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