Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Menurut saya, komentar itu kurang jelas. - In my opinion, that comment is not clear enough.

Here, menurut is a preposition meaning “according to,” introducing the source of an opinion.
It can be used with pronouns or nouns: menurut saya/dia/kami, menurut guru itu, menurut data ini.
Note: in other contexts, menurut (from the root turut) can also mean “obedient/to comply” (e.g., “Anak itu menurut”), but not in this sentence.

How is menurut saya different from saya pikir / saya rasa / saya kira?

menurut saya = in my opinion (neutral; frames a statement).
saya pikir = I think (cognitive judgment; often followed by a clause).
saya rasa = I feel/I think (softer, more subjective/colloquial).
saya kira = I suppose/I reckon (more tentative). All are fine; the choice affects tone/degree of certainty.

Is the comma after Menurut saya necessary?

No. It’s optional. The comma simply marks a natural pause: both “Menurut saya, komentar itu …” and “Menurut saya komentar itu …” are acceptable.

Can I move menurut saya to another position?

Yes:

Beginning: Menurut saya, komentar itu kurang jelas.
End (common in speech): Komentar itu kurang jelas, menurut saya.
Parenthetical: Komentar itu, menurut saya, kurang jelas. Meaning stays the same; position affects emphasis/flow.

Why is it komentar itu and not itu komentar?

Indonesian noun + demonstrative order is “noun + ini/itu”: komentar itu = “that/the comment.”
itu before a noun is a standalone pronoun: Itu komentar = “That is a comment.”
Therefore “Itu komentar kurang jelas” is odd; use Komentar itu …

How would I say “this comment” instead of “that comment”?

Use komentar ini.

ini = this (near the speaker), itu = that (farther/already mentioned). In many contexts, itu also works like “the.”

Can I say komentarnya kurang jelas? What about komennya?

komentarnya is natural and means “the comment” or “his/her comment” (context decides).
komennya uses informal komen (“comment”). It’s fine in casual contexts (e.g., social media).

What nuance does kurang jelas have compared with tidak jelas?

kurang jelas = not clear enough/insufficiently clear (softer, more diplomatic).
tidak jelas = unclear (stronger/blunter). Choose kurang to soften criticism.

How can I soften the statement even more?

Use hedges/modifiers:

menurut saya sih, sepertinya, kayaknya (informal), agak, kurang begitu. Examples:
“Menurut saya sih, komentar itu agak kurang jelas.”
“Komentar itu kurang begitu jelas buat saya.”

Does the sentence show tense? How do I refer to the earlier comment?

Indonesian doesn’t mark tense. Add time words or a relative clause:

Any quick pronunciation tips?

menurut: me-NU-rut (first “e” is a schwa “uh”; “u” like “oo” in “food”; light tapped/trilled r).
komentar: ko-MEN-tar (pronounce the final r).
kurang: KOO-rang (final “ng” as in “sing”).
jelas: jə-LAS (the “e” is a schwa “uh”). Stress is typically on the second-to-last syllable.

Should I say menurut saya bahwa …?

No. Don’t use bahwa after menurut. Use bahwa after reporting verbs:

How do I make it plural: “Those comments are unclear”?

komentar-komentar itu kurang jelas (explicit plural via reduplication).
Or use a quantifier without reduplication: beberapa komentar kurang jelas. Often plural is left unmarked if context makes it clear.

Can I use other pronouns with menurut? What about kami vs kita?

Yes:

Is Menurut saya polite enough at work?

Yes. It’s neutral and polite. You can soften further: