Investing in Indonesia: News outlets to follow

Founded in 1971, Tempo stands as one of Indonesia's most respected news organizations, distinguished by its commitment to investigative journalism and independent reporting. The publication has built its reputation on rigorous, in-depth coverage of politics, economics, and social issues—even being banned by the Suharto government in 1994 for its critical reporting.

Tempo's digital presence extends across multiple platforms. Their YouTube channel, Tempodotco, delivers video analysis and timely coverage of critical developments, while their English-language portal (Tempo English) makes their reporting accessible to international audiences. For foreign investors and business professionals, the English edition offers particular value: on-the-ground reporting, exclusive interviews, and insights written by journalists embedded in Indonesia's business and political landscape.

Formats available: Online website (English & Indonesian available), Magazine, TV, Mobile App, Social Media (Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, X)

Bloomberg Technoz is a collaboration between Bloomberg Media and PT Berita Mediatama Indonesia (affiliated with the Mayapada Group), launched in March 2023 to elevate business journalism standards in Indonesia's market. Although the platform currently publishes exclusively in Bahasa Indonesia, its goal to expand local reporting on Indonesia's increasingly prominent role in regional financial markets and global trade makes it a worthwhile supplement for international readers willing to use translation tools.

For foreign investors, Bloomberg Technoz provides timely information on corporate developments along with ministerial activities and discussions. These perspectives often provide unique insight into how market participants and local political leaders interpret recent events, regional developments, and the impact of international dynamics on Indonesia. As an up-and-coming resource, it's particularly useful for understanding local market sentiment which may not appear elsewhere, and for catching breaking news that may take hours or days to appear in international media.

Formats available: Online website (Indonesian only), Social media (X, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Youtube)

The Jakarta Post is Indonesia's largest English-language daily newspaper and a staple source of news for foreign audiences. Founded in 1983, it has long served expatriates, diplomats, and investors in Indonesia by providing comprehensive coverage of national news in English. The Jakarta Post covers a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and policy to business and the economy, through daily news reports and opinion pieces whose tone reflects their slogan: "Still bold, fiercely independent".

For investors, the paper's Business section and Economy news offer practical value beyond breaking news. Coverage includes regulatory changes affecting foreign investment, Bank Indonesia monetary policy analysis, sector-specific deep dives into Indonesia's key industries (from palm oil to technology), and profiles of major corporate deals and market-moving developments.

Formats available: Online website (English), Print newspaper, Social Media (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube), Mobile App

IDN Times, though a relatively new platform founded in 2014, has reached over 70 million monthly active users across its digital ecosystem, making it one of Indonesia's fastest-growing media outlets. As Indonesia's first digital media platform specifically targeting millennial and Gen Z audiences, it publishes primarily in Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) with select English content, covering topics from lifestyle and entertainment to social issues and current affairs through a distinctly youth-oriented lens. This demographic focus makes it a valuable resource for understanding the perspectives of Indonesia's next generation of consumers, voters, and business leaders.

What sets IDN Times apart is its commitment to format innovation and multi-platform engagement. Beyond traditional articles, the platform has embraced video content, social media integration, and interactive features, recently launching a microdrama platform called “NONTON” which provides short-form content. For foreign investors and analysts, IDN Times offers critical insight into cultural trends, consumer behavior, and social movements among Indonesia's Gen Z population—a demographic that will increasingly shape the country's economic and political landscape in the coming decades.

Formats available: Online website (Indonesian & English), Mobile app, Social Media (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, X)

Algo Research (algoresearch.id) is an emerging digital platform that offers data-driven analysis of Indonesia’s financial markets, industries, and economy. Branded simply as “Algo,” it provides in-depth research and curated commentary on economic trends, making heavy use of data visualizations and charts. The site aggregates industry and company reports from local and global institutions and presents bite-sized insights on trending news, supported by data​. It also features ideas and opinions from independent contributors, adding expert perspectives to its coverage​.

For international investors, Algo’s content is valuable in understanding the story behind the headlines, including explanations of market movements, policy changes, or sectoral developments in Indonesia. The platform’s articles (published in English) delve into topics like monetary policy shifts, stock market fluctuations, and major investment projects in the country. Algo Research is a useful analytical resource that complements regular news outlets by focusing on interpretation and data-rich commentary.

Formats available: Online website (English), Mobile app, Social Media (Instagram, YouTube)