BALINEWSID.COM, MUBA, — The Ikatan Wartawan Online (IWO) continues to strengthen its national presence following the official inauguration of its South Sumatra regional leadership on Friday afternoon (April 17, 2026). The ceremony took place at the official residence hall of the Regent of Musi Banyuasin.

The inauguration covered the Regional Board (PW) of IWO South Sumatra along with five local branches (PD), namely Musi Banyuasin, North Musi Rawas, Lahat, East OKU, and Lubuk Linggau. The event was attended by Musi Banyuasin Regent H.M. Toha Tohet, members of the regional leadership coordination forum (Forkopimda), the regional secretary, a representative of the Governor of South Sumatra, and delegates from several districts across the province.

The formal ceremony proceeded solemnly, marked by the oath-taking, signing of official documents, handover of decrees, and the symbolic presentation of organizational flags to each appointed leader.

Chairman of IWO, Teuku Yudhistira Adi Nugraha, emphasized that the inauguration reflects the organization’s consistency and resilience over the past two years under his leadership.

“Despite various challenges and internal dynamics, IWO continues to grow and remain on the right track. I urge all members not to be influenced by polemics and to stay focused on strengthening the organization without personal interests,” he stated.

Yudhistira also called on all newly inaugurated boards across South Sumatra to immediately implement their work programs and reinforce the role of the press as a social control mechanism. He highlighted Musi Banyuasin’s strategic position as one of Indonesia’s major oil-producing regions.

“As a region known as a ‘petro-dollar area’ with significant contributions to national oil production, Musi Banyuasin requires serious attention, particularly in environmental preservation. Resource exploitation must not come at the expense of environmental sustainability. This is where IWO must play its role in oversight,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Chairman of IWO Musi Banyuasin, Sandi Andika, affirmed the legitimacy of his leadership and pledged to carry out the organization’s mandate with professionalism and integrity.

“This leadership is legitimate and entrusted with responsibility. We are committed to executing our duties with accountability, professionalism, and integrity,” he said, while urging members to maintain unity and avoid internal divisions.

Echoing the sentiment, Chairman of IWO South Sumatra, Reinaldy Stanza, called for continued solidarity among members to ensure effective implementation of programs and to support IWO’s goal of becoming a constituent of the Indonesian Press Council.

On the government side, Musi Banyuasin Regent Toha Tohet expressed appreciation for the inauguration and welcomed IWO as a strategic partner in regional development.

“The local government needs the media as a partner in disseminating development information to the public. However, we hope IWO will maintain its independence and professionalism,” he said.

He further underlined the vital role of the press in maintaining balanced information and contributing constructively and responsibly to regional development.