of 280,222 foreigners visited Bali in the first semester of this year, an increase of 22.26 percent from 229,198 in the same period last year,” the head of the local tourism service, Gede Nurjaya, said here on Saturday.
He made the statement after speaking at a seminar on “The Impact of Ban on National Flights to Europe on Tourism in Bali.” He said the ban by the European Commission had not affected tourism in Bali much.
But he admitted the ban for European tourists to use national airlines would disrupt distribution of tourists to other provinces and damage the image of the country that had just recovered from the impact of incidents such as terrorism, natural disasters and health scares.
Nurjaya said various efforts had to be made to immediately overcome the slump in the country`s tourism industry. “The central government needs to conduct continuous consultations and cooperation with the EU Commission so that a way out can be immediately found to overcome the shortcomings of the Indonesian airlines,” he said.
He also called on the country`s national airlines to improve their performance, including in the safety aspect in line with the air operator certificate requirements and standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Air Transport Association.
“They must also continue to inform the market about efforts that have been made by the government to improve their quality,” he said.(*)
COPYRIGHT © 2008
Source: ANTARA News
September 8th, 2008
I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Jimbaran
An ongoing exhibition at Jenggala Bali’s captivating compound in Jimbaran is giving the island’s arts connoisseurs the opportunity to admire ancient masks and rare textiles from various cultures across the archipelago.
Bali’s leading contemporary dancer, I Nyoman Sura, gave an intense performance in front of around 180 guests during the opening ceremony of the month-long exhibit on Aug. 14.
“The exhibit is part of our continuing efforts to preserve and promote the rich cultural legacy of our nation,” Jenggala’s marketing communications manager, Keke Hidayat, said.
The exhibit features 60 ancient masks from various regions in Indonesia, including Java, Bali and Kalimantan. The displayed masks are part of the collections of Jimbaran’s Gallery Tiempo and Mas’ Rumah Topeng dan Wayang Kubu Bingin.
The latter is a private, non-profit institution committed to the preservation of Indonesia’s topeng (masks) and wayang (puppet). It currently has a collection of more than 500 masks and more than 2,000 puppets.
“We appreciate the initiative from Jenggala to organize this exhibit. We have always embraced efforts to introduce Indonesia’s mask and puppet heritage to a wider audience,” Kubu Bingin’s curator, Prayitno, said.
The ancient masks were carved by selected craftsmen and made from wood of carefully chosen trees, often trees that were thought to have supernatural or healing properties. These masks play an important role in the performing arts and religious belief systems of the regions they originate from.
“Some of these masks form a vital element in indigenous rituals, including the ritual of fertility or the ritual held to ward off evil spirits. Some of the masks were also used in shamanic healing rituals,” Prayitno said.
Keke said the exhibit only presented a small collection. Yet, she hoped it would inspire people to appreciate the special nature of Indonesia’s mask tradition and craftsmanship.
“The masks are valued between Rp 5 million and Rp 16 million. However, not all masks are for sale … those masks hanging on the wall are only meant to be admired,” she pointed out.
In this exhibition, Jenggala also displays some of Southeast Asia’s most powerful and intricate textiles — all made in Indonesia. The textiles, woven only by women, were intended for daily wear, ceremonies, marriage dowries, and for burial and cremation rituals.
There are a vast variety of Indonesian textiles on display in the exhibit, including a selection from Nusa Tenggara — Flores, Timor and the very small islands of Savu, Alor, Kisar, Adonara and Tanimbar. Their prices range from Rp 5 million to Rp 18 million.
Based in Bali, an island renowned for its creative artwork, Jenggala Bali is a leading producer of high-quality, handcrafted ceramics. Jenggala Bali’s workshop draws on the talents of 190 Balinese craftspeople and is inspired by the wealth and diversity of Indonesian culture.
