DENPASAR, BALI TODAY – In an era of relentless digital information flow, the role of online journalists as gatekeepers of credible news is more critical than ever. Directly addressing this challenge, the Bali chapter of the Ikatan Wartawan Online (IWO) or Online Journalists Association, convened its 2025 Regional Working Meeting (Rakerda), setting an ambitious agenda focused on concrete, collaborative action with tangible impact for the Balinese community.
The meeting was opened by the organization’s Advisor, Mrs. Endang, who emphasized a vision to “build a collaborative strategy.” The session was swiftly steered towards actionable plans by senior IWO Bali member, Mr. Arnold, who guided the plenary session with a clear directive: “We must focus on work programs that can be implemented immediately. It’s not about having many plans but no action,” he stated.
This call for tangible results was met with enthusiastic and detailed action plans from regional chapter representatives, signaling a new, proactive chapter for IWO Bali.
Denpasar: Building Foundations Through Outreach and Social Action
The IWO Denpasar chapter, represented by Bambang as chairman, outlined a pragmatic three-month plan focused on internal and external consolidation. Their strategy begins with a concerted effort to introduce the IWO Denpasar institution to various government and private agencies.
This move is far more than a formality; it is a strategic effort to build sustainable bridges for collaboration. “We want to ensure that IWO Denpasar is recognized as a credible and willing partner for contribution,” explanation from Bambang, chairman of the Denpasar branch
Their flagship program involves executing social service activities (bakti sosial) in cooperation with these institutions. Designed as more than a charity event, this initiative is a manifestation of the press’s social responsibility and a direct effort to aid underserved communities in urban Denpasar. Once this foundation is solid, the next target is an aggressive membership drive to recruit new talent into the ranks of Bali’s digital journalists.
Badung: Educating the Youth and Championing the Local Economy
While Denpasar focused on consolidation, the IWO Badung chapter, led by Feri, arrived with two innovative programs designed to tackle digital and economic challenges at their root.
Go to School: Arming the Next Generation Against Misinformation
The first and most prominent program is “Go to School.” Feri highlighted the acute vulnerability of students to misinformation. “Today’s youth are native digital consumers but are not necessarily digitally literate. They can easily receive hoax news without filtering it first,” he elaborated.
The “Go to School” program is designed to bring socialization workshops and media literacy directly into schools. The goal is to equip students with the critical thinking skills needed to identify fake news, understand the ethics of sharing information, and recognize trustworthy news sources. Feri expressed hopes that this program would gain support and official collaboration with the Local Education Office and related institutions to reach schools across the Badung regency and beyond.
Digital Platforms for Balinese UMKM: From Local to Global
The second program is equally vital: supporting Balinese UMKM (Usaha Mikro, Kecil, dan Menengah – Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises). Feri and his team plan to leverage the powerful network of online media professionals to assist local entrepreneurs with digital marketing challenges.
“Bali is home to an incredible number of outstanding UMKM products, but they often face barriers in digital marketing access and knowledge. This is where we want to step in,” said Feri.
The plan is for IWO Badung to act as a facilitator, connecting local UMKM with digital platforms and media crews to create effective promotional content. This initiative aims to help these businesses reach a wider audience, including domestic and international tourists, expatriates, and the local community. It is a concrete commitment from IWO to not only foster a healthy information ecosystem but also to contribute directly to Bali’s economic resilience.
A Forward Leap for a Smarter, More Prosperous Bali
The 2025 IWO Bali Rakerda marks a significant shift from rhetoric to tangible action. Under the leadership of IWO Bali Chairperson, Mrs. Widi, and guided by Advisor Mrs. Endang and Senior Mr. Arnold, the organization is moving to meet the community’s needs directly.
The two flagship programs—combating hoaxes through early education and empowering local UMKM—are direct responses to two of Bali’s most pressing challenges: maintaining information integrity in the digital age and strengthening its economic foundations.
For global readers, expats, and tourists, this is positive news. A Bali with a digitally literate populace and supported by strong, authentic local businesses is a more sustainable and genuine Bali for everyone to enjoy.
