Let’s Talk About Detikcom: Indonesia’s Internet News Powerhouse
You ever notice how, when you need to check the news in Indonesia, Detikcom is almost always the first place people go? It’s everywhere. If something big happens—an election result, a celebrity scandal, a last-minute football transfer—you can bet Detikcom has it up within minutes. That’s kind of their thing: speed.
The Origin Story
Back in 1998, when the internet was still a novelty in Indonesia, Detikcom popped up as a fully online news platform. No print edition, no TV channel, just a website delivering real-time news. This was a huge deal. At the time, most news had to go through traditional media channels, which meant bureaucratic red tape, censorship, and slow updates. But Detikcom? They cut through all that. When Suharto stepped down, they were one of the first to report it in real time. That cemented their reputation as the go-to source for breaking news.
In 2011, CT Corp (one of Indonesia’s biggest business groups) bought Detikcom. That move gave them more resources to expand, but also raised a few eyebrows—some worried it might affect editorial independence. But business-wise, it made sense. With more money behind them, Detikcom could improve their tech, expand coverage, and keep up with the fast-moving digital world.
What’s on Detikcom?
If you’ve ever scrolled through the site, you know there’s something for everyone. Politics, sports, entertainment, finance, travel—it’s all there. Some of the biggest sections:
-
DetikNews – Where all the political and current events live. If there’s a government scandal, you’ll hear about it here first.
-
DetikFinance – Stock market movements, business trends, banking updates—you get the idea.
-
DetikSport – From European football to Indonesian badminton, they cover it all.
-
DetikHot – Celebrity gossip, movie releases, viral social media moments.
-
DetikTravel – Guides, reviews, and travel tips.
-
DetikHealth – Medical news, wellness trends, and those random health myths everyone loves to argue about.
-
DetikFood – Restaurant reviews, recipes, and food trends (yes, they covered the Indomie croissant craze).
That’s just the surface. They also have sections on tech, automotive, and even lifestyle.
The Tech That Keeps It Running
One of the biggest reasons Detikcom has stayed on top is their tech. They were early adopters of mobile-first news—way before most Indonesian media caught on. Their website is optimized for speed, their app is one of the most downloaded news apps in Indonesia, and they push notifications like crazy. Breaking news? You’ll see it on your lock screen before your coffee gets cold.
And they’ve embraced video too. Ever watched those quick, snappy “20Detik” clips? It’s like getting your news in bite-sized, no-nonsense chunks—perfect for the short attention spans of today.
The Influence of Detikcom
It’s not just another news site. Detikcom has fundamentally changed how Indonesians consume news. Before, people waited for newspapers or TV bulletins. Now? They expect updates instantly. If something major happens and Detikcom doesn’t cover it within minutes, people start asking questions.
They’ve also played a big role in press transparency. A lot of traditional media outlets have to tiptoe around sensitive topics. Detikcom has pushed boundaries. That said, they’re not immune to criticism. There have been concerns about clickbait headlines, the pressure of speed over accuracy, and the influence of advertisers. Still, when it comes to trust, they’re way ahead of the random viral WhatsApp forwards that flood everyone’s phones.
Challenges in the Digital Age
Being a digital-first platform has its pros and cons. On one hand, they’re faster and more adaptable than old-school print media. On the other, they have to deal with:
-
Misinformation – The internet is full of hoaxes, and even major news outlets sometimes get caught in the trap. Detikcom has fact-checking teams, but the pressure to publish fast can lead to slip-ups.
-
Social Media Competition – Why go to a website when you can just scroll Twitter or TikTok for updates? Detikcom has had to work harder to keep people coming back.
-
Ads, Ads, and More Ads – Since the site is free, they rely on advertising. That means lots of banner ads, pop-ups, and sponsored content—sometimes too much.
-
Cybersecurity Threats – Big news sites are prime targets for hacking, fake news injections, and denial-of-service attacks.
The Road Ahead
Detikcom isn’t going anywhere. If anything, they’re doubling down on digital. They’re pushing more video content, experimenting with AI-driven news curation, and expanding interactive features. You’ll probably see more personalized news feeds, live-streamed discussions, and even podcasts from them soon.
But at its core, the mission stays the same: breaking news, as fast as possible. And as long as people in Indonesia want real-time updates, Detikcom will be right there, keeping the headlines rolling.