Suggestion for letters column

There is little doubt that the readership of The Jakarta Post is drawn from an influential segment of Indonesian society. Thus "Your Letters" should be an important forum for exchange of views and ideas. Unfortunately, too often it seems to have degenerated into more of a slinging match! Are there others who would like to see this space generating a more positive return?

Clearly we need to have a realistic appreciation of what can be achieved. But if we take a positive approach to the challenges which greet us every day, it may be that we can identify solutions which the government might be willing to consider. And I believe we could take a lead in certain areas, where example is more important than regulation.

I submit that "Your Letters" could play a more significant role in this process. You might, for instance, be willing to forward translations of certain letters to the appropriate body for comment. Letters in the vernacular press do generate responses from spokesmen of government bodies; I'm sure they would be willing to respond to our letters if the language problem could be overcome.

Although the Indonesian press is not yet ready to emulate the investigative reporting of its western counterparts (and that's not all bad), you could afford to be a little more adventurous. Letters sometimes raise intriguing subjects, which have cried out for further research, even, in some cases, requested it; rarely has this followed. Perhaps you fear opening Pandora's Box, but frequently the risk seems small, and benefit of a more lively letters page has been lost.

While we sometimes enjoy reading letters sent to your colleagues in other newspapers, I'm sure you'd prefer to fill this space with letters from your own readers. Perhaps this would even allow you to be more selective in the letters you do print. Any thoughts on how this might be achieved?

It may be that there are some readers who disagree with my views, or take issue with my use of the language. If this be the case, I do hope that I may be treated with more tolerance and courtesy than has sometimes been the case in such situations.

CHRIS W. GREEN

Jakarta