View Full Version : Bikini ban in Bali -- should i cancel my trip?
Hey Folks.
I'm a "soon to be" ex-pat. I'm currently living in Canada and am in preparations to permanently re-locate with my company to Jakarta. We have trip planned next month to meet partners in Jakarta, but i added a week to my stay in order to go to Bali.
I've read today that they're planning on banning all swimwear and revealing clothes accross Indonesia, and you could be arrested for wearing such.
Should I cancel my trip? And more importantly, should i reconsider relocating to Indonesia? I of course knew that it was a muslim nation, but i didn't realize that they persecuted other beleifs so much.
Hey Folks.
I'm a "soon to be" ex-pat. I'm currently living in Canada and am in preparations to permanently re-locate with my company to Jakarta. We have trip planned next month to meet partners in Jakarta, but i added a week to my stay in order to go to Bali.
I've read today that they're planning on banning all swimwear and revealing clothes accross Indonesia, and you could be arrested for wearing such.
Should I cancel my trip? And more importantly, should i reconsider relocating to Indonesia? I of course knew that it was a muslim nation, but i didn't realize that they persecuted other beleifs so much.
1. You refer to the porn bill (http://www.indonesiamatters.com/2465/pornography-laws/) here. The first thing you need to know is that the bill is not voted yet. So, this is inaccurate for the moment.
2. The draft of the bill has been largely commented and critisized because of the vagueness of the definition of what should be considered as "pornography". The example that you gave (bikinis) could fall under the interdiction but it does not mean that it would be interpreted in such ways.
3. The PDI-P and the PDS (http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2008/09/15/resistance-mounts-against-porn-bill.html) have already rejected the bill and the Golkar seems to be divided about it. However, since most of the islamic parties does not want to negociate about it, and that some in the government are lobbying for it in the hope of gaining votes of the islamic electorate in view of next year election, the bill has good chances to pass before the end of the year.
4. The bill is unpopular with the majority of citizens in provinces across the country. Thus, only places where hard muslim extremist are in numbers could pose problem. Anyway, I don't see who'd like to sunbath in beach attires in the deep Aceh for example???
5. Major political figures in Bali already clearly stated that if passed, they will treat the bill as an invalid one. Some even publicly state that the proposed bill have very unconstitutionnal relent since it does not fit nor reflect the pluralism an multiculturalism of the country.
6. Last, but not least, Indonesia is NOT a muslim nation. Indonesia in his whole is a predominantly muslim nation, but it recognises in its constitution 5 religions (buddhism, confucianism, christianism/protestantism, hindouism and of course Islamism). Bali is a predominantly hindhuist island and you will find predominantly christian regions scattered all over Indonesia (Papua, North Sulawesi, Batak country...dll).
7. You can read more about religion related problems here (http://www.livinginindonesiaforum.org/showthread.php?t=485). However bear in mind that these problems are the cause of a tiny minority. Islam in Indonesia is predominantly tolerant. Sbires of the FPI aren't a huge number but they do make noise. Extremism since 1999 and the problems in Central Sulawesi and the Maluku, is unfortunately progressing due to the lack of enforcement of the law. However, not being a muslim myself, I never personally feel unsecure.
So... Welcome in Indonesia :)
Timmy!!! Oh my, how's Canada? Ugh I really wanna go home, I'm missing the Capitol Hill.
I've gone to Bali and Lombok in June and no such a thing. All was normal, except that I got diarrhea for non-fresh crab. Really have to be more careful with the food.
And believe me, you have to trust Atlantis. He's very good and I bet he's better than the natives he he :p (another propaganda by myself)
me prasetio
19-09-08, 09:29
i'm pretty sure there WILL NOT be any BIKINI BAN in BALI ...
how will Indonesia survive if they implement this silly policy in Bali?
Bali is the largest income generating tourism destination ... so it will be given special treatment ...
so, no need to worry ... i can guarantee that THERE WILL NOT BE ANY BIKINI BAN IN BALI ...
I'm indonesian and absolutely adore Bali. So I hope you guys are right because if the bill gets through and applies in Bali, I'll never go to Bali ever again.
I'm moslem myself but I personally still can't rationalize the whole pornography bill thing. I think Indonesia has more important issues to deal with than that at the moment.
