Domestic happenings put in proper perspective

Prof. Moh. Sadli, Jakarta

When in the morning I reach for the newspapers, I often have a quick look first at The Jakarta Post. With its 20 pages, a somewhat larger character size and line spacing, it is easier reading.

The editors have to be commended for capturing the important happenings, both international as well as domestic, in a balanced way. Also for their choice of informative and educational op-ed pieces on international affairs.

No reader can read all of the 40 pages of a popular morning paper before he has to leave the house for work or attend to other matters. Businesspeople or economists often also subscribe to a more specialized newspaper and all that puts some burden to absorb the important news in half an hour or so. In this respect, The Jakarta Post has an advantage.

Its coverage and selection of the important international news are excellent. The main happenings on the domestic front are also well covered. The op-eds and bylined pieces are often worth reading. Domestic newspapers (in the Philippines more so than in Indonesia) have too many opinion pieces, most of them not worth reading. Without proper selection by the editorial board, the frustrated reader can easily curse his wasted time if he happens to be attracted by a flashy title but without informative content.

The editorials are well written and often enough hard hitting. Congratulations. It reveals The Jakarta Post "ideology": it is open- minded and pragmatic, often with the overall national interest at heart. Hence, it should appeal to the liberal intellectual.

Not perhaps by its language but certainly by its content, The Jakarta Post is a national newspaper, taking a stand on many domestic issues, either through its editorial policy, or through its selection and coverage of news.

The Jakarta Post is very much worth reading for the interested middle class and engaged intellectual reader.

Wishing The Jakarta Post a lot of good health and a long life on its 20th birthday.

(The writer is an economist and a former minister)