Masks and Textile Exhibition
Aug. 14 - Sept. 19
Jenggala Bali
Jl. Uluwatu II, Jimbaran
Tel. : 62 (361) 703311
Source: The Jakarta Post
September 5th, 2008
Retno K. Djojo, Contributor, Bedugul, Bali
Researchers at the Eka Karsa botanical garden in Bedugul, Bali, are running a race against time to save an endemic plant from extinction.
The plant, a fern locally known as pakis ata (Lygodium circinnatum), previously had limited economic value. But large areas across Bali have become increasingly depleted of this fern species ever since it caught the attention of handicraft makers.
A spokesperson for the botanical garden said that the Tabanan, Negara and Karang Asem regencies, which previously had large areas covered with the fern, were now almost devoid of the plant due to excessive exploitation.
Pakis ata, which grows well in Bali’s dry mountainous areas, was once only popular among members of the Bali Aga clan who used the plant’s root base to make traditional warfare shields.
Several years ago, however, creative handicraft producers came up with the idea of using the tenacious plant to make baskets, handbags, place mats, lamp shades, fruit bowls and a host of other attractive items.
More durable and flexible than other plant varieties, the fern can be easily woven into attractive shapes and is a good substitute for processed rattan.
Researchers alarmed by the new trend in the souvenir business responded by opening a nursery at the Eka Karsa botanical garden to cultivate the endangered fern.
A nursery spokesperson said the plants would be distributed across Bali for cultivation. Proper methods to harvest the vines, the spokesperson added, would be extended to farmers who join the Pakis Ata conservation program, which aims to prevent the extinction of the plant.
The Eka Karsa botanical garden, covering an area of 157.5 hectares, is located at an altitude of 1400 meters above sea level and houses an extensive collection of plants and trees.
Established in 1959, the garden is dedicated to the conservation of plants endemic to dry mountainous areas in the eastern parts of the country.
Visitors to the garden can enjoy its tranquil and scenic green panorama while taking in the fresh mountain air.
The garden’s impressive Bali-statue gate, adorned with ornate decorations, opens up to a wide vista of green rolling hills dotted by colorful flower beds.
Public and school holidays see a peak in the number of visitors to the garden. With 182 employees, including some 20 researchers, the garden’s upkeep and research work demands an annual budget of Rp 2.3 billion.
Its collection of rare plants include a great variety of species with medicinal properties, such as the purnajiwa plant (Euchrest horsfieldii). The fruits of this plant can be used to cure tuberculosis and migraines. Another interesting plant, the Ginkgo biloba Linn, is capable of enhancing memory.
In support of the community’s need for certain plants for religious ceremonies, the garden’s collection includes several Majegau trees. The leaves of this rare tree, which has become the garden’s signature plant, is often used as a substitute for incense.
The garden’s extensive collection of orchids includes a rare beauty — the Bulbophyllum lobii echinolobium — that originates from the dry mountainous areas of Sulawesi. The flower, in shades of brown and yellow, is carefully guarded to protect it from commercial use.
The garden’s new cross-breed of the Begonia, dubbed the Begonia Tuti Siregar, has been submitted to an international agency for plant patency in the U.S.
Plant growers will be able to reap financial benefits if the new species — a cross-breed between the Begonia Listada and Begonia Acetosan — is acknowledged by the agency for its uniqueness.
Furthermore, Tuti Siregar, a researcher at the botanical garden, would become the first Indonesian botanist to receive international acclaim for her work.
Source: The Jakarta Post
September 5th, 2008
The inaugural Bali Superyacht Rendezvous, organized by SEAL Superyachts (Indonesia) in conjunction with Putri Naga Komodo & YachtAid Global was held recently in Bali, Indonesia. The event took place over 10 days in order to accommodate the schedules of the various participating yachts.
The Indonesian archipelago spreads along the Equator for over 2,500 nm so it was essential to build some flexibility into the event programme which kicked off on July 28th 2008. This flexible understanding of the needs of Superyachts is a hallmark of SEAL Indonesia.
Three yachts made it to Benoa for the first day and others continued to arrive and depart over the next days.
