Minister Wacik Sees Strong Future for Spiritual Tourism in Bali. Bali News: Spiritual Tourism for Bali (10/20/2007) Republika On-Line reports that the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik has identified spiritual tourism as a key product for Bali's future.

Population Pressures in Bali Bali’s Planning Experts say Population Density is 50% Higher than Ideal Levels. Bali News: Population Pressures in Bali (10/20/2007) The Bali Post reports that Bali is becoming increasingly over-populated. While experts estimate the ideal carrying capacity for Bali's 562,286 hectares of land area is 2.4 million, a number far below the more than 3 million people who now make their home on the Island. The Regional Planning Board for Bali (BAPPEDA), Drs.

State Power Board Says Bali Power Grid is Under Severe Strain. (10/21/2007) Bali is facing a growing threat of severe power shortages following the loss of 130 megawatts from the Bali power grid. Wayan Redika, a spokesman for the Bali State Power Board (PLN-Bali) said the power shortage dates from September 2, 2007, when repairs were carried out the East Java Gilimanuk Power Station.

The Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) will hold a regional investment promotion expo in Surabaya this week, the second such regional event this year in which all 33 provinces will showcase their respective business and investment potentials. The expo, which will be held on Oct. 24-26, will give around 1,500 invited investors the chance to participate in round table discussions and forums, according to Darmawan Djajusman, BKPM deputy chairman for investment promotion.

Air conditioner sales are influenced heavily by the desire to lead a healthy life, Indonesian manufactures say. With global warming gradually causing the temperature to rise, it would be fair to assume that people generally purchased air conditioners to cool themselves down.

Set up under former president Soeharto back in the 1970s to help speed up the development of industrial complexes on Batam Island in Riau Islands province, the Batam Authority body is now at a crossroads. The body is facing a doubtful future. The House of Representatives recently approved the issuance of a government regulation to replace the 2007 Law on Free Ports and Trade Areas in Indonesia. The government also released a new regulation on free ports and trade areas in Batam this year.

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: The Director General of Husbandry at the Agriculture Department, Tjeppy Daradjatun, is targeting self-sufficiency in beef by 2010. We actually have the potential,” he said last week. In order to reach this target, the government will bring in productive female cow from abroad. “Australian cows have climatic and territorial similarities with those of Indonesia,” said Tjeppy.