Domestic happenings put in proper perspective
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)