IDOwnership & classification
Founded: 1937
Ownership
Antara is Indonesia's national news agency, operating as Perum Lembaga Kantor Berita Nasional (LKBN) Antara. It was founded in 1937 by independence activists (including Adam Malik) as a private agency, brought under presidential control in 1962, and formally reorganized into a state-owned enterprise (BUMN) in 2007. As a 'Perum,' its entire capital is owned by the Indonesian government and is not divided into tradable shares.
Funding
Funded primarily from the state as a government-owned public corporation, supplemented by revenue from selling news wire subscriptions and content to domestic and international media clients.
Affiliation & stance
As the wholly government-owned national wire service supplying news to most Indonesian outlets, Antara is institutionally tied to the state and its editorial output reflects official perspectives. This direct government ownership and presidential-era lineage make it STATE, consistent with the site's current classification.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 1045
86/100
Factual
85/100
Objective
1231
Articles
1221
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Kalimantan wildfires: BNPB resumes intensive cloud seeding efforts
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) in Indonesia is intensifying efforts to combat wildfires in Kalimantan, which have intensified due to prolonged dry spells. The fires, concentrated in West, Central, and South Kalimantan, pose particular challenges because they often occur on peatlands where fires can smolder underground. BNPB has resumed cloud seeding operations using salt-based methods and deployed 30 helicopters for water bombing and aerial surveillance. Ground operations include additional water trucks and personnel, supported by government resources. President Prabowo Subianto has prioritized the response, ensuring adequate equipment and infrastructure for field teams. Haze from the fires has impacted air travel and public health, prompting measures like enhanced health post support and coordination with health authorities. The government continues to monitor transboundary haze risks and maintain inter-agency cooperation.
Government vows continued support until NTT quake recovery
The Indonesian government has committed to providing ongoing support to communities affected by a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on August 15. Officials from Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), including Acting Head of the Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center Berton Panjaitan, emphasized that recovery efforts would continue until normalcy is restored. During a recent visit to Palue Island, which was heavily impacted due to its proximity to the earthquake's epicenter, BNPB Head Suharyanto confirmed that relief supplies such as tents had begun arriving, and three excavators had been deployed to clear landslide debris and restore road access. The government assured residents that essential goods would continue to be provided and that mobility on the island was improving.
Ministry to deploy 1,000 rangers to extinguish Kalimantan wildfires
The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry plans to deploy 1,000 forest rangers to assist in combating wildfires across three provinces in Kalimantan. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni stated that the rangers will be sent from various regions, with priority given to West, Central, and South Kalimantan. The operation will involve coordination with the Manggala Agni firefighting brigade and other joint personnel. The minister highlighted the challenges posed by peatland fires, which can reignite due to residual heat and wind. In South Kalimantan, he inspected ongoing firefighting efforts, including the use of water-bombing helicopters. The government has identified ground-based firefighting as the main strategy against wildfires exacerbated by the El Nino phenomenon, targeting six provinces in Kalimantan and Sumatra.
NTB begins inventory of artifacts affected by Sade village fire
The NTB Culture Office has initiated an inventory of cultural artifacts and elements damaged by a fire at Sade Traditional Village in Central Lombok. The head of the office, Muhamad Ihwan, emphasized the importance of preserving both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, including documenting local stories and traditions. The inventory aims to assess damage and guide reconstruction efforts in collaboration with local authorities and traditional leaders. Ihwan highlighted the need for improved disaster preparedness in traditional villages, urging the installation of fire suppression systems and training for emergency response. The office is also promoting the documentation of weaving-related items to aid in future preservation and restoration efforts.
Gov't assigns ministers to handle regional forest fires
The Indonesian government has assigned minister-level officials to oversee regional responses to ongoing forest and land fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi announced that responsibilities are divided among specific regions, including West Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan, with officials such as coordinating ministers and the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army involved. The government emphasized that this division of labor is meant to expedite fire response efforts rather than assign exclusive responsibility to individual regions. Current efforts focus on six high-risk provinces: Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimanta, and South Kalimantan. While no dedicated task force is planned, cross-sector coordination is deemed sufficient, and additional resources like water-bombing helicopters and PPE are already being deployed. President Prabowo Subianto recently coordinated with cabinet ministers to enhance firefighting capabilities.
Indonesia fast-tracks foreign aircraft to fight forest fires
The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation is accelerating the process for foreign-registered aircraft to assist in combating forest and land fires, particularly in Kalimantan. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has issued 35 special permits for these aircraft, allowing them to be redeployed across different regions as needed. Operators must notify authorities within 24 hours of repositioning. The policy aims to enhance operational flexibility while maintaining compliance with aviation safety and security regulations. The ministry also coordinates with AirNav Indonesia to ensure airspace availability and flight safety through Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). As of August 20, 2026, there are three active NOTAMs related to forest fire management activities.