The Superyacht (over 24m) participants were:
1. Amoha - 35m Azimut motor yacht.
2. Galaxia - 52m Perini Navi.
3. Queen of Andaman - 41m Turkish Gullet.
4. Raja Laut - 30m Malaysian Topsail Schooner.
The extra invitees were:
1. Levante - 20m CNB catamaran.
2. Nomadess - 22m Cutter.
Tirama - 16m Halberg Rassey.
The SEAL Bali team was proud to welcome so many participants to this first running of the event by hosting a huge BBQ on Tuesday evening. In line with Balinese tradition, two whole pigs were roasting away in the background while the large crowd was entertained by Balinese dancers from the local village school.
A presentation was made by Pak Daniel Danadi of Putri Naga Komodo about their Conservation, Education and Schools Supplies Charity work within the Komodo National Park.
An official linkup between PNK, SEAL Indonesia and YachtAid Global was announced and much interest in their programme was expressed by the yachts represented. Several committed to make donations and others to carry supplies to Komodo for the schools. The main emphasis of YachtAid Global is to get yachts to transport supplies to out of the way schools along the very littoral the yachts are visiting.
SEAL and PNK have taken up the challenge for Indonesia; no mean task with an archipelago stretching over 2,500 nm from East to West. Successful runs from Bali to Komodo National Park’s four primary schools are to be the proving ground before expanding the programme to other regions.
The RDV continued with a Crew Challenge dinghy sailing day during the weekend and a closing party on Tuesday evening, August 5th. More school supplies are scheduled to be transported by SY Nomadess to the Komodo area during Mid-September. The RDV raised more than USD $1,000 in donations for both the Komodo Conservation Trust (via PNK) and Komodo Schools Charity (via YachtAid Global).
In typical Bali island fashion, this event was mellow, friendly and colourful; we look forward to an even bigger event next year. Dates to be announced.
Cilian Budarlaigh
Operations Manager
Seal Superyachts Indonesia
Bali, Indonesia
Mobile: +62 (0) 81 337 461 901
Office: +62 (0) 361 769 098
Fax: +62 (0) 361 769 291
e-mail: cilian@seal-superyachts.com or captcilian@yahoo.co.uk
Web Site: http://www.seal-superyachts.com
Source: http://www.the-triton.com
September 4th, 2008
By balidiscovery.com
Foreign tourist arrivals for the month of July 2008 hit 183,122 making it the best July ever, improving +11.24 percent over last year’s record-breaking performance for July 2007 (164,618). On a year-to-date basis, January-July arrivals for 2008 have broken the psychological barrier of 1 million, recording 1,108.061 foreign arrivals for the first seven months of the year. Compared to the same period in 2007, when there were 910,567 visitors, arrivals are up +21.6 percent in 2008.
2 Million Visitors for 2008?
Assuming Bali can maintain the current +21.6 percent margin of annual improvement through the end of 2008 means the Island will end the year at just over 2 million foreign visitors, portending the first time ever that tourist arrivals will surpass the 2 million mark.
Bali’s Top Markets and China
Bali’s top 4 inbound markets remain, in order of importance, Japan, Australia, Taiwan and South Korea.
Japan’s recovery is now complete with arrivals for January-July 2008 (208,506) representing the best performance ever, surpassing the record levels recorded in 2000 (207,030). Year-to-date Japan arrivals for 2008 are +8.62 percent ahead of the same period in 2007.
Australia’s recovery is equally robust totaling 164,641 for the first seven months of 2008. This record-breaking performance testifies to the fact that the effects of two bombings and the collapse of Air Paradise have now been completely shaken off. Year-on-year, Australian arrivals have improved a whopping +54.79 percent over just one year ago.
At 85,036 arrivals through the first seven months of 2008, Taiwanese arrivals are down -2.92 percent as compared to 2007. Recent policy changes allowing easier visits by Taiwanese to Mainland China may be diverting potential Balinese visitors to the Chinese Mainland.