Besides, imagine swimming on the beach fully clothed!! Imagine the farmer's tan you'll get! Yaiks! :D
The bill will very certainly pass, maybe this month... but for sure it won't be a problem in Bali and many other parts of Indonesia. No worries. On the long run, this will prove a very unpopular law, even in places where islam is more conservative. For politics, it is just a way to gain some votes.:(
I had a great holiday in Bali with a very sweet lovely Islamic lady, we saw the Bali Bombing memorial, such a tragic waste of life for no purpose, a heinous crime against humanity by Islamofascists.
The bombing devastated the Bali economy, which has only partially recovered.
To propose a bikini ban in Bali is the high point of stupidity, it will add further distress to the island economy, as well as put Indonesia foremost among the states suffering from religious radicalism and intolerance. Tourists spend money, Bali exists only because of the tourists.
Islam is said by its leading clerics to be a religion of peace and tolerance - seems some clerics did not get the message through to some of their flock.
I have always found Indonesians to be lovely people, shame the majority are being hijacked by a vocal radical minority.
Timmy!!! Oh my, how's Canada? Ugh I really wanna go home, I'm missing the Capitol Hill.
I've gone to Bali and Lombok in June and no such a thing. All was normal, except that I got diarrhea for non-fresh crab. Really have to be more careful with the food.
And believe me, you have to trust Atlantis. He's very good and I bet he's better than the natives he he :p (another propaganda by myself)
It's been a nice fall, i'm out west though -- Calgary. The east has been lovely, cept for a bunch of rememnant rainstorms due to the last few hurricaines down south.
Thanks for the reponses guys, you're easing my trepidation somewhat. Atlantis seems to understand the situation and explains it well. Being Canadian, we're almost as non-thiestic as northern europe, so this type of moralizing governmental polices typically make very uneasy.
radit_bezit
20-09-08, 18:50
Hehehehe .... i just reading About this soon-to-be-law in detik.com ...
it is said that they would be sign it in the 23rd September 2008. If it is really signed ... i think it would be a very interesting to see what will happened in Bali ... Because almost everyone in Bali doesn't agree even make a demonstration to reject this law ... I can understand the reason though ...
In my opinion, this law happened because a lot of dangdut singer in Indonesia act like horn in television. and then a controversial Playboy and so on. I don't care really if this consumption being enjoy by adult person but i disagree if it is freely to watch by kids. But there is still a lot of corruption, many children still can not go to school, a lot of starving case, many not having house. Sometimes it makes me confuse about what the main concern of our DPR. Don't you think so?
Sometimes it makes me confuse about what the main concern of our DPR. Don't you think so?
Did you heard about the Tipikor law? At the end of 2006 the Constitutional Court has ruled about the constitution of the Corruption Court (Tipikor) giving to the DPR three years to work on it and to vote it. It means that if before December 2009, the law is not voted, the law number 30 year 2002 (which is the basis for the Corruption Court) about the constitution of the KPK would certainly be challenged on the fact that it would be unconstitutionnal ! Criminals convicted of corruption would be able to walk free...
2009 being a year of election, I do not see how come DPR would find the time and serenity to work seriously on it. If it is voted, it has to be before the end of this year. However DPRs, whom many are at risk to be investigated by the KPK sooner or later, seem to be more interested to work on the pornography law or on another very arguable law intending to limit the use and and regulate the procedure of wire tapping. KPK so far used a lot of these recorded proofs to indict corrupted criminals. Limiting it is obviously another attempt to limit the power of the KPK.
Indonesians should think twice when voting next year. Far to many people here vote just because they get told to...
I hope it explain you better what is the concern of the DPR: protecting their ass from something they have a lot of problem to control now.
Oh God, when are we going to get out of this mess? Does anybody have idea what can be done? We need the KPK to thrive. That's the one real step towards a better government. Otherwise Indonesian government will always be filled with opportunists, and leave no room for the idealists!
Black Adder
20-09-08, 21:44
Oh God, when are we going to get out of this mess? Does anybody have idea what can be done? We need the KPK to thrive. That's the one real step towards a better government. Otherwise Indonesian government will always be filled with opportunists, and leave no room for the idealists!
And which, Idealists or Oppotunists, do you believe most members of the DPR want?
Oh God, when are we going to get out of this mess? Does anybody have idea what can be done? We need the KPK to thrive. That's the one real step towards a better government. Otherwise Indonesian government will always be filled with opportunists, and leave no room for the idealists!
