Striving toward excellence

Most of us, by nature, are conservative. We wouldn't even think of changing our barbers. You can very well imagine my disappointment and sadness upon seeing the Oct. 1 edition of The Jakarta Post. Was my favorite newspaper turning into a tabloid?

The size and layout of the old Post, I agree, sported a tired look and was a bit old-fashioned. But the contents offered good value for money despite the recent 37.5 percent increase in subscription rates. Previously, the news, editorials and, more particularly, the background opinion/feature articles all had a sharp focus, supported by real in-depth coverage, stimulating serious thoughts in the readers' minds. In the new The Jakarta Post, this uniqueness seems to be missing.

In your Oct. 1 edition, you referred to the "graying" readership of the Post and your wish to target younger people. But let's also remember that while new brooms sweep well, the old brooms know where the dust is. How did you conclude that the younger generation wouldn't like old "values"? Incidentally, your previous motto "The journal of Indonesia today" is conspicuously absent in the new Post.

Changing is seldom easy. In the present global scenario, either you change or go out of business.

Your strategy makes good business sense and the timing is noteworthy, when one sees no worthy competition in the horizon. You could afford to rest on your laurels, but you didn't. That speaks volumes. The new look shows youthful vitality and innovative appearance.

Thumbs up? Too soon. But I expect we shall all get used to the new version of the Post. To the editors and staff at The Jakarta Post, I wish you a pleasant and successful journey in your quest for excellence.

D. CHANDRAMOULI

Jakarta