Tempo Magazine is rated Left-Center with High factual reporting by Media Bias Fact Check.
LEFT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources have a slight to moderate liberal bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appealing to emotion or stereotypes) to favor liberal causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.
- Overall, we rate Tempo.co Left-Center-biased due to its investigative, watchdog journalism and frequent focus on corruption, governance accountability, and human rights issues. We rate the publication High Factual because the reporting is generally well-sourced, with no failed fact checks.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-2.0)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.7)
Country: Indonesia
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MODERATE FREEDOM
Media Type: Magazine/Website
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Tempo.co is the digital news platform of Tempo Magazine, an Indonesian news organization originally founded as a weekly magazine in 1971 by journalists Goenawan Mohamad and Yusril Djalinus. The publication became known for investigative reporting and political commentary during Indonesia’s New Order era under President Suharto. In 1994, the government banned Tempo magazine along with several other publications, citing national stability concerns. Following the fall of Suharto in 1998, Tempo resumed publication and continued its reputation for investigative journalism and critical reporting on politics and corruption.
The digital portal Tempo.co was launched in 1995 and later redesigned in 2008 to expand its digital news coverage. According to the site’s About page, the platform aims to provide balanced, high-quality journalism and coverage across politics, economics, science, and culture. Tempo also publishes the Indonesian-language newspaper Koran Tempo and has produced English-language editions for international audiences.
Read our profile on the Indonesian media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
Tempo.co is operated by PT Info Media Digital as part of the Tempo Media Group. The organization is headquartered at the Tempo Media Building in South Jakarta, Indonesia. Leadership includes President Director Wahyu Dhyatmika and Editor-in-Chief Setri Yasra.
Tempo Media generates revenue through advertising, digital subscriptions, and circulation of its magazine and newspaper products. The organization also operates multiple digital platforms and social media channels for distribution.
Analysis / Bias
Tempo.co publishes a wide range of news coverage, including politics, business, law, science, and international affairs. Articles generally follow a traditional news structure with quotes from officials, statements from relevant organizations, and factual descriptions of events.
For example, the article Repairs at 92 points on the Jakarta-Tangerang Toll Road have been accelerated reports on infrastructure repairs ahead of Indonesia’s Eid homecoming travel period, including details about repair teams, construction methods, and government statements. Another article, An Investigation Team Has Been Formed to Probe the Attack on Andrie Yunus, covers a violent attack on a human rights activist and includes statements from activists and calls for an independent investigation.
Historically, Tempo has gained recognition for investigative reporting and coverage of corruption, environmental issues, and government accountability. This watchdog style of journalism frequently places the publication in conflict with political authorities and has led to accusations of bias from some political supporters. However, much of the reporting relies on documented evidence, interviews, and official statements rather than ideological commentary.
Failed Fact Checks
- None to date
Overall, we rate Tempo.co Left-Center-biased due to its investigative, watchdog journalism and frequent focus on corruption, governance accountability, and human rights issues. We rate the publication High Factual because the reporting is generally well-sourced, with no failed fact checks. (D.Van Zandt 03/14/2026)
Source: https://www.tempo.co/
Last Updated on March 14, 2026 by Media Bias Fact Check
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