The need for change

Of one thing I am sure: I will greatly miss the "old" Jakarta Post, as reading it was a habit that I thoroughly enjoyed. Not only was it consistent, informative and interesting, it was also quite unique in its presentation and lay out.

Change perhaps was necessary, and market share, that normally drives most decisions, no doubt played its role in this inevitable revision. I have laid the two newspapers side by side, and of course the most notable difference is that the new version is "softer", but I sincerely hope that you do not go down the same avenue as The Straits Times, which in size alone puts a considerable strain on your hand luggage, and takes at least a month to read.

Perhaps the best part is the knowledge that The Jakarta Post itself wants to be better, and that is most commendable. Continuous improvement is something that all companies and even people should strive for, and it is a shame that the politicians, and so-called elite cannot understand this need.

Indonesia has a long way to go in many respects, but the Post can take pride in knowing that it is most certainly going in the right direction, and one should add that this is not only refreshing, but also shows that its management is progressive and imaginative. Congratulations!

DAVID WALLIS

Medan, North Sumatra