Anniversary thoughts<\/p>\n
Turning 17 is always an exciting time. It is when one begins
\nthe transition to adulthood, an age when so many possibilities
\nlie ahead and when crucial decisions are made.<\/p>\n
This is precisely the situation which The Jakarta Post finds
\nitself in today. As we look back with pride and satisfaction at
\nthe progress we have made since we first hit the streets on April
\n25, 1983, we also use this occasion to prepare ourselves for a
\nmore exciting and challenging future.<\/p>\n
The Post owes its existence to its loyal readers and
\nadvertisers, to whom we are highly grateful. A special thanks
\nshould be mentioned to those who have stayed with us through good
\nand bad times, especially in the last three years. Without them,
\nwe would not have survived to be able to cater to their needs for
\ninformation and for an effective means of communication.<\/p>\n
The Post takes particular pride in developing a style of
\njournalism which found widespread acceptance among foreigners and
\nIndonesians. It is a journalism that strives to be critical
\nbecause it is meant for critical readers. The Post consistently
\nmaintained this stance during the height of a regime which
\nresorted to cunning maneuvers to muzzle the press. Through our
\nhard work and with your unrelenting support, we played a part,
\nalong with a few other media, in shaping a critical society which
\nbrought down the tyrannical regime nearly two years ago. Not bad
\nfor a 17 year old to look back on.<\/p>\n
The dawn of a new era of democracy in Indonesia is where the
\nPost finds itself today. Still, the conditions that Indonesia
\nfaces are far from what were envisioned by its founding fathers
\n55 years ago. Injustice prevails and many of our people continue
\nto subsist in dire poverty. There is a long way to go but the
\nnation has made a significant start with the political changes in
\nthe last two years. We are only too glad to be part of that
\ncommon pursuit of a happy, just and prosperous nation.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, the road for the Post is not without
\nchallenges. The new political landscape in the country, the rapid
\nglobalization process and the growth of the Internet industry
\nrequire us to be vigilant and to adapt to change.<\/p>\n
With the advent of freedom of expression, and particularly
\npress freedom, many media in this country have been swayed into
\npartisan or reckless and irresponsible journalism, either to push
\ntheir own political agenda or to bolster their audience. The Post
\nwill not fall into that temptation, and will remain a critical
\nnewspaper, whoever is at the helm of the country. We will use our
\nfreedom responsibly. The only sides we take are those of justice
\nand truth, and the only national agenda we pursue is the
\nIndonesian Dream.<\/p>\n
Globalization, with all its positive as well as negative
\nimplications, is more of a boon than a bane to the Post, being
\nthe leading English language newspaper in the country. With
\nEnglish the global language, this newspaper will play a critical
\nrole in helping the nation face the challenges brought about by
\nthe globalization process. The growing number of our Indonesian
\nreaders attests to the increasing use of English among many
\nIndonesians in their daily activities.<\/p>\n
The Internet is also profoundly changing the way information
\nis presented and delivered. The technology has certainly opened
\nup new possibilities for newspapers like the Post to reach a
\nwider global audience. Our website, launched last year, is part
\nof our preparations to face the advent of the digital era and e-
\ncommerce that will impact the way we conduct our lives. We firmly
\nbelieve that we can carry out our mission even more effectively
\nas the prime method of information delivery changes in the not
\ntoo distant future.<\/p>\n
As the Post begins its adulthood and given the rapidly
\nchanging environment in which we exist, some changes are
\nunavoidable. These are developments for the better as we strive
\nto improve our newspaper, website and whatever new medium results
\nfrom information technology.<\/p>\n
The method of delivery and the packaging of information may
\ndrastically change, but one thing that will never alter is our
\ncommitment to continue to serve our readers and advertisers. We
\nwill continue to provide the highest standards of journalism as
\nwe strive to keep our readers, wherever they are, informed. In
\nthe 17 years we have served you, we have learned the importance
\nof integrity and credibility in nurturing your constant support.
\nOur future depends as much on you as on ourselves.<\/p>",
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