BALINEWSID.COM, BANDAR LAMPUNG — The Lampung chapter of the Online Journalists Association (Ikatan Wartawan Online/IWO) has received an award at the Unila Be Strong 2026 Awards, recognizing its role as an impactful media partner of the University of Lampung (Unila).

The award, presented in the Impactful Partnership – Lampung Mass Media category, was given during the Unila Be Strong 2026 ceremony at the University of Lampung’s Multipurpose Building (GSG) on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

The ceremony was held as part of the 61st anniversary celebrations of the University of Lampung.

The award was presented by Unila Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Lusmeilia Afriani, D.E.A., I.P.M., ASEAN Eng., and received by Riki Erta, Deputy Chairman of IWO Lampung.

The recognition reflects the media’s role in strengthening public communication and helping disseminate information about Unila’s programs, activities, innovations, and achievements to the wider community.

Unila Rector Lusmeilia Afriani highlighted the importance of collaboration between universities and the media in developing an informative, constructive, and socially beneficial information ecosystem.

She said partnerships between higher education institutions and the media should go beyond publication and publicity, serving instead as part of a broader effort to deliver quality information, educate the public, and expand the positive impact of university innovations and contributions.

According to Lusmeilia, universities have a responsibility to generate knowledge and innovation, while the media plays a strategic role in connecting that knowledge with the public so it can be widely understood and utilized.

Meanwhile, Riki Erta expressed his appreciation for the recognition given to IWO Lampung by the University of Lampung.

He said the award was not only a source of pride for the organization but also a motivation for journalists affiliated with IWO Lampung to continue improving their professionalism and journalistic standards.

“This award motivates IWO Lampung to continue building healthy, professional, and impactful partnerships. The media’s responsibility is not only to deliver information but also to produce educational, balanced, and beneficial journalism for the public,” Riki said.

He added that IWO Lampung would continue encouraging journalists to uphold integrity, improve their professional competence, and strengthen collaboration with various institutions, including universities.

“We hope that the collaboration between IWO Lampung and the University of Lampung will become even stronger in the future. The education and journalism sectors have significant opportunities to work together in educating the public and contributing to development through quality information,” he said.

The Unila Be Strong 2026 Awards were part of the series of events marking the University of Lampung’s 61st anniversary. The awards also served as an acknowledgment of the contributions of various partners in strengthening the university’s role and impact on society.

For IWO Lampung, the award is expected to provide renewed momentum for the organization and its journalists to produce professional and integrity-driven journalism while contributing to the development of Lampung.