While Japanese Travel Declines Elsewhere, Bali Japanese Arrivals Continue to Grow. (6/14/2008) Japanese outbound travel is showing signs of being on a continuing decline in 2008 following a year (2007) in which 1.35% fewer Japanese traveled abroad (17.29 million).

Bali's Chief Legislator Calls for a 'Do or Die' Commitment to Protecting Bali's Sacred Sites. (6/14/2008) Radar Bali reports that the regional government of Badung has yielded slightly to local lawmakers' demands for stronger enforcement of zoning laws by revoking the building permit (IMB) of the Suluban Vila, near the Pura Uluwatu in the Island's south.

Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy, and Australia pledged Friday to help accelerate a negotiation to secure a free-trade agreement (FTA) between the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN), Australia and New Zealand (AANZ-FTA). Visiting Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said the agreement was needed in order to forge and maintain mutual business relationships, and to pave the way for more investment in both countries.

Despite tougher measures to combat graft, Indonesia remains at the top of the corruption index in the East Asia region, the latest UN Development Program report says. The report, Tackling Corruption, Transforming Lives, gave Indonesia a score of 4.2 out of 5 on the corruption index for its police, judiciary and tax office -- the highest score in the East Asia region.