BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR – The 14th anniversary of the Indonesian Online Journalists Association (Ikatan Wartawan Online/IWO) on August 8, 2026, also marked the first anniversary of IWO Bali. The occasion was used by the organization’s leaders and members to evaluate its performance, strengthen internal consolidation, and prepare a new generation of leaders.

The modest anniversary gathering was attended by representatives of the IWO Bali Regional Board (PW), IWO District Boards (PD), members, and the IWO Bali Legal Assistance Team. Held in a family-oriented atmosphere, the event provided an opportunity for members to exchange views, criticism, and expectations about the organization’s future direction.

Chairwoman of PW IWO Bali, Tri Widiyanti, said an organization’s anniversary should serve as a moment for every member to reflect on their contribution.

“The hope is that each of us can ask ourselves what we have actually contributed to IWO. I also have many shortcomings and am open to criticism and suggestions if there are weaknesses in my leadership,” Tri, popularly known as Wids, said on Saturday (August 8, 2026).

She stressed that an organization could not be developed by only one or two individuals. Solidarity, commitment, and a strong sense of ownership among all members are essential to ensuring the sustainable development of IWO Bali.

Tri also emphasized the importance of open leadership by providing opportunities for all board members and members to take part in organizational activities and contribute ideas.

In addition to strengthening internal consolidation, Tri has begun encouraging leadership regeneration within IWO Bali. She said members’ leadership capabilities needed to be developed early so that the organization’s future would not depend on particular individuals.

“Going forward, we hope there will be regeneration. From now on, I have started observing the leadership capabilities of our colleagues and how serious they are about helping IWO grow,” she said.

Meanwhile, Secretary of the PD IWO Denpasar, Made Ngakan Putra, said internal solidarity and consolidation needed to be strengthened.

He said previously presented work programs needed to be followed up through stronger cooperation among members.

“The work programs have actually been presented at our previous meeting. What we need now is greater solidarity,” he said.

According to Made Ngakan, determining the organization’s future direction is a shared responsibility among all board members and members.

“In my view, we need to take IWO in a better direction than before. How we achieve that is something we need to think about together,” he said.

Chairman of the Definitive PD IWO Badung, Rovinus Bou, said PW IWO Bali had spent the past year introducing and strengthening the organization in Bali.

He expressed hope that cooperation between the regional and district boards would remain strong so that organizational issues could be resolved through communication and deliberation.

“Whenever one or two people come together, there will always be ideas and thoughts,” Rovinus said.

From the legal assistance side, IWO Bali Legal Team member Endang Hastuty Bunga said serving as part of the organization’s legal team was an honor.

She encouraged all members to become more confident in representing IWO and to actively introduce the organization to the wider community.

According to Endang, IWO has a strong identity as a professional organization for online journalists. Therefore, member participation and enthusiasm are important factors in strengthening the organization.

“Hopefully, on this first anniversary, IWO will become increasingly united and successful, and continue to progress in the future,” she said.

IWO Bali members also viewed the organization’s first year as the result of collective efforts. The solidarity developed during the past year has fostered a strong sense of family among board members and journalists.

Zakarias Herianto Ngari, head of IWO Bali’s Organization, Cadre Development and Membership Division, said the spirit of togetherness should be maintained through journalistic work and positive organizational activities.

“Going forward, whatever the event and wherever it is held, IWO must continue to grow,” he said.

The anniversary gathering also discussed the importance of improving the capacity and professionalism of IWO Bali journalists. One proposal was to encourage the implementation of Journalist Competency Tests (Uji Kompetensi Wartawan/UKW), while also exploring cooperation and sponsorship opportunities to support organizational programs.

The initiative is considered important to ensure that IWO Bali not only maintains a strong organizational structure but also contributes to improving the quality and professional competence of its members.

The 14th anniversary of IWO and the first anniversary of IWO Bali therefore became a moment to renew the organization’s collective spirit. The evaluation focused not only on achievements over the past year but also on areas that still need improvement.

Under the spirit of “Free Press, Dignified Democracy,” IWO Bali is committed to strengthening solidarity, improving professionalism, preparing future leaders, and expanding collaboration.

For IWO Bali, another year is not merely a celebration. It is an opportunity to reflect on how far the organization has contributed, what each member has given, and what can be achieved together to build a stronger IWO Bali in the years ahead.