Festivals to restore image of Kuta tourist resort begin

I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Kuta, Bali

Amid relentless showers, the people of Bali on Thursday evening marked the start of the Kuta Karnival, a one-month long multi- event festival to commemorate the New York World Trade Center and Bali bombing tragedies.

The festival is also aimed at restoring Kuta's image as a safe tourist destination.

The modest opening ceremony climaxed with the release of 16 baby turtles and two adult turtles into the sea.

"The event is not an event to glorify that brutal act of terrorism but to celebrate the profound meaning and lessons of the tragedy. Through the tragedy we have learned the meaning of togetherness, of human brotherhood, of the powerful power of love," event organizing committee chairman Supatra Karang said.

Kuta, dubbed the most popular tourist spot on Bali island, was rocked by bomb blasts on Oct. 12 last year, which left 202 people, mostly foreign tourists, dead.

Supatra extended his gratitude to Sameton Duranegara (our brothers and sisters from foreign countries), who devoted themselves to the success of the carnival.

The event was supported by both the natives and adopted Kuta people and drew sponsorship from almost all tourist industries in the area.

The Australian, Austrian, British and Italian consuls attended the modest ceremony, which was enlivened by the Barongsai and the Peace dance performances. The head of Bali Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) Sujana Cahyanta officially opened the carnival by releasing the baby turtles, which were raised from eggs laid on Kuta beach, into the calm ocean.

"The release is to symbolize that we, the people of Kuta, respect the life and freedom of other living things," Supatra said.

Carrying the theme "Celebration of Life, A Remembrance of Love" the carnival will feature various events, including a beach clean-up, fashion show, fun ball competition, kite festival, exhibition boxing, food festival up to community bazaar.

Various local, national and international musicians and artists, such as Soulflip, Zurya Drum, Superman is Dead, Digital ID, Slank, Dewi and Padi would also color the event.

Meanwhile, on the first week of October Volcom-sponsored X Week (Extreme Week) would feature top surfers, skaters, live bands and DJs to compete and party at various parts of the Kuta beach.

The event will conclude with a festive street parade on Oct. 11 and a candlelight remembrance ceremony the day after, which will also involve a performance by 1,000 silent dancers at Kuta beach.