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Author: exclusivelybali
New Laws could see unmarried tourists imprisoned for sleeping in the same room !
INDONESIAN plans to make cohabiting outside marriage a crime, jail adulterers and stop the open sale of condoms are causing alarm in Bali where the laws would also apply to tourists.
The island’s politicians and tourism leaders are sounding alarm bells over the controversial proposed new laws, saying the State is interfering in issues of morality which could drive away tourists.
The changes are part of a widespread revision of Indonesia’s Criminal Code, known as the Kuhap, which was last revised in the 1950s. The 500-page document, which contains more than 750 articles, is currently before the country’s lawmakers for debate.
Under the proposals, cohabiting outside marriage becomes a crime carrying a one-year jail sentence and would apply to tourists as well as Indonesians. The punishment for adultery goes up from nine months jail to five years.
Tourism chiefs are concerned that if passed and enforced, by arresting tourists sleeping together and checking into hotels as couples, this would be a major disaster for Bali’s travel industry, which is the lifeblood of the island’s economy.
And moves to ban the open sale of contraceptives, which are currently prominently displayed and sold in minimarkets and convenience stores everywhere, have also been criticised.
Indonesia’s National Commission on Human Rights warns that the controversial aspects of the new code risk returning the country to the 16th Century and driving away tourists who face jail for sleeping together outside marriage. At its most extreme it could even mean police raids on hotels.
Commission member Dianto Bachriadi says the State should not be regulating morality and that if passed, the new laws would mean members of the public are spied upon in their private lives.
Mr Bachriadi says that if the article on cohabitation is not dropped it would apply to foreign tourists in Bali.
“It is applicable for all people in Indonesia, including foreigners. All people who are in Indonesia could be imposed upon, without exception,” Mr Bachriadi said.
“It will be counter-productive to many things, including tourism. It will make tourists run away. Police will actively raid hotels … And it will cause fear for all people. It will negatively affect the economy and all other things. Moreover it is an issue of privacy. About sin, it is their business with God, not the State.”
Bali politician Ketut Kariyasa Adnyana says the Balinese do not want the new laws and the legislature will convey these views to Jakarta.
“The Government’s target is to get more tourists coming to the country. That’s why they create a free visa policy and add more countries to this list. Tourists keep coming to Bali as the Balinese are friendly to all tourists, as well as respecting their privacy,” Mr Adnyana said.
He said it was common knowledge that many tourists in Bali are not married but come together and share hotel rooms on holiday.
“If the new criminal code draft is legalised and is imposed in Bali it will disturb tourism activity. It will build an image that couples outside marriage will be arrested. We in Bali hope that the draft will not be legalised.”
The Bali Tourism Board chairman Ida Bagus Ngurah Wijaya agrees.
“If it is legalised, of course it will affect foreigners. It means the State has too much interference with people’s lives and religion. … and for sure this will affect tourism.”
Plans to ban the public sale of contraceptives, like condoms, are also under fire. Shops would be banned from offering or showing contraceptives and could only sell them if a customer specifically asks.
Social groups warn such a law is a setback in the prevention of HIV and AIDS and called for the government to focus on crimes like murder and corruption instead of moral issues.
The Institute for Criminal Justice Reform, which is co-ordinating an NGO response to the new criminal code, says it smacks of overcriminalisation.
“Too many of the citizens’ acts are qualified as crimes, especially those acts considered to be against religious morals,” executive director Supriyadi Widodo Eddyono said.
“This should not be the main priority of criminal code reformation. There are many other articles that should be a priority, such as corruption, money laundering and human trafficking. The revision process should focus more on those things,” he said.
The new code also makes black magic and witchcraft, practised widely across Indonesia, a crime, with a jail term of five years for using black magic to cause illness, death or suffering.