To my opinion, KPK will succeed on the long term. DPRs can't tak the risk of not voting the law. It would be taking the risk of serious demonstration all over the country. However we can argue about the seriousness and the erenity given in its preparation. The voted law may well be incomplete or in need of further amendment. It won't ease the work of the KPK and one could easily wonder if it is not done on purpose. For sure, some doesn't sleep as well as say 8 to 10 years ago... And this is a sure good sign for the country.
Unfortunately a lot of corrupted people will manage to get out without paying the bill. The small, the middle rank and say the smaller rank of the bigger rank will pay at the final. But don't expect the real big fishes to get in trouble (remenber Tommy, "Bob" Hassan...). But if it is the price to pay for a cleaner Indonesia on the long run for my kids, I am ready to compose with my idealism.
Corruption has to be fight everywhere, not only in the KPK by the way. In its everyday life one can try to do things to fix a bit of the mess.
In being better informed about his/her rights and in being more exigent with pegawai/pejabat when dealing with the Administration one can help. In accepting to pay taxes rather than bribes for example. But also by trying to help to give better education to the people so that they understand that the right of vote is not just worth the 30.000 rupiah that the partai gave at last meeting., by trying to participate in building up a strong eonomy which would allow people to have better income and salaries... These are just ideas... :)
Hello everyone... I am new and if you do not mind I 'd like to introduce myself at some time and participate in the chat. The chat about the bikini ban is very interesting but I must agree that if it were to become law then Bali would suffer economically... I really do not know much about life in Indonesia... but I am planning to move in a few months.
Looks like it is not going to be made law according to the latest reports.
I really do not know much about life in Indonesia... but I am planning to move in a few months.
Welcome. If you know nothing about Indonesia may I ask why you are planning to move here?
Looks like it is not going to be made law according to the latest reports.
It is indeed postponed due to growing public concern. It should have been presented this tuesday but DPR will apparently have to endorse it just after Idul Fitri and a series of consultation with officials from different ministry. After endorsement, the draft should be submitted to the House's consultative body for discussion and amendment, then presented again to the DPR for the final vote. I am afraid though that Islamic parties won't step down that easily and that the law have good chance to be endorsed before the end of the year. Anyway... we will see. Not that much we can do.
However, I do not think that it would be of any concern in places like Bali or north Sulawesi. Strong demonstration would put that law down very quickly.
To Black Adder,
I don't really care what the DPR members want. What matters most is the need of the people. Unfortunately we have more opportunists than idealists in Indonesian political world. With the presence of KPK and their success at least we can hope that it'll make it harder and harder for the opportunists to perform corruption and get away with it. In the long run that will make it less desirable for those kind of people to be in the government and leave some room for the idealists. Like what Atlantis said, making the 'big fish' to pay will be hard, but what is more important is to prevent corruption to happen in the future.
To Atlantis,
I agree with you, all of us can contribute a little something starting from the individual and family level. Education IS very important and should be available for everyone, and if we can improve the quality of teachers, that would be ideal. It probably would also make a big impact on Indonesian people's mentality in general if we can make cheating in school something to be very ashamed of. When i was in school, it seems like everybody was doing it and it was normal to cheat. I hope it's all changed now.
But I still think stopping corruption on the top level down will make things better more quickly. With better people on board, the government would deal with more important and critical issues the country is facing simply because they're concentrating on doing something for the country and not on making money for themselves. No corruption also means that the tax money will be better distributed to the needy. Clean government will make it more desirable for foreign companies to do business with Indonesia, even create new job opportunities, and in overall make the economy stronger. And maybe they'll worry more about the KPK than the porn bill. :)
To Optimi26,
Welcome to Indonesia. Open your mind and I'm sure you'll love it here. We still have so much growing up to do, but there's hope and we're slowly getting there.
Jakarta Post, Oct 17th 2008:
After months of in-depth consultations Indonesian lawmakers have decided that bikinis are acceptable attire for beaches in the mainly Muslim country.
The move will bring a sigh of relief from Indonesia's lucrative tourism industry, which has expressed concern over a new anti-pornography bill being pushed by conservative Muslim parties.
"Tourists will be able to wear bikinis in special tourist areas, such as in Bali, so Indonesia's tourism industry won't be hurt by this legislation," Democrat Party lawmaker Husein Abdul Azis said as reported by state news agency Antara on Friday.
