IDOwnership & classification
Founded: 1971
Ownership
Tempo was founded in 1971 by Goenawan Mohamad and colleagues, initially backed by developer Ciputra via the Jaya Raya Foundation. It is published by the listed company PT Tempo Inti Media Tbk (TMPO), whose largest blocks are held by entities tied to the outlet itself and its staff: Yayasan Tempo (the Tempo Foundation, ~17%), PT Jaya Raya Utama (~16%), and Yayasan Karyawan Tempo (employee foundation, ~8%). No single owner or political patron controls it.
Funding
Financed by subscriptions and newsstand sales, advertising, and digital revenue; its dispersed foundation-and-employee ownership is credited with helping it resist advertiser boycotts and political pressure.
Affiliation & stance
Tempo is a privately and commercially owned publisher with a foundation/employee ownership structure and a long record as Indonesia's leading independent muckraker (banned by the Suharto regime in 1982 and 1994). No party, state body or oligarch controls it, making it INDEPENDENT, matching the site's classification.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 489
76/100
Factual
76/100
Objective
591
Articles
591
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
White House turns away CNN, MS NOW, Politico reporters after Trump's ban
On September 19, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ban on journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from accessing the White House premises. Journalists from these outlets reported that their press passes were confiscated on Saturday morning. The affected news organizations condemned the action as an unconstitutional violation of their First Amendment rights and stated they would challenge the ban. Trump had previously accused these outlets of 'reporting fake news' and cited the New York Times and Washington Post as additional examples of 'fake news.' Both the New York Times and Washington Post criticized the move as a form of governmental intimidation aimed at suppressing media coverage. This follows past instances where Trump attempted to restrict access to certain journalists, including the Associated Press and CNN’s Jim Acosta, though those efforts were ultimately overturned by federal courts.
Tomorrow, Jakarta to turn off lights for 60 minutes for Ozone Day
The Jakarta Provincial Government plans to turn off lights along major roads and at several city landmarks on September 19, 2026, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. local time to mark the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. This event aims to raise environmental awareness through simple actions like conserving electricity. Officials highlighted previous efforts during World Environment Day in June 2026, which led to significant energy savings and reduced carbon emissions. The initiative emphasizes community involvement and sustainable practices, encouraging residents and businesses to adopt energy-saving habits. Support from the public, building managers, and business operators is seen as crucial to achieving these goals.
Strait of Hormuz Attacks Spill Oil into Persian Gulf
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, has been affected by conflict, leading to oil spills that are now spreading toward sensitive marine ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves. Satellite imagery has captured the environmental impact of these incidents, raising concerns about ecological damage and potential long-term effects on biodiversity. The situation highlights the intersection of geopolitical tensions and environmental risks in critical maritime regions. While the exact cause and extent of the spill remain under investigation, experts warn of the potential harm to local wildlife and coastal communities.
Saudi Arabia: Plume of Black Smoke Near Riyadh Airport
On September 19, 2026, black smoke was observed near King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following reports of explosions. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi militants, who recently denied accusations of targeting Mecca. Saudi authorities issued warnings of a hostile aerial threat, advising residents to remain indoors. No casualties or damage were reported, and the alert was lifted after approximately half an hour. Reports indicated that Saudi Civil Defense had intercepted Houthi missiles and drones earlier in the week. The event unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing conflict between the Houthis and the Saudi-supported Yemeni government, with the Houthis having escalated their attacks on Saudi territory.
Premier League: Tottenham Extends Winless Run After Aston Villa Win
Tottenham Hotspur suffered a 2-3 defeat against Aston Villa in their fifth Premier League matchday on September 19, 2026. The loss extended Tottenham's winless streak, while Aston Villa secured a victory in the match. The result highlights ongoing challenges for Tottenham in the league competition.
BMKG: Volcanic Ash Spread Detected Across 4 Indonesian Volcanoes
On September 19, 2026, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in Indonesia reported the spread of volcanic ash from four active volcanoes, Mount Dukono, Mount Ibu, and Mount Semeru, based on satellite imagery analysis. The agency noted that ash from Dukono and Ibu was moving northeastward, while Semeru’s ash was heading southeastward. Mount Ibu, located in West Halmahera, was at Alert Level II and had erupted earlier that day, producing a 400-meter-high ash column. Authorities warned residents and tourists to stay at least 2 kilometers away from the volcano’s active crater and recommended wearing masks and protective eyewear due to ashfall. The report also highlighted ongoing monitoring efforts and urged people to rely on official updates rather than unverified information.
Why Indonesia's Non-Parliament Parties Reject 5% Election Threshold
Several non-parliamentary political parties in Indonesia have rejected a proposed increase in the parliamentary threshold to 5%, arguing that it contradicts a 2023 ruling by the Constitutional Court. The court had previously removed the 4% threshold, stating it violated constitutional principles such as popular sovereignty and electoral fairness. These parties, including the Hanura Party and the People's Sovereignty Movement (GKSR), argue that raising the threshold would lead to further wasted votes, citing examples from past elections where millions of votes did not translate into parliamentary representation. They propose alternatives such as removing the threshold entirely, basing it on local vote counts, or setting it at 1%. Some coalition parties outside Parliament, like the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) and the Gelora Party, also oppose the 5% proposal, emphasizing the importance of valuing even small voter shares.
How Far Will Rp1 Minimum Share Price Impact the Market? IDX Explains
On September 18, 2026, the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) announced it would remove the long-standing Rp50 minimum share price floor, replacing it with a new Rp1 baseline effective September 28, 2026. The decision, made independently by the IDX and the Financial Services Authority (OJK), aims to improve price discovery and liquidity by allowing lower-priced stock transactions. According to IDX Development Director Iding Pardi, the move will have minimal impact on the market, as transactions below Rp50 are already rare. The OJK supported the change, stating it aligns with international best practices. The shift is expected to benefit smaller companies whose share prices were previously capped at Rp50.
Asian Games Open in Nagoya After Rocky Build-up
The 20th Asian Games commenced on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, Japan. The event followed a challenging preparation period, though specific details regarding the nature of these challenges were not provided in the available information. As the premier multi-sport competition in Asia, the Asian Games bring together athletes from across the continent to compete in various disciplines. The opening ceremony marks the beginning of several days of athletic competition and cultural exchange. This edition of the games is expected to showcase both sporting excellence and regional unity.
Brad Pitt Confirmed to Star in 'World War Z' Sequel
On September 19, 2026, it was confirmed that Hollywood actor Brad Pitt will star in the sequel to the 2013 disaster action horror film 'World War Z.' Variety reported that Pitt will produce the sequel alongside Dede Gradner and Jeremy Kleiner through their Plan B production company, with Edward Berger serving as executive producer and director. Berger, known for films like 'All Quiet on the Western Front' and 'Conclave,' has signed on to direct the project, though plot details remain undisclosed. The announcement came during a press conference for Pitt's upcoming film, 'Heart of the Beast,' set for release the following week. The original 'World War Z,' based on Max Brooks' 2006 novel, earned over $540 million globally and featured Pitt as Gerry Lane, a former UN employee fighting a zombie pandemic. The sequel is being developed by Paramount Pictures in collaboration with Pitt's Plan B.
President recalls Palestine during Gontor centennial celebration
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people during the 100th anniversary celebration of the Darussalam Gontor Islamic Boarding School. While addressing diplomats at the event, Prabowo highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians, including continuous attacks and bombings. He emphasized the need for Indonesia to strengthen itself to assist oppressed communities, particularly Palestinians. Prabowo received a keffiyeh from Palestinian Ambassador Abdulfattah A.K. Al-Sattari and wore it during the ceremony. He called for Islamic scholars, educators, and youth to contribute to building a stronger Indonesia. The president repeatedly urged 'Free Palestine' during his speech.
Trump Signs Sweeping Russia Sanctions Bill Into Law: What to Know
On September 19, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump signed into law a comprehensive sanctions package targeting Russia, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. The legislation, which passed Congress with bipartisan support (Senate 86-11, House 262-159), introduces new sanctions against Russian officials, military personnel, and entities supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. It also grants Trump authority to impose tariffs on countries continuing to purchase Russian energy or assist Moscow in evading sanctions. The law targets Russia’s economic sectors, including banks and its 'shadow fleet' of oil tankers, aiming to cut off revenue streams for Moscow. While the bill includes provisions to maintain sanctions on Iran until 2031, some Democratic lawmakers expressed concerns about granting Trump broad discretionary power over tariffs and sanctions enforcement.
5 Things to Do in Jakarta This Weekend: From Art Fairs to Cosplay
The article lists five cultural and recreational events taking place in Jakarta during the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. These include the Jakarta International Photo Festival (JIPFest 2026) focusing on resilience themes, the PELITA literacy event promoting scholarships, the Jakarta Illustration and Creative Arts Fair (JICAF 2026) showcasing artistic talent, the Cosplayverse 2026 festival celebrating Japanese pop culture, and the Jakarta Culture Cinema event offering outdoor film screenings. All events are presented as options for entertainment, learning, and community engagement.