On Chinese newspapers

On Chinese newspapers

It is true that before the reform era Chinese Indonesians were
not allowed to hold government and political posts.

The Indonesians of Chinese descent were only allowed to work
in the economic sector.

No one can deny the fact that Indonesia's economy is run by
the ethnic Chinese. This is probably the reason why you find many
Chinese businessmen and why they are more successful than other
ethnic groups.

I do not see the reasons why Mr. Nuzirwan opposes Chinese
newspapers (The Jakarta Post, May 5, 2000: Exclusive designs?).
Let's use Singapore and Malaysia examples. We find in those
countries newspapers in four languages and yet no one has any
objection to their presence. It is a fruitful business if you
know how to take advantage of it.

I am not, by the way, writing on behalf of Chinese newspapers
in Indonesia.

However, I sincerely hope Mr. Nuzirwan can be more mature in
facing the reality in Indonesia.

MARCO CHENDRA

Jakarta