DENPASAR, BALINEWS — Behind a bowl of coto Makassar lies a message of compassion, prayers for recovery, and a reminder that relationships between the press and the police can grow through sincerity and shared moments.
Good relations between journalists and the police do not always have to be built through formal meetings, press conferences, or official events. Sometimes, a simple gesture of kindness can create a more meaningful connection.
That spirit was evident in the press room at Bali Police Headquarters on Thursday (October 22, 2026), when members of the Indonesian Online Journalists Association (IWO) Bali gathered for a friendly lunch with Bali Police Public Relations Chief, Senior Commissioner Ariasandy, S.I.K.
The gathering was more than just a shared meal. IWO Bali initiated the lunch as a gesture of concern and solidarity, serving coto Makassar, a traditional dish from South Sulawesi that holds special memories of Ariasandy’s homeland.
For Ariasandy, the familiar flavors represented more than food. They evoked memories of home and offered a comforting reminder of his roots while serving in Bali.
IWO Bali Chairwoman Tri Widiyanti, widely known as Widy, said the gathering was organized spontaneously by fellow journalists. They wanted to express their concern and pray for Ariasandy’s speedy recovery as he was reportedly unwell.
“This was a spontaneous initiative by our IWO colleagues. The timing was right because Mr. Ariasandy was unwell. We wanted to wish him a speedy recovery by sharing a meal featuring a dish from his hometown of Makassar,” Widy said.
Amid their busy schedules and professional responsibilities, the lunch provided an opportunity for participants to connect in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The traditional dish became a simple bridge between personal memories and friendship far from home.
Ariasandy was accompanied by AKBP Rina Isriana Dewi, S.I.K., who serves as Head of the Public Information Subdivision (Penmas) within the Bali Police Public Relations Division.
Ariasandy welcomed the informal gathering, noting that good relations between the police public relations team and the media do not always have to be fostered through formal activities. Informal occasions, including sharing a meal, can also strengthen communication and cooperation between the police and journalists.
He also appreciated the traditional food, which brought back fond memories of the cuisine of his home region.
Nevertheless, positive relationships between journalists and law enforcement must go hand in hand with journalistic independence. Building rapport does not mean abandoning critical reporting. Instead, it should encourage healthy, transparent communication and mutual respect while allowing both sides to fulfill their respective responsibilities.
The press remains responsible for delivering accurate and balanced information to the public, while the police have an important role in maintaining open communication with the community through the media.
Those attending the gathering included Widy, IWO Bali Secretary Widya, IWO Denpasar Regional Board Secretary Ir. Ngakan Made Putra Parmadi, S.T., M.T., known as Kande, and IWO Badung Regional Board Chair Rovinus Bou. Giostanovlatto, founder of Hey Bali and Head of the Bali Bureau of Lambe Turah, was also present, along with other IWO Bali officials and members.
Widy expressed hope that the relationship between IWO Bali and the Bali Police would continue to grow through positive communication and collaboration, while respecting each party’s roles, functions, and responsibilities.
At a time when the public needs accurate, balanced, and trustworthy information, open communication between journalists and law enforcement can help improve the flow of information, provided that verification, critical questioning, and editorial independence remain protected.
The gathering served as a reminder that meaningful relationships do not always require grand events or elaborate ceremonies. Sometimes, a traditional dish, a little time, and a sincere gesture of concern are enough to bring people closer.
Ultimately, cooperation between the press and the police is not measured solely by how often they meet at official events. It is built through healthy communication, mutual respect, and an understanding that both have distinct responsibilities that affect the public interest.
From a simple lunch featuring coto Makassar in Bali came a powerful human message: titles may differ and duties may vary, but compassion is a language everyone can understand.