"We are listening to the protests of stakeholders and people at large," he added, referring to fears the tourism industry would suffer if bikinis were criminalized.
Indonesia has declared 2008 "Visit Indonesia Year" and hopes to attract seven million visitors, earning 6.7 billion dollars in foreign exchange revenues.
However, tourist arrival figures indicate the target is unlikely to be reached.
Politicians, artists, rights activists and tourism entrepreneurs on the mainly Hindu island of Bali, Indonesia's premier tourist destination, have vowed to launch a campaign of non-compliance if the pornography bill is passed.
But Azis, a member of the committee drafting the bill, said dramatic changes had been made to earlier versions in a bid to iron out problems.
Lawmakers said the bill could be passed by the end of the month.
Black Adder
21-10-08, 14:58
To Black Adder,
I don't really care what the DPR members want. What matters most is the need of the people. Unfortunately we have more opportunists than idealists in Indonesian political world. With the presence of KPK and their success at least we can hope that it'll make it harder and harder for the opportunists to perform corruption and get away with it. In the long run that will make it less desirable for those kind of people to be in the government and leave some room for the idealists. Like what Atlantis said, making the 'big fish' to pay will be hard, but what is more important is to prevent corruption to happen in the future.
Really? You don't care what the DPR members want. I believe you are confused, it is they (the DPR members) that don't care about the Indonesian people. If the DPR members cared about the Indonesians and your scenario played out as you think it might then why are we constantly herng so many reports of the KPK having this recording or that recording involving DPR members involved in corruption cases?
And why has the DPR members given their approval for the State companies to invest in a private company such as Bakrie is it due to the kindness of their heart or is there more to it?
State companies to invest in a private company such as Bakrie is it ut of th kindness of their heart or is there more to it?
Bakrie brothers being controlled by the family of Bpk Aburizal Bakrie, our actual Minister of People's welfare, and being actively backed up by Bpk presiden SBY, I am very interested in seeing how the state companies are gonna buy shares in the group...
The Bakrie group having lost a big part of its value due to the current plunge in the stock market, I am also looking to see how they will sort out a price which would be fair for both sides... I have the impression that it smells the same than a barrel of powder...:rolleyes:
On top of that, I guess that you don't buy share of Bakrie's as you would buy kukis pisang/pisang goreng by the beach... Wonder where they are gonna find the fresh money to settle the transaction in a time where the government is struggling to deal with a liquidity problem.
Black Adder
21-10-08, 18:23
Bakrie brothers being controlled by the family of Bpk Aburizal Bakrie, our actual Minister of People's welfare, and being actively backed up by Bpk presiden SBY, I am very interested in seeing how the state companies are gonna buy shares in the group...
The Bakrie group having lost a big part of its value due to the current plunge in the stock market, I am also looking to see how they will sort out a price which would be fair for both sides... I have the impression that it smells the same than a barrel of powder...:rolleyes:
On top of that, I guess that you don't buy share of Bakrie's as you would buy kukis pisang/pisang goreng by the beach... Wonder where they are gonna find the fresh money to settle the transaction in a time where the government is struggling to deal with a liquidity problem.
Atlantis, this whole thing is a slippery slope that some say is being done for monetary gain next year when money is most needed for the elections.... But hey we never know but it would be a scenario wouldn't it? The State companies buy Bakrie shares and then pass on some of the State money to pay for the shares to invested interest parties for the elections? WHOA............
Just wondering... Black Adder and Atlantis... Is Abu Rizal Bakri or whoever in the Bakri board supposed to wear bikinis on Bali beaches ??? We have here a thread that should inform me about the potential dangers of wearing my bikinis while sunbathing during my planned vacation to the God's island... and you entertain me with some stocks deal ? So... bikinis or winter coat for the beach in December ?
Just wondering... Black Adder and Atlantis... Is Abu Rizal Bakri or whoever in the Bakri board supposed to wear bikinis on Bali beaches ??? We have here a thread that should inform me about the potential dangers of wearing my bikinis while sunbathing during my planned vacation to the God's island... and you entertain me with some stocks deal ? So... bikinis or winter coat for the beach in December ?
Erm... I prefer not to imagine Pak Bakrie doing some bikini exhibition:eek: So... sorry for the off topic:D
From what I know, the law is on stand by. It has been discussed and the DPR found out at last that it was not (momentarily) matching with the national cultural diversity. It has been sent back to be amended again. Among the amendement requested, there should have a difference made about location where the bikinis are forbidden/autorised. Resort places such has Bali for eg, should be exempt of interdiction. However you should not get the green light for a bikini at your CBD's office. Dress warm... Anyway since most of the offices nowadays have AC, it should ot be too much of a problem.
A major improvement seem to have been done: it is said that the bill would make it clear that preventive measures are to be conducted by Police and prosecutors only and not by a angry mob or private milice.
The new draft should be discussed again by the end of the month and voted if there is no further point of discord (there should have some remaining concerns, especially on the definition of pornography).
Get your bikinis ready :)
Black Adder
23-10-08, 17:50
Just wondering... Black Adder and Atlantis... Is Abu Rizal Bakri or whoever in the Bakri board supposed to wear bikinis on Bali beaches ??? We have here a thread that should inform me about the potential dangers of wearing my bikinis while sunbathing during my planned vacation to the God's island... and you entertain me with some stocks deal ? So... bikinis or winter coat for the beach in December ?
I believe posted pics of you in your Bikini will be the final deciding factor to reach the decision, please post numerous pics from all angles for a final decision............
biggirldon'tcry
28-10-08, 08:17
dont worry bout the porn bill. u better focus on the preparation cos it might take a lot of energy. So good luck, n welcome to Indo:)
Given the problems of corruption and mass poverty in Indonesia, I would have believed Jakarta lawmakers have more important things to pass laws on than bikinis, such as enforcing existing laws on nepotism, graft and corruption, things that make living so hard for ordinary Indonesians struggling to survive on a few dollars a day.
Better to get the corrupt and inept out of office. There are many business opportunities in Indonesia but faced with greedy and corrupt officials lining their own pockets, would you put your money at risk?
I love Indonesia as a country, the people are so friendly and open, but a few Islamofascists spoil it for all. It is no surprise that Patong, Thailand, is like Bali was before the bombings, hotels are full to overflowing with Australians, nightlife is vibrant, cost of living is cheap, the beaches are clean and clear of annoying hawkers, bikinis are the order of the day, many Australian women go topless, no-one seems to care, no-one is calling for any bans.
That could be Bali again were it not for the radical element hellbent on imposing their Islamisation and Sharia Law on everyone.
The Bali bombers are due for execution, what will be the effect of that on Indonesia and Bali?
News flash: The porn bill was passed by the indonesian legislature this Thursday. Start packing your bags!
It won't have a direct effect on us, foreigners, tourists or expats. It would unfortunately be a problem for Indonesians themselves, artists or just peaceful resident who does not have the exact same views on "moral" than the one who imposed it. And it would surely have effects on women's rights.
I am afraid that a raper for example, would be able to seek reasons of his barbarious act in the girl's wearing habits or behaviour. I wait to see the final version of the law, but all the versions I have read so far where highly subjective in the definition of pronografi.
This law is a huge backward step for freedom and democracy.
this law is stupid and subjective, i bet this will soon lead to limitation of internet access.. or international movies / literatures / commercials / photographies / arts.. the bill say its ok if its of art value, but then who will decide which one is art and which is porn? will there be enforcers? what are their backgrounds?
so stupid.
and i think pdi perjuangan just gained a lot of supporters on next year campaign for walking out the bill deliberation process.. can the next president cancel this law?
this law is stupid and subjective, i bet this will soon lead to limitation of internet access.. or international movies / literatures / commercials / photographies / arts.. the bill say its ok if its of art value, but then who will decide which one is art and which is porn? will there be enforcers? what are their backgrounds?
so stupid.
and i think pdi perjuangan just gained a lot of supporters on next year campaign for walking out the bill deliberation process.. can the next president cancel this law?
PDI-P and PDS are the only two parties which made a walk out action. Golkar is the main responsible, to my opinion, about the passing of this law because they did an electoral calculation to get the support of muslim parties for the next election. Will see if it was a smart move or if it was a stupid mistake.
I am not familiar with the topic of law cancellation, but I would say that only the DPR can cancel the law or the government (With a Perpu modifying it maybe?). Not the president alone, I think.