South Korean arrivals for January-July 2008 hit 78,745 representing record territory and a +5.52 percent improvement over 2007 (74,624) which was also a record-breaking year in its own right.
The People’s Republic of China has managed in the course of only six years to move from minor league status in terms of Bali visitors to become the fifth most importance source of foreign visitors. PRC arrivals for January-July 2008 (75,511) represented a 77.33 percent improvement over the same period in 2007 and now qualified the PRC as Bali’s 5th largest inbound market.
ASEAN Arrivals, Including Malaysia and Singapore
Underlining the growing importance of regional markets, ASEAN arrivals for the first seven months of 2008 totaled 110,241 – a year-on-year improvement of +18.8 percent when compared to 2007.
Malaysia remains the most important inbound market to Bali from within the ASEAN market. Fueled by low-cost fares from AirAsia, Malaysian arrivals for January-July hit 68,890, improving +20.5 percent over the same period in 2007.
Singapore arrivals have almost tripled since 2000 but have now largely achieved a plateau, totaling 25,553 for January-July 2008.
The Americas and Key European Markets
Arrivals from both North and South America have received a much-needed “bounce” from the recent easing of US travel advisories for Indonesia. Arrivals for January-July 2008 (58,903) have increased +25.5 percent over the same period for 2007 (46,903). Despite this “good news,” arrivals from this source still lag behind the record levels of 67,095 tallied for January-July 2001.
United Kingdom arrivals are improving steadily, up +20.9 percent from 2007. With 44,083 arrivals during January-July 2008, UK arrivals still lag -34.2 percent behind the 67,095 UK visitors who came in to Bali during the same period in 2001.
German visitors have improved +17.89 percent for the first seven months of the year in 2008, as compared to the previous year. Germany will, however, have to maintain a similar rate of growth in 2009 to regain lost ground from the heyday of German arrivals to Bali achieved in 2001.
Tourism totals from Holland have recovered completely by breaking into record territory. There were 33,886 Dutch visitors to Bali during the January-July 2008 period, an improvement of 8.9 percent over 2007.
From virtual obscurity less than one decade ago, the Russian market has become a major player achieving 33,800 visitors during January-July 2008. The Russian market is booming, improving +63.4 percent over its performance in the same period just one year before.
Source: http://travelvideo.tv/
September 3rd, 2008
Anne Lu - Celebrity News Service News Writer
Bali, Indonesia (CNS) - After a festive opening and colorful middle, the Bali Fashion Week 2008 has ended with a casual walk down the runway on Friday.
The models donned casual jeans and tank tops as they strutted along the bar table-improvised catwalk at the Hard Rock Hotel’s Center Stage in Kuta. Musical acts by Siluet and Rice Girls followed the swim wear and lingerie collections during the intervals.
The six-day fashion event has become an annual international trade event for buyers and sellers to meet and talk about potential business since its conception seven years ago.
The ModaBali foundation-organized show has presented 50 local and international designers during its production week.
With a theme of Tri Hita Karana, Balinese philosophy meaning harmony between God, human beings and the environment, designers were tasked to create masterpieces reflecting the Fashion Meets Nature concept.
The event opened with a street carnival of models wearing designs made with natural and recycled elements. Designers such as Muji Ananta (Indonesia), Mitch Dulce (Philippines), Lenny Agustin (Indonesia), and Andre Kim (South Korea) showcased their creations during the event.
Source: http://www.allheadlinenews.com
September 2nd, 2008
Andra Wisnu , The Jakarta Post , Kuta
Models sporting branded casual jeans and tank-tops strutted down the bar table-come-catwalk at the final event for Bali Fashion Week 2008 at the Hard Rock Hotel’s Center Stage in Kuta, late Friday.
Sexy swim wear and sensuous lingerie collections were followed by musical performances by Siluet and the Rice Girls (a new group of singers from Australia) during the intervals.
