Maverick Indonesia

Jelita and Clara

Once again, another print media bites the dust. This time it is Jelita, a tabloid-sized women’s magazine. Since 9 August 2007 Tabloid Jelita was officially closed down. Jelita is the latest casualty in Indonesia’s Press Wars. In June the magazine Lisa were also closed down.

Our news vendor says Jelita was closed down temporary to prepare for some major changes on its appearance but when contacted, the receptionist at Jelita said it would be closed down permanently because of some “personal matters.”

I’ve tried to contact one of my friends in Jelita, but apparently she has already moved to another company. She just mentioned that it was apparent that Jelita would be closing down as long as four months ago but she declined to elaborate.

The demise of publications like Jelita, however, seems not to have deterred newcomers. Clara, another monthly women’s magazine targeting women above 27 years old began publishing last month.  Indonesia’s media scene is, if not anything else, exciting.