Indonesia’s parliament is notoriously slow-moving and the new criminal code is not expected to be finalised and passed until the end of 2017. By this time, the Balinese authorities hope the more controversial aspects will have been deleted during the consultation phase.
source: Herald Sun
images: sourced
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A visa-free stalemate for Australia and Indonesia !!
image: ©exclusivelybali.net
AUSTRALIANS travelling to Bali will still have to fork out $50 in visa fees, despite Jakarta’s willingness to scrap the charge.
THAT’S because Canberra is refusing to make reciprocal arrangements for Indonesian citizens.
The Indonesian government has announced visa fees will be scrapped for tourists from Australia and 46 other countries from October.
But Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has ruled out changing Australia’s no-exemptions policy for tourists from any country.
Ms Bishop discussed the issue with her Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi at a “warm and constructive” breakfast meeting in Sydney on Thursday.
“She explained that Indonesia would love to provide Australia with visa exemptions, but unless they got reciprocity, they wouldn’t be able to do so,” Ms Bishop said.
“Our policy is across the board – there are no exemptions.”
image: ©exclusivelybali.net
The pair also discussed trade, investment and counter-terrorism efforts.
Ms Bishop insisted Australian and Indonesian bilateral relations were now in good shape.
The lines of communication between Prime Minister Tony Abbott and President Joko Widodo were now “fine” following a strain earlier this year ahead of the executions of Australians Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan.
Ms Bishop said she and Ms Marsudi were in constant contact via text messages, “much to the chagrin of diplomats”.
Ms Bishop will visit Indonesia in October.
Meanwhile, opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek will be in Jakarta on Thursday and Friday for meetings with Indonesian ministers and other dignitaries.
Source: The Australian
***Join us on the:
Exclusively bali ULTIMATE HOMEWARES TOUR
A ladies getaway focused on fun, food, shopping, pampering and cocktails!
During your stay enjoy a fully hosted tour inclusive of:
– private airport transfers
– 6 nights luxury beachfront accommodation at the stunning The Royal Beach Seminyak Bali!
– daily breakfast
– fully escorted shopping to handpicked retail and wholesale outlets
– guided Tegalalang and Ubud shopping
– 5 star dining
– delicious high tea
– indulgent spa treatment
And still plenty of opportunities to grab some ‘me time’ or relax with some like-minded ladies.
Come along with your bestie, your mum or your daughter or be very welcomed as a solo guest.
Dates are from 19-25 March 2016
Note: This tour will be kept small and exclusive. Numbers are strictly limited!
Email your expression of interest to exclusivelybali@gmail.com
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VISA ON ARRIVAL TO BE ABOLISHED FOR AUSTRALIANS!!
AUSTRALIANS ARE TO HAVE VISA FREE ENTRY TO BALI!!
Good news is on the horizon for Australian travelers to Bali with a recent announcement that the current US$35 visa on arrival (VOA) is to be abolished from October 2015!
Australia is among 47 countries who Indonesia will add to its “visa-free list” as it strives to draw more tourists.
Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Rizal Ramli said on 1 September 2015 that the government would extend its visa-free policy by October 2015. This will increase the number of countries that enjoy the facility to 92.
Minister Rizal Ramli said, ““We hope this [policy] can attract more tourists and create new jobs”.
He said the government’s previous policy to waive visas for 45 countries had proved positive with tourist arrivals increasing by as much as 15 percent.
“We hope these extensions will double the country’s foreign exchange income to US$20 million in the next five years,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Immigaration, Ronny F. Sompie advised that the anticipation of increased tourist arrivals would prompt more counters at various ports and airports in Indonesia.
For more information, see:: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/09/01/47-countries-including-oz-enjoy-visa-free-entry-october.html#sthash.Rih7hgAe.dpuf
images copyright ©exclusivelybali.net
***Join us on the:
Exclusively bali ULTIMATE HOMEWARES TOUR
A ladies getaway focused on fun, food, shopping, pampering and cocktails!
During your stay enjoy a fully hosted tour inclusive of:
– private airport transfers
– 6 nights luxury beachfront accommodation at the stunning The Royal Beach Seminyak Bali!
