Indonesia’s news landscape in 2025 is defined by a mix of traditional outlets, digital platforms, and state influence. 

National dailies, television networks, and online portals continue to dominate the mainstream, providing coverage in both Bahasa Indonesia and English to reach domestic and international audiences. 

Print circulation has declined, but established names maintain influence through online editions and social media reach.

The environment for journalism remains challenging, shaped by tight regulation, defamation laws, and pressures on editorial independence. 

While freedom of expression is guaranteed in principle, laws governing online speech and broadcasting often limit critical reporting. 

This has left many outlets balancing public interest journalism with the need to avoid legal or political repercussions, resulting in uneven levels of investigative coverage.

Digital media has grown rapidly, with younger audiences turning to social platforms for news and commentary. 

Independent online outlets, citizen journalism, and foreign news agencies provide alternative perspectives, though these channels also face government scrutiny. 

As a result, Indonesia’s media space is marked by both dynamism and constraint, offering a window into the country’s broader democratic and political trajectory.

Key English news websites in Indonesia 2025

There are a range of English news sites in Indonesia. These include:

The Jakarta Post

The Jakarta Post is Indonesia’s most established English-language daily, owned by PT Bina Media Tenggara, a company under the Kompas Gramedia Group. 

It was founded in 1983 as a joint effort between major local media groups such as Kompas, Tempo, Sinar Harapan, and Suara Karya, alongside government-linked figures. 

While Kompas has long handled printing, circulation, and advertising, Tempo initially held a minority stake. 

The paper has developed into a trusted outlet for both expatriates and educated Indonesians, with a reputation for professional coverage that balances national and international interests.

The Jakarta Globe

The Jakarta Globe, launched in 2008, operates as a digital-only English news platform and is owned by PT Jakarta Globe Media, a subsidiary of B Universe (formerly Globe Media Group and BeritaSatu Media Holdings). 

B Universe is controlled by businessman and former trade minister Enggartiasto Lukita. 

The outlet provides daily reporting on politics, business, lifestyle, opinion, and trade in Indonesia, positioning itself as a modern alternative to legacy print publications.

Its digital-first approach has helped it maintain a strong readership base despite competition and changing media consumption habits.

Tempo (English edition)

Tempo’s English edition is published by Tempo Inti Media Tbk, part of the larger Tempo Scan Group. 

The company is majority owned by PT Bogamulia Nagadi, which holds around 89 percent of shares, while the remainder is dispersed among small public shareholders. 

Tempo Scan Group itself is controlled by Kartini Muljadi, one of Indonesia’s wealthiest entrepreneurs. 

Known for its investigative journalism and weekly magazine format, Tempo has built an international reputation for critical reporting. 

Its English-language section extends this influence to foreign readers, offering coverage of politics, society, and culture from a distinctly Indonesian perspective.

Inside Indonesia

Inside Indonesia provides a different model, functioning as a non-profit online magazine rather than a commercial media outlet. 

It is managed by the Indonesian Resources and Information Program (IRIP) Inc., an incorporated association based in Australia. 

Entirely volunteer-run and funded through donations, it publishes quarterly content in English that focuses on social, political, and cultural issues. 

Inside Indonesia has maintained credibility through its independence and academic tone, making it an important alternative voice for international readers seeking depth and analysis outside of mainstream, profit-driven media.

Independent news sources in Indonesia

Here are key independent news sources in Indonesia with their official websites linked:

KBR (KBR68H)

An independent public-service radio news agency founded in 1999 after the fall of Suharto. 

Owned by PT Media Lintas Inti Nusantara, it produces eight hours of programming daily that reaches around 900 radio stations nationwide, with a regular audience of over 20 million. 

It is recognised for investigative reporting and citizen-focused journalism.

The Conversation Indonesia

Part of the global non-profit media network that publishes research-based journalism written by academics and edited by journalists. 

Launched in Indonesia in 2017, it operates under Creative Commons licensing and is funded by major international foundations, ensuring independence from commercial and state pressures.

Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI)

Founded in 1994, AJI is Indonesia’s first independent journalist association, established in response to press bans under the Suharto regime. 

It advocates for press freedom, provides legal and professional support to reporters, and campaigns against censorship. 

AJI also works with regional bodies such as the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA).

Project Multatuli

A relatively new investigative journalism initiative created to challenge mainstream narratives and address under-reported issues. 

It relies on donations, grants, and alternative funding models rather than government or corporate support. 

Project Multatuli has built a reputation for fearless reporting on social justice, environment, and minority rights.

International news organisations with local offices

Here are two major international news organisations with a visible operational presence in Indonesia as of 2025:

CNN (via CNN Indonesia)

CNN International maintains a bureau in Jakarta under the brand CNN Indonesia. 

The operation is a local television network owned by PT Trans News Corpora, operating under licence from Warner Bros. Discovery International, and is part of Trans Media (CT Corp).

It offers Indonesia-specific content in Bahasa Indonesia while aligning with CNN’s global standards.

CNBC (via CNBC Indonesia)

CNBC Indonesia operates as an Indonesian-language business and financial news channel. 

It is owned by PT Trans Berita Bisnis under license from NBCUniversal International Networks, and is also part of Trans Media (CT Corp).

The channel began as an online portal in early 2018 before launching officially on television in October 2018.

Xinhua News Agency

Xinhua, China’s official state news agency, maintains a Jakarta bureau among many others in Asia Pacific. 

This bureau handles local reporting and liaison in Indonesia.

Bloomberg

Bloomberg operates an Asia–Pacific hub that includes a presence in Jakarta via Bloomberg Television. 

The Asia–Pacific feed originates from Marina Bay Financial Centre in Singapore and Pacific Place Jakarta, signalling a strategic broadcast and operational role in Indonesia. 

Other news sources

Aside from media sources, there are a number of places less formal news, data, updates, and analysis about the Indonesian economy can be sourced. These include:

Government sources

• Kominfo (Ministry of Communication and Information Technology) – Official updates on digital regulation, censorship, and media policy.
• BPS – Statistics Indonesia – Core provider of national economic, demographic, and social data.
• Bank Indonesia – Central bank data on monetary policy, inflation, and financial markets.

International institutions

• World Bank – Indonesia – Economic analysis, poverty studies, and sectoral reports.
• IMF – Indonesia – Surveillance reports, lending programmes, and financial sector reviews.
• UNDP Indonesia – Governance, environment, and development indicators.

Private research and financial data providers

• Fitch Ratings – Credit ratings and sovereign risk reports for Indonesia.
• Moody’s Investors Service – Macroeconomic outlook and debt assessments.
• CEIC Data – Indonesia – Extensive macroeconomic and industry datasets.

Market and business platforms

• Bisnis Indonesia – Leading Indonesian-language business daily with financial coverage.
• Kontan – Business news and financial markets updates.
• IDX – Indonesia Stock Exchange – Official stock exchange platform with market data and filings.

Social media

• Twitter (X) – #Indonesia – Breaking news and commentary, often faster than traditional media.
• TikTok – Growing platform for news snippets and citizen reporting.
• Facebook – Widely used for news sharing and community updates.

Industry groups

• AJI – Alliance of Independent Journalists – Advocates for press freedom and journalist protection.
• PWI – Persatuan Wartawan Indonesia – Main national journalists’ association.
• ASEAN Press Federation – Regional press cooperation and advocacy.

Law firms and consultancies

• HHP Law Firm (Baker McKenzie Indonesia) – Provides regulatory and legal updates for foreign investors.
• PwC Indonesia – Research reports on tax, business climate, and industries.
• EY Indonesia – Consulting insights on business, finance, and regulation.

Censorship in Indonesia

Though not as significant as in other parts of the world

Laws and rules

Indonesia uses several laws to limit free speech. 

The ITE Law lets authorities jail people for online posts judged as defamation or “hate speech.” 

A new criminal code bans insults against the president or government and requires permits for protests. 