Black Adder
05-11-08, 03:19
this law is stupid and subjective, i bet this will soon lead to limitation of internet access.. or international movies / literatures / commercials / photographies / arts.. the bill say its ok if its of art value, but then who will decide which one is art and which is porn? will there be enforcers? what are their backgrounds?
so stupid.
and i think pdi perjuangan just gained a lot of supporters on next year campaign for walking out the bill deliberation process.. can the next president cancel this law?
I discussed this with the wife the other night, will it effect our receiving the 5 or 6 movie channels we have on cable now or any of the shows on cable now?
will they ban fashion tv? its a good beer companion ...
Then too, they will have to ban all the national tv programs on 'Dangdut' concerts and live shows. In my opinion, some of these dangdut performers with their outfits, and 'moves' surely can be classified as porn..soft or otherwise. Isnt Dangdut one of the favourites among the Indonesians? Almost nationalistic I would say :) Dont get me wrong...I like a bit of dangdut myself.
Black Adder
05-11-08, 23:05
Then too, they will have to ban all the national tv programs on 'Dangdut' concerts and live shows. In my opinion, some of these dangdut performers with their outfits, and 'moves' surely can be classified as porn..soft or otherwise. Isnt Dangdut one of the favourites among the Indonesians? Almost nationalistic I would say :) Dont get me wrong...I like a bit of dangdut myself.
Oh don't worry that is already a discussion on the various Gossip Shows........
hi Timmy,
you don't have to worry and no need to cancel your trip to Bali. It's clearly save from bikini-ban.
hoping you have a great journey to Goddest Land, Bali.
Well, i went to bali and had an AMAZING time, then stopped by Jakarata to do some work. Still excited to move! I'm guessing in about 12 months i'll be moving to Jakarta. I think Indonesia is going to be a hard place to stay un-married in.
stt_cibubur
02-12-08, 19:47
If they gonna ban the bikini, ,.,,and then what??:confused:..swim with pajama on?:eek: disgusting, walking around the beach with dress on..?:rolleyes: ...I disagree 100%.
puterapanas
03-12-08, 09:54
If they gonna ban the bikini, ,.,,and then what??:confused:..swim with pajama on?:eek: disgusting, walking around the beach with dress on..?:rolleyes: ...I disagree 100%.
http://bajurenangmuslimah.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/ms009.jpg
This is how you will look like with your pajamas and dress on the beach
stt_cibubur
03-12-08, 15:03
hahaha...no way ..not on this earth!!
Well, i went to bali and had an AMAZING time, then stopped by Jakarata to do some work. Still excited to move! I'm guessing in about 12 months i'll be moving to Jakarta. I think Indonesia is going to be a hard place to stay un-married in.
No Tim. As long as u stay in Bali for holiday i think you can be free to do what you want as long as its normal & right condition " right wear and right place".
stt_cibubur
20-12-08, 22:01
I am going to Bali in 2 more weeks, can't wait ..just relaxing near the pool ( in bikini) with cocktail drink in my hand...hhmmm..sound like holiday!!
dont worry be happy, everythings are going fine as long as you wear something, I live in bali and I can be your friend
stt cibubur...
I hope they have cocktails in Bali.
My wife and I are in Bandung on holiday and last night went to the Hyatt restaurant for our anniversary dinner. They did not have any spirits for ANY cocktails and cheap Concha Y Toro Chilean wine cost over US $50 a bottle. It costs under US $8 in Canada.
IMO the Indonesian Government is shooting itself in the foot as far as tourism is concerned... my friends from Vancouver, who planned to join us, cancelled their trip to Bali and Lombock because of all this regulation on clothing and alcohol... and chose Thailand instead.
They said Thailand is desperate to re-instate itself as a tourist venue and has dropped all prices dramatically.
David
but they might risk their life there in thai in this few months :)...we lived and love n enjoyed live here everywhere in Indonesia for long time...then why should you all become that worry and questioned it?
jennyhonse
07-01-09, 04:47
You can risk your life anywhere, Indonesia has so much potential to get out from the 3rd world country. No matter what people says... Suharto still run this country better that anyone does. We have no problem so ever with terrorist, stupid dumb law and all this bullshit gov. I guess after all I better take care my citizenship in US, I tried to promote Indonesia far from here and now I am embarrassed to do it. Too much a headache to explain all this stupid law... so dumb.
