Welcoming new column

Welcoming new column

I noted with interest the new weekly column "Opening up" which
kicked off with an interview of Zannuba "Yenny" Arifah Chafsoh
Rahman (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 6, 2000).

Judging by questions put to Ms. Yenny (President Wahid's
daughter), this column is designed to focus on personal matters
rather than social and political opinions. I'm sure many readers
will welcome a diversion on Sunday from the weighty issues
covered elsewhere in your newspaper, and I look forward to
gaining insights into the characters of other public figures.

Can I assume that male participants will face similar
questions including "Do you worry about your weight?" and "Would
you like plastic surgery?" in future columns? Or is this only
intended to probe the character of women whom we must judge on
their appearance instead of their actions?

SIMON MONTLAKE

Jakarta

Note: Thank you for your comment. The questions are not
necessarily the same and we never intend to judge anyone merely
on their appearance.

-- Editor