Maverick Indonesia

Happy 25th Anniversary The Jakarta Post!

On April 25^th, the leading English-language newspaper in Indonesia, The Jakarta Post (TJP), celebrated its 25 years of existence. The paper that was first launched on 25 April 1983 is owned by PT Bina Media Tenggara, a consortium of competing Indonesian-language newspaper companies, namely Gramedia, Tempo, Suara Karya and Sinar Harapan.

With an average circulation of around 35,000 copies currently, it has become the largest English-language newspaper in Indonesia. For 25 years, TJP has served the need of Indonesian and expatriates–mainly business executives, in providing independent views and bold coverage of various national and international events. There was breakthrough made by TJP during the period, including the birth of TJP magazine “The Weekender” that was first published on March 12, 2007 for its readers’ convenience.

From left to right: Editor in Chief Endy M. Bayuni, President Director Jusuf Wanandi, Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu, Presidential Advisor Ali Alatas, Marketing General Manager Yulia Herawati, Director and former Chief Editor Sabam Siagian, Chief Comissioner Agung Adiprasetyo, Executive Director Daniel Rembeth.

A formal celebration party was held earlier that day at The Ritz Carlton Ballroom where Maverick’s partner, Ong Hock Chuan was present. Editor in Chief Endy M. Bayuni, President Director Jusuf Wanandi, Chief Comissioner Agung Adiprasetyo and Executive Director Daniel Rembeth were the hosts of the night and they welcome all partners, clients and friends of The Jakarta Post on that magnificent evening.

Prominent figures such as Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu and Presidential Advisor Ali Alatas were also present to celebrate the remarkable moment. On this special occasion, TJP also published a book entitled “The Voice of Reason”. Aside of a special “2525” (25 April 25 years old) number, what makes TJP’s 25^th anniversary more special is that the newspaper’s office building has moved from The Kompas-Gramedia compound in Palmerah Selatan to its new five-story building at Jl Palmerah Barat No.142-143, Central Jakarta, where the 25^th celebration after party taken place.

“The Voice of Reason”, a book by The Jakarta Post published in accordance of the 25^th anniversary

Two of Maverick associates, Indri and Sharon, were attendees at the after party. TJP’s 4^th floor had been transformed into a dance floor that day. With a DJ that played groovy music, journalists, editors and all of TJP employees blended in the dance floor, making a circle dance; each one of them had a chance to show their best dancing style in the centre point of the circle.

Among the dancers, there were Pak Sanjaya, international desk editor, Mas Novan, national deputy editor, Mas Iwan, Deputy Webmaster, Mas Wisnu, Mas Adit, Mas Matheus, Mbak Mia, Mbak Novie, reporter, and their foreign check desks. “They were dancing full of energy. Mas Andi, the party organizer, was the most energetic dancer” Indri said.

Sharon, who stayed at the party until 1 am, said she was amused with these limited “dugem-like” properties. The ambience resembled the most famous clubbing spot in Jakarta. Overall the party was totally “insane”, she said.

The all night long after party in The Jakarta Post new office

Indri and Sharon were also had the chance to go for a tour to the 2^nd floor where TJP journalists and editors work. “The editorial floor was set up in a minimalist and modern style. The desks are in bright red color; in contrary the walls are white. All of it was giving you a sense of excitement and energy. On top of that, unlike many other editorial offices, it’s a smoking-free area in every floor,” Indri added.

As most of us know, printed TJP has collected as many as 38 SMS comments and 1 LTE comment from its readers in its 25^th anniversary edition. The number of comments was in fact, limited by the space of opinion page. I believe there are still many TJP’s loyal readers who are eager to shout their comments for their beloved newspaper. Thus, it might be great to use the unlimited space of new media (web 2.0) to speak up your views on TJP.

So, just shout out your critic here.

From all Maverick kids, we wish TJP to grow better and better in the future…

Happy anniversary!!!

Photos: courtesy of The Jakarta Post