[quote=jennyhonse;12830]You can risk your life anywhere, Indonesia has so much potential to get out from the 3rd world country. No matter what people says... stupid dumb law and all this bullshit gov. IToo much a headache to explain all this stupid law... quote]
Well Jenny, I agree with you, and for notice, I think the Gov. should think the important one like how to increase good education for Indonesian people itself, beside the cost for it so damn expensive. Even if Gov. making a new law there will be no consistency with reality itself, beside still have lower dicipline and the punishment itself not "stronger".
stt_cibubur
11-01-09, 12:51
stt cibubur...
I hope they have cocktails in Bali.
My wife and I are in Bandung on holiday and last night went to the Hyatt restaurant for our anniversary dinner. They did not have any spirits for ANY cocktails and cheap Concha Y Toro Chilean wine cost over US $50 a bottle. It costs under US $8 in Canada.
IMO the Indonesian Government is shooting itself in the foot as far as tourism is concerned... my friends from Vancouver, who planned to join us, cancelled their trip to Bali and Lombock because of all this regulation on clothing and alcohol... and chose Thailand instead.
They said Thailand is desperate to re-instate itself as a tourist venue and has dropped all prices dramatically.
David
hi David.
My husband and I just come back from Bali yesterday. We have cocktail /wine almost every night. I didnt see any bars/restaurants ( like Mama's, pocoloco, ) have shortage of alcohol.. all drinks were available. The only drinks that missing is selection of import wines. They seems only have Bali Hatten which was not bad at all..I've tried the Alexandria white wine..bit sweet. Some of places have Shiraz and Chardonay, the price was like 350-400 thou.
For clothing, I had my bikini on in hotel's pool..I didnt care, lots of Aussie wearing the same things. If you stayed in hotel with private beach, I dont see why cant you wear bikini on the beach.
The point is..Bali has not changed..Balinese peoples still need to eat, they will try their best to attract tourists coming to Bali. UNLESS whoever make the rules (G-man) willing to subsidize balinese peoples for their lost of income...I Dont think so!!!
Thanks stt cibubur,
That is good news as my wife and I plan on going to Bali (Seminyak/Kuta) soon and stay for 3-4 weeks. If there was a shortage of alcohol it would be a disappointing trip that I might need to shorten.
We went to Hotel Mulia in Jakarta last night to the lounge bar to listen to the music. Our favourite head waiter told us that management were worried about lack of customers due to the increase in the price of drinks. This is caused by the mark-up of tax by the government. Most people were drinking soft drinks and I also changed to beer as cocktails were just too expensive.
If anyone else has recent experience in Bali hotels/bars/entertainment I would be grateful to receive that info.
David
stt_cibubur
11-01-09, 20:33
3-4 weeks..wow..I wish I have that much time to relax in the pool and drink cocktail everyday..lol. lucky you!
Our hotel ( Bali Rani) is near Discovery mall in Jl Kartika Plaza, in front of our hotel is Musro discotique, we went to Irish pub in Prime Plaza hotel ( ex Bali Dynasty) and I saw lots of spirit on the shelve. My drink is easy " Capirouska".
From our hotel to Kuta Square ( matahari), there are several bars/ restaurants and most of them have quite lot selection of cocktails.
WebTrooper
12-01-09, 11:48
So, what happened with this law? I gather it was suppose to pass before the end of the year '08, but everybody's writing as if it's still waiting for a vote. Did it pass?
I sure hope not :p
The following is cut/paste from the Jakarta Post of 9 Dec 2008:
Yudhoyono’s special staff for legal affairs Denny Indrayana said Monday the President enacted the law right after he returned home from a two-week world tour on Nov. 26.
“It becomes Law No. 44/2008 on anti-pornography. The President signed it because it was already a national consensus,” Denny told The Jakarta Post.
He said the government was now preparing a regulation to implement the law.
However, resistance to the law remains widespread, with some provinces — including Bali, Papua, North Sulawesi and East Nusa Tenggara — rejecting it out of hand.
Balinese and the island’s local administration have threatened to forge a civilian disobedience to protest the law, and other rights and religious groups have said they would file a judicial review with the Constitutional Court (MK) if the law were ratified.
Can I still wear bikini on the beach or public pool??
I've just returned to Jakarta from three weeks in Bali. I didn't notice that anything regarding clothing had changed. Skimpy bathing suits and bikinis are everywhere including being sold in boutiques.
However, I did notice that the price of booze, except Bintang, increased dramatically.
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