The Personal Data Protection Law has no exemption for journalists, which risks criminalising investigations. 

Films, ads, and TV shows must be cleared by a censorship board.

Internet controls

The government runs a national firewall that filters websites.

Under MR5 rules, platforms must register or face blocking—Yahoo, PayPal, and Steam were briefly banned in 2022. 

Internet slowdowns or shutdowns have been used in places like Papua during unrest.

 In 2025, TikTok, Meta, and YouTube were warned to increase moderation or risk penalties. Torrent sites such as The Pirate Bay remain blocked.

Impact on press and society

Press freedom has slipped—Indonesia ranks 127th of 180 countries in 2025, on the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index 2025. 

Journalists face intimidation, such as Tempo reporters receiving threats with animal carcasses. 

Protests often bring mass arrests, and police violence against reporters has been documented. 

Activists and media workers are also targeted with spyware and online harassment. 

Civic space is officially rated as “obstructed,” with broad use of defamation and protest laws to silence dissent.

Press in Indonesia vs ASEAN

Indonesia was ranked 127th worldwide with a score of 44.13, on Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index 2025.

Conditions are “problematic,” with censorship, the ITE Law, and the new criminal code often used against journalists. 

This puts the press environment in Indonesia around the middle of the ASEAN states.

Philippines

Ranked 116th with a score of 49.57. Freer than Indonesia, but harassment and political interference remain issues for journalists.

Malaysia

Ranked around 111th with a score near 52. Slightly better than Indonesia, with somewhat stronger safeguards but continued government influence.

Singapore

Ranked 123rd with a score of 45.78. Just ahead of Indonesia, but tightly controlled by state regulation and restrictive media laws.

Thailand

In a similar range to Indonesia. Media is restricted by laws, and coverage of protests or political criticism often faces military influence.

Laos

Ranked 150th with a score of 33.22. Significantly worse than Indonesia, with almost no room for independent journalism.

Cambodia

Ranked 161st with a score of 28.18. More restrictive than Indonesia, with media heavily controlled by the state.

Vietnam

Ranked 173rd with a score of about 19.7. Far worse than Indonesia, with near-total state control, strict censorship, and dozens of journalists imprisoned.

Timor-Leste

Not an ASEAN member but in the same region. Ranked near the global top 20 with a score of about 79, making it much freer than Indonesia and the strongest press environment in Southeast Asia.

FAQ: English news in Indonesia

These are some commonly asked questions about English news in Indonesia

What are the best English-language news outlets in Indonesia?

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Globe, Tempo (English edition), and Antara News (English service) are the main sources. Inside Indonesia also provides long-form, independent analysis.

Is the media in Indonesia censored?

Yes, censorship is widespread, with laws like the ITE Law and the new criminal code restricting reporting and online speech. The government also pressures platforms and blocks content.

Where can I find more objective or independent news about Indonesia?

Independent outlets such as Project Multatuli, KBR radio, and Inside Indonesia are less tied to state or corporate control. International agencies like Reuters, Bloomberg, and the Financial Times also provide more neutral coverage.

Why is English-language news in Indonesia often promotional in tone?

Many outlets depend on advertising and government-friendly positioning to operate without legal or political backlash. This leads to softer coverage and a focus on business or lifestyle stories.

How do expats in Indonesia stay informed?

They often read The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Globe, or international media, while also following social media and newsletters from NGOs or business groups. Some also rely on regional hubs like Singapore-based news for context.

Outlook for news in Indonesia

Indonesia’s news industry is growing digitally, with strong online and social media advertising driving expansion. 

Yet financial fragility threatens editorial independence, as many outlets rely on ads and government-linked funding. 

Regulations are tightening, with proposed laws that could restrict investigative journalism and increased pressure on tech platforms to police content. 

At the same time, threats to journalists are rising, including physical intimidation and legal risks. Overall, the outlook is a mix of digital opportunity and worsening press freedom.

That said, Southeast Asian economies can be dynamic and change quickly.

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