It was a fairly lackadaisical evening compared to the past four days of brave colors and elegant dresses which filled Bali Fashion Week this year. Nevertheless it did serve as a reminder for Mardiani Ika, the creator of Bali Fashion Week, that another year had passed and it was now time for everyone to concentrate on the future.
“I know that those who came out and worked hard to make their designs for display made a lot of connections with people in the industry and even got some orders,” Ika told The Jakarta Post, standing next to the pool outside away from the Techno-music blaring from Center Stage.
“Of course, it could have been better but I believe, given our capacity, that it was the best show we could have done,” Ika said.
Ika has been the driving force behind Bali Fashion Week since its inception in 2000. Now it has become an annual international trade event which serves as a platform for buyers and sellers to meet and discuss potential business relationships.
This year Bali Fashion Week was organized by the ModaBali foundation. The show presented 50 both well-known and rising designers from 35 countries, such as Doii, a Korean-born designer based in Paris; Hu SheGuang who has designed clothes for the Queen of Holland; Mich Dulce from the Philippines; Selphie Bong, who has been called the Indonesian Christian-Dior-to-be; and the famous Indonesian designer Oka Diputra.
Ika said this year’s theme was derived from the Balinese philosophy Tri Hita Karana (harmony between God, human beings and the environment) — a tough challenge for designers.
“It is hard for the industry to support this kind of movement because, for example, recycled fabrics cost twice as much,” Ika said.
“However, the event had reached its goal — to introduce a “greener” trend among fashion industry people.”
“I know I won’t see recycled fabrics or garments in the fashion industry any time soon, but I feel this show has at least put that idea into the minds of those who were here. And I have to say, I’m very happy and again very proud,” Ika added.
In lieu with this year’s theme of fashion meets nature, a street carnival of designs exuding both ambitious and ephemeral qualities started the week off last Sunday with models showing off dresses made with natural and recycled elements.
Models appeared on horse-drawn carriages from Jl. Melasti to Jl. Legian and then on to Jl. Pantai Kuta, adorned in dresses of leaves, twigs and golden wrapping paper (normally used for prayer).
Performers strolled beside and accompanied models, performing the Kecak dance and the Kuda Lumping (bamboo horses with men astride), as they entertained the thousands of onlookers who lined Kuta beach.
Three days of fashion shows followed at the Garuda Wisnu Kencana building — each a display of what designers could do with environmentally friendly materials and natural themes.
Floral motifs dominated Junie Kwanda’s designs. Her collection of 12 dresses, called Lolita Harajuku were bright (to say the least) with pinks, blues, reds, white and yellows lighting up the models with a cheeky aura.
Balinese designer Muji Ananta, meanwhile, attempted to portray strength with his Sea-Shell-themed collection. Dark colors gave the designs a batik feeling, and serrated sewing added a daring tone to his work.
A relatively new designer to Bali Fashion Week, Fabio Renaldo from Bandung, West Java, took a different approach and introduced ready-to-wear dresses in which fabric was made from natural fibers using a fermentation process.
For Fabio, this year’s fashion week theme struck a chord.
“I’ve always been very concerned about the environment and waste management, and I think this event is perfect because it’s not just about giving new fashion designers access to the industry, but also serves as a campaign for eco-design,” he told the Post.
Fabio shared Ika’s view that it would take a long time for the fashion industry to become more environmentally friendly, but remained optimistic that this would occur.
“For the fashion industry to change, designers need not only to set trends, but also lifestyles,” he said.
“And from what I saw at this event, many designers have already looked for ways to go into that direction. So it’s just a matter of time I think,” he said.
So what’s next for Bali Fashion Week?
“I don’t know,” said Ika, who was planning on working with Indonesian fashion designers in small and medium enterprises once this year’s fashion week concludes.
“As long as up-and-coming fashion designers need help with access to the industry, there will always be Bali Fashion Week,” she said.
Source: The Jakarta Post
September 1st, 2008
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