BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR — The Bali chapter of the Indonesian Online Journalists Association (IWO Bali) has reaffirmed its commitment to making the press an important part of overseeing and contributing to Bali’s development.

The commitment was expressed by IWO Bali Chairperson Tri Widiyanti during the commemoration of the 14th anniversary of the national IWO and the first anniversary of IWO Bali at the Bali Provincial Tourism Office Hall on Sunday (Aug. 30, 2026).

The event carried the theme “The Role of the Press in Overseeing Bali’s Development”, with the subtheme “Viewing Bali from a Different Perspective.” The anniversary was not merely a ceremonial event but also served as a forum to discuss various challenges and the future direction of Bali’s development.

Widiyanti said IWO Bali’s first year had demonstrated that the organization was not merely a platform for journalists but also a common space for media professionals to improve their skills, grow professionally and contribute to society.

“One year is enough to prove that IWO Bali is not merely a journalists’ organization, but a shared home for members of the press who want to continue learning, developing and providing benefits to society,” Widiyanti said.

She said Bali was undergoing major changes across various sectors. Growth in tourism and the economy, investment and technological developments have created both opportunities and challenges for the island.

At the same time, strategic issues such as cultural preservation, development that benefits local communities, environmental protection and the readiness of younger generations to face rapid changes must receive collective attention.

“These questions require many perspectives. That is why we invite all parties to look at Bali together from different perspectives,” she said.

To broaden public perspectives, IWO Bali also organized a public discussion titled “Viewing Bali from a Different Perspective.” The discussion featured Trisno Nugroho, Eka Mahardhika and Yoga Iswara as speakers, with Kande Putra serving as moderator.

Widiyanti emphasized that the press has a strategic function in society. Beyond providing information, the media also plays an educational role, exercises social oversight and serves as a communication bridge between the government and the public.

For that reason, IWO Bali encourages professional, accurate, balanced and critical journalism while maintaining a constructive approach.

“We want the media to be present not only when problems arise, but also to bring solutions, facilitate dialogue and build optimism,” she said.

She stressed that the dialogue initiated by IWO Bali was not intended to determine who was right or wrong, but to open as many perspectives as possible in the search for the best ideas for Bali.

“It is not about finding out who is right. It is about finding what is best for Bali,” Widiyanti said.

The commitment expressed by IWO Bali is in line with the views of Bali Governor Wayan Koster, who attended the anniversary celebration.

Koster said the rapid growth of online media was a consequence of advances in science and technology that had transformed the way information is distributed and consumed by society.

According to Koster, the press holds a strategic position in development because it provides a space for interaction between the government, the public and various stakeholders.

However, he reminded media organizations to maintain their independence and continue to perform their social oversight function.

The press, he said, must have the courage to report facts, both problems and achievements in development, while upholding truth, balance, objectivity and journalistic ethics.

Koster also acknowledged that online media had become an important source of information for the government in identifying issues emerging in society.

The speed of online information, he said, could help the government respond more quickly to public concerns, including infrastructure problems and other community needs.

During the event, Koster also encouraged the press to help communicate Bali’s long-term development direction under the Bali 100-Year Development Guidelines for 2025–2125.

He said Bali’s future must be prepared from now by taking into account the quality of life of its people, competitiveness, ecosystem sustainability and environmental preservation.

Koster also highlighted the importance of Bali’s energy resilience. Strengthening energy independence and expanding the use of clean energy, he said, would help reduce the risk of supply disruptions while protecting the environment.

The commemoration of the 14th anniversary of IWO Indonesia and the first anniversary of IWO Bali thus became a momentum to strengthen the role of online journalism in democracy and Bali’s development.

Amid the rapid flow of digital information, IWO Bali emphasized that speed is not the only measure of media quality. Truth, balance, professionalism and the courage to report facts remain the fundamental principles of the press in safeguarding the public interest and Bali’s future.