Antaranews 2.0.6

Antaranews.com has recently launched its application for Android devices, enhancing accessibility to a wealth of reliable local and international news.

Founded in 1937 during Indonesia's colonial period under the Dutch Empire, Antara is an esteemed news agency that has consistently delivered trustworthy news reports to various domestic media organizations. It holds the unique distinction of being the only entity authorized to distribute news content generated by foreign news agencies.

Historical Overview

The agency was established by independence activists who were dissatisfied with the limited local coverage provided by the Dutch-owned Aneta news agency. During the Japanese occupation in 1942, Antara’s operations were absorbed into the Tsushin news network. Notably, its staff played a pivotal role in broadcasting Indonesia's proclamation of independence and took control of regional facilities following the conclusion of World War II.

Initially managed privately, Antara came under presidential control in the 1960s, correlating with the government's strategic shift from decolonization efforts to nation-building initiatives. This transition established Antara as a key institution through which the state could propagate its policies.

In the late 1990s, amidst a wave of political reforms, Antara began operating independently of government influence and underwent reorganization into a state-owned enterprise in 2007. However, media scholars contend that its prolonged relationship with the government poses challenges to its aspirations of becoming a completely unbiased news organization.

Antara commemorated its 75th anniversary on December 13, 2012, marking a significant milestone in its long-standing history as a central source of news in Indonesia.