Batam and Riau Islands Welcome New Data-Driven Information Source
The residents of Batam and the Riau Islands now have a new choice for information sources based on data and infographics. Kreta News, a news portal managed by Kreta Digital, will begin publishing articles in early September 2026 via kretanews.co.id. The CEO of Kreta Digital, Aldo Pasha Permana, stated that the idea to establish Kreta News has existed since Kreta Digital was founded in August 2023.
“The idea to build Kreta News actually existed from the beginning of Kreta Digital. Because at that time we were still focused on developing our core business, the idea could only be realised in September 2026,” said Aldo.
The emergence of Kreta News is based on Kreta Digital’s experience in handling digital public relations. Over the past few years, Kreta Digital has managed various brands, publishing press releases, building reputations, and increasing visibility through online media.
“We have been helping brands obtain publication and build their image through the media for quite some time. From there, we thought, why doesn’t Kreta Digital have its own media for Batam? We want to participate in enlivening the local media ecosystem with credible information that always follows the latest developments,” he said.
According to Aldo, Batam already has various active local media outlets providing information to the public. Therefore, Kreta News is expected to provide an additional information choice while bringing more stories from Batram and the Riau Islands to be known more widely at a national level.
While Batam is the primary focus of Kreta News, its coverage includes the entire Riau Islands region as well as several national issues relevant to regional readers. Kreta News is developing various news channels, ranging from politics, economy, MSMEs, business, technology, education, tourism, events, lifestyle, culinary, and corporate news.
In addition to following current developments, Kreta News aims to increase content based on data and infographics that can provide insights to the community. “We want the information presented to have clear sources and data. In the future, Kreta News will also increase infographics and data-based discussions that can serve as insights for the people of Batam and Riau Islands,” Aldo explained.
In the news production process, the editorial team obtains information from various sources, including official statements from government agencies and institutions, interviews, issue monitoring, and information provided by the public. Artificial intelligence technology is also utilised as a tool to trace information and perform cross-checking. Meanwhile, the final assessment is still conducted by the editorial team, referring to accountable sources.
One of the main focuses of Kreta News is the development of MSMEs and local businesses. According to Aldo, many entrepreneurs in Batam have interesting journeys but have not yet received adequate publication space. With Kreta Digital’s experience in SEO and digital marketing, articles regarding MSMEs are expected to not only be read when published but also to be discoverable in the long term when the public searches for information about those brands on search engines.
Aldo added that Kreta News will continue to perform its critical media function while providing more space for the development and positive stories of the community. Kreta News is part of Kreta Digital but operates with its own independent editorial management.
With over 12 years of experience in digital marketing and experience handling media publications since 2018, Aldo is optimistic that Kreta Digital’s expertise in SEO, content strategy, and digital distribution can become a strength for Kreta News. In its first year, Kreta News will focus on maintaining publication consistency, expanding reader reach, and preparing the media to be included in Google News.