Indonesia arrests six for illegal logging in Sumatran tiger habitat
Indonesia's Forestry Ministry arrested six individuals involved in illegal logging within the Kerumutan Wildlife Reserve in Riau, a critical habitat for the critically endangered Sumatran tiger. The operation was discovered during an aerial patrol monitoring forest fires. Authorities confiscated processed timber, chainsaws, and other equipment used in the illegal activity. The suspects could face up to 11 years in prison and hefty fines. Officials emphasized the environmental and ecological threats posed by such activities, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement and community engagement to protect the reserve and its biodiversity.
Responders fight spreading wildfire in Indonesia's Way Kambas Park
Emergency responders are actively combating a wildfire in Way Kambas National Park in Lampung province, Indonesia, which has burned approximately 673 hectares of land as of Saturday afternoon. The fire, originating in the Jati 3 area, is spreading towards the Mbah Sapon Swamp due to high winds and challenging terrain. Containment efforts are hindered by the lack of access for motorized vehicles, forcing teams to rely on manual methods and portable equipment. A collaborative effort involving park rangers, military personnel, police officers, and local volunteers is underway to control the fire and protect the conservation area. Officials note that dry season conditions and flammable vegetation increase wildfire risks, necessitating ongoing monitoring.
Indonesia beats Kazakhstan 3-0 in AVC Women's Championship opener
Indonesia's women's volleyball team won their opening match of the AVC Women's Championship against Kazakhstan with a straight-set victory of 3-0. The match took place at the Tianjin Olympic Center Gymnasium, with Indonesia maintaining composure throughout the contest despite pressure from Kazakhstan. Outside hitter Arsela Nuari Purnama was instrumental, scoring 19 points. The victory gives the Indonesian team confidence as they continue in the continental tournament. Before traveling to China, the team's chairman encouraged them to draw inspiration from Indonesia's 81st Independence Day celebrations.
Prabowo vows action against firms linked to land, forest fires
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has pledged to hold corporations accountable for contributing to wildfires through illegal land clearing, particularly in Kalimantan, Sumatra, and Java. During a coordination meeting in Palangka Raya, Prabowo emphasized strict legal actions against companies whose involvement in the fires is confirmed. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi revealed that four corporations in West Kalimantan are under investigation for suspected role in the fires, with potential penalties including revocation of operating permits. The government plans to take legal action based on investigative findings. Prabowo personally visited affected areas, ordering military support and additional resources to combat the fires, highlighting the severity of the crisis.
Indonesia prioritizes ground operations to fight wildfires
The Indonesian government has emphasized ground firefighting operations as the main strategy to combat forest and land fires in six provinces, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Riau, South Sumatra, and Jambi, which are most vulnerable to wildfires. The Government Communication Agency (Bakom) urged regional authorities to increase ground suppression efforts by enhancing resources and personnel. A coordination meeting highlighted the importance of strict monitoring to prevent hotspots from spreading and harming the environment. The National Agency for Disaster Countermeasures (BNPB) warned that wildfire risks will peak between August and September 2026, with haze potentially affecting neighboring countries like Malaysia. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) noted that the El Nino phenomenon will extend the dry season through early 2027. While weather modification remains unfeasible until late August, the government has deployed 38 aircraft for aerial firefighting. Plans also include revoking regional regulations that permit land-clearing through burning.
Indonesian Red Cross sends 33,947 relief items to quake-hit NTT
The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) has dispatched 33,947 relief items to areas affected by a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province. These supplies were transported by sea from Jakarta to Labuan Bajo and include essentials such as clothing, bedding, hygiene products, tools, and religious materials. PMI Chairman Jusuf Kalla emphasized the importance of speed and accuracy in delivering aid to displaced residents in seven districts across Flores Island. The relief efforts are part of a broader response involving multiple government and non-governmental organizations, with over 777 metric tons of supplies already delivered by air. The earthquake resulted in 83 fatalities, prompting ongoing emergency operations.
Foreign envoys praise Indonesia as nation marks 81 years of freedom
Indonesia celebrated its 81st Independence Day on August 17, with foreign diplomats expressing their congratulations and reaffirming their nations' commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. The Dutch Ambassador highlighted Indonesia's achievements and pledged continued support, while the Pakistani Ambassador emphasized the growing bond between Pakistan and Indonesia, praising President Prabowo's leadership. The Egyptian Ambassador noted Egypt's historic recognition of Indonesia's independence in 1945 and highlighted the expanding cooperation between the two nations. The Japanese Ambassador reiterated Japan's dedication to deepening ties with Indonesia. These statements were made during ceremonies attended by state officials and the public, including a reenactment of the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence.