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 626
73/100
Factual
74/100
Objective
758
Articles
743
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.
Mount Anak Krakatau Spews Incandescent Lava in Recent Eruption
Mount Anak Krakatau, located in Indonesia, recently experienced an eruption that produced incandescent lava. The event was reported by Tempo, an Indonesian news outlet, which highlighted the volcanic activity. While the article describes the visual aspects of the eruption, such as the glowing lava, it does not provide detailed information on the potential impact on nearby communities or any official responses. The focus appears to be on the natural phenomenon rather than any political or social implications.
Australia Confirms H5N1 Bird Flu Case in Local Mammal
An Australian health authority has confirmed a case of the H5N1 bird flu virus in a local mammal, marking the first such instance reported in the country. The infected animal was identified through routine surveillance efforts, highlighting ongoing concerns about avian influenza outbreaks. While there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission, experts warn of the potential risks associated with the virus spreading to livestock and humans. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and have not yet issued travel advisories or additional restrictions.
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.
Top 3 News: Iran Calls for End to War, Red Sky Claim Follows NTT Quake
The article lists three top news stories. The first concerns Iran calling for an end to war, which suggests a diplomatic or political development. The second story mentions a claim about red skies following a quake in NTT (likely referring to a region in Indonesia), possibly indicating a natural disaster or unusual atmospheric phenomenon. The third story is not fully detailed in the provided text.
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.
85,000 Hectares of Indonesia's Company Concessions Hit by Fires
An article reports that 85,000 hectares of land under company concessions in Indonesia have been affected by fires. The piece highlights the scale of the environmental impact and suggests potential regulatory or corporate responsibility issues. It does not provide specific details about which companies are involved, the causes of the fires, or any official responses. The focus appears to be on the environmental damage rather than attributing blame to particular entities.
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.
Indonesia's BWF World Championship Gold Drought Continues
The article reports on Indonesia's ongoing struggle to win a gold medal at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Championships, highlighting a continued drought in top-tier success despite the country's historical prominence in badminton. It notes that Indonesia has not secured a gold medal since 2013, while other nations like China and Japan dominate the event. The piece emphasizes the challenges faced by Indonesian players in competing against stronger international rivals and suggests that factors such as training methods, funding, and competition intensity contribute to this trend. No specific player performances or recent tournament results are detailed beyond the general context.
RI's bullion banks manage 153 tons of gold: Prabowo
President Prabowo Subianto announced that Indonesia's bullion banking system has accumulated 153 tons of gold, worth around Rp360 trillion ($20 billion), since its introduction in early 2025. During his speech to the People's Consultative Assembly, he emphasized the importance of this system in maintaining national sovereignty over gold reserves. The program allows state-backed institutions like PT Pegadaian and Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) to accept gold deposits, offer gold-backed accounts, and provide financing using precious metals. According to the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, PT Pegadaian's customer base grew from 3.2 million to 5.6 million within a year, while BSI's gold holdings rose to 22.5 tons from 16.85 tons.
Airlangga Touts Indonesia-EU CEPA as 'Game Changer' for Economy
The article reports on Indonesian Prime Minister Airlangga Hartarto promoting the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as a significant opportunity for economic growth. The piece highlights his emphasis on the potential benefits of the agreement for Indonesia's economy, including increased trade and investment opportunities. It does not provide detailed information on the content of the CEPA or specific provisions, focusing instead on the political stance of the prime minister. The article presents the CEPA as a strategic move that could transform Indonesia's economic landscape.
Fact Check: Video of US Troops Invading Iran Is AI-Generated
The article presents a fact-check regarding a video claiming to show U.S. troops invading Iran, stating that the video is AI-generated. The piece aims to clarify the authenticity of the footage by identifying it as artificially created rather than a real event. It emphasizes the importance of verifying digital content, especially in light of advancements in AI technology that can generate realistic videos. The article does not provide additional context about the geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran, nor does it explore the implications of such misinformation. Instead, it focuses solely on debunking the video's legitimacy.
Jacob THE BOYZ Promises Surprises at Jakarta Solo Showcase
The article announces that Jacob, a member of the K-pop group THE BOYZ, has promised surprises during his solo showcase in Jakarta. The event is expected to feature new content and performances, highlighting Jacob's individual activities outside of his group duties. No specific details about the nature of the surprises or the date of the event are provided.