– daily breakfast
– fully escorted shopping to handpicked retail and wholesale outlets
– guided Tegalalang and Ubud shopping
– 5 star dining
– delicious high tea
– indulgent spa treatment
And still plenty of opportunities to grab some ‘me time’ or relax with some like-minded ladies.
Come along with your bestie, your mum or your daughter or be very welcomed as a solo guest.
Dates are from 1st – 7th December, 2015 – just in time for Christmas!
Note: This tour will be kept small and exclusive. Numbers are strictly limited!
For more information, register via email to exclusivelybali@gmail.com
♥♥ ~ If you have enjoyed this post, click “FOLLOW”
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LOOKING FOR NEW FASHION EYE-WEAR?
image: getty
Discovery Mall in Kuta has 3 easy to find Optical Dispensers close to the main entrance. After arriving at the main entry off Jalan Kartika, the shops are side by side on the left hand side of the entry.
Prescription glasses/sunglasses, contact lenses and eye tests are available at these reputable outlets.
You can take your original prescription from home, or have your eyes tested whilst there. Glasses generally only take a few days to be made up.
A significant range of designer frames and sunglasses are available and the prices are less than you would pay in Australia.
image copyright ©exclusivelybali.net
OPTIK MELAWAI
Ground Floor Unit MG 8 – Bali
Phone: (0360) 769 766
Toll Free: 0800-1-Melawai (6352924)
Email: customer_service@melawai.com
image copyright ©exclusivelybali.net
OPTIK TUNGGAL
Kartika Plaza Street
Discovery Mall, 1st Floor 12B-C
Kuta Bali
Phone: (62-361) 769828
Email: ot-kub@optiktunggal.com
image copyright ©exclusivelybali.net
OPTIK SEIS
Ground Floor No MG-18
Jl. Kartika Plaza, Kuta
Phone: (0361) 769836
Email: seis@optikseis.com
image copyright ©exclusivelybali.net
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GUIDE TO MARKET PRICES AND SHOPPING
Shopping in market stalls or from beach sellers can be a challenge at the best of times. Consider these handy tips:
- Negotiation is expected. First offered prices are often double or triple the real price
- Don’t reveal this is your first trip to the island (even if it is)
- Have a clear price you are willing to pay before you start negotiating
- Knowing a little Bahasa indonesian will often reward you with a better price
- Be aware shopkeepers do this for a living and are persistent and “athletic” negotiators
- Go early for best “Morning Price”
- If you think it’s a reasonable price, then do the deal
- Remember that 10,000Rp is equal to approximately $1.00Aus
- Watch the zero’s on your notes as it can be confusing.
- Be prepared to walk away
- If you buy multiple items, you should be able to negotiate a lesser price
- Maintain your sense of humour and be polite
Please remember many of you will be able to secure better prices than those stated here, whilst others will not be able to secure as good a price as stated here. This is a “guide” only.
* Prices quoted in Indonesian Rupiah.
* Remember, some people’s livelihoods may depend on your negotiations
MARKET PRICES (GUIDE ONLY)
by exclusivelybali.net
Baskets (woven) 5 000 – 15 000
Basket (set of 3, incl. mesh tops for food) 50 000
Batik bags 30 000 with Bali written and 45 000 plain
Beach towels (Bintang, Toughen Up Princess) 55 000 rp
Beaded purse 25 000 to 40 000 for larger size
Belt 35 000 – 50 000
Belt (men’s leather) 80 000 – 150 000
Board shorts RP 30 000 50 000
Bowls, silver aluminium 100 000 – 500 000 (av. 260 000)
Bracelets, wide knitted stretch sml beaded 15 000rp, lge beaded 25 000rp.
Buddha statue (coloured) 50 000 – 150 000 (av. size 90 000)
Caps Baseball Peaked (no name) – 30 000 – 50 000
Caps Baseball Peaked (named) – 50 000 – 75 000
Cardigans light weight plain crocheted 55 000
Cardigan, large size printed with hood 100 000
Crocheted bag sml 50 000 -100 000/ lge 150 000
Cushion covers 35 000 – 70 000
Dresses (summer) short 45 000/ long 80 000, depending on size/ length
Dresses , flowing 3/4 length 100 000rp/ long 250 000
Earrings 5 000rp ,20 000rp
Earrings, pearl studs 30 000rp – 50 000
Flags/umbal umbals 25 000 – 50 000 for longer
Frangipani hair clips 10 000 med/ 15 000 multiple sml frangipanis on clip
Handbags (Louis Vuitton etc) 100 000 – 150 000, larger 150 000 – 250 000
Handbags (no name) 50 000 – 100 000, larger 100 000 – 150 000
Hammock, parachute material sml 200 000/ lge 250 000
Jackets (leather) tailor made 700 000 – 1 200 000 (depending on size/leather)
Kids T-shirts 30 000
Kimonos 65 000
Large Overnight Bag RP 180 000 – 200 000
Masks, sml 25 000/ lge 90 000
Men’s shorts, short pull on 60 000, longer fitted striped 100 000rp.
Necklaces, 25 000 – 50 000
NRL Shirts, kids 100 000/ adults 120 000
Pashminas 50 000 – 100 000
Placemats, wooden (6 pieces) 90 000
Placemats, woven (6 pieces) 90 000
Rayon pants, from 65 000
Salad servers, aluminium 70 000
Sandals, leather 75 000+
Sarongs, Short 40 000
Sarongs, Long 50 000
Sarongs, fancily embroidered 70 000 – 200 000
Singlets (Billabong/Quicksilver, Nike etc) 40 000 (kids)/ 60 000 (mens)
Scarves, silk or sequined 40 000 – 90 000
Shirts Collared Polo’s, mens 80 000
Sandals, (ladies) dressier 75 000 – 150 000
Skull ornament, coloured, av. size 100 000
Stubby holders, 6 pack 40 000
Sunglasses (Raybans, Gucci etc) 25 000 – 50 000
Shorts Ladies, with zip 65 000
Skirt, denim 80 000
Table runner, sizes vary 40 000 – 100 000
Thongs 50 000 – 100 000
Travel cushion, horseshoe shape 60 000
T-shirts 40 000rp (kids), 45 000 – 70 000 (adults)
Umbrella for rain 40 000 – 80 000
Underwear (Jocks – Calvein Klein) men/boys 30 000 – 80 000
Vans (sneaker type shoe) 120 000 -200 000
Watches 50 000 – 200 000
Wallet mens, Billabong etc 80 000 – 120 000
Wallet ladies , branded 80 000 – 120 000
Wind chimes, bamboo (sml) 10 000/ (lge) 40 000
Have fun and happy shopping – and if all else fails, consider a “fixed price” market stall.
images copyright ©exclusivelybali.net
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ULTIMATE HOMEWARES TOUR
Heads up Ladies!
Exclusively Bali is excited to announce a ladies-only Ultimate Homewares Tour!
Immerse yourself in true Exclusively Bali-style hospitality staying at the stunning Royal Beach Seminyak Resort!
During your stay enjoy a fully hosted tour inclusive of:
- private airport transfers
- 6 nights luxury beachfront accommodation
- daily breakfast
- fully escorted shopping to handpicked retail and wholesale outlets
- guided Tegalalang and Ubud shopping
- 5 star dining
- delicious high tea
- indulgent spa treatment
And still plenty of opportunities to grab some ‘me time’ or relax with some like-minded ladies.
Come along with your bestie, your mum or your daughter or be very welcomed as a solo guest.
Dates are from 1st – 7th December, 2015 – just in time for Christmas!
Note: This tour will be kept small and exclusive. Numbers are strictly limited!
For more information on this or FUTURE TOURS, register via email to exclusivelybali@gmail.com
