Indonesian Students Triple Medal Win Strengthens Madrasa Role in Science

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Muhammad Ihsan, a student from state-run Islamic senior high school MAN Insan Cendekia Serpong in South Tangerang, Banten, has proven the value of structured talent development after winning three medals at the International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) 2026 in Turin, Italy, recently.

His achievement reflects not only individual excellence but also the effectiveness of Indonesia’s step-by-step training system for young scientists.

Ihsan earned a Silver Medal in the International Team Field Investigation (ITFI) and two Bronze Medals in the Earth System Project (ESP) and Individual Test categories.

“IESO 2026 took place over eight days at the Science Campus of the University of Turin and was attended by around 35 national teams," Principal of MAN Insan Cendekia Serpong, Hilal Najmi, on August 28, 2026, as quoted on the Ministry of Religious Affairs website.

Hilal continued, saying that in the competition, Ihsan earned medals across three categories that tested different skills. The projects, and individual examinations,” said

This achievement places Ihsan among the top Indonesian delegates after winning three medals simultaneously at the international earth science competition. Ihsan previously earned a medal at the 2025 National Science Olympiad (OSN) in Earth Science before participating in a phased training program for the IESO.

"During Phase II of the training program in Yogyakarta, Ihsan received instruction in earth sciences through lectures, laboratory practicals, and fieldwork. The material covered geology, meteorology, oceanography, astronomy, geophysics, and geomorphology," Najmi explained.

IESO is a prestigious global competition for secondary school students, testing knowledge across the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and planetary sciences. Ihsan’s triple medal haul places him among Indonesia’s most successful young scientists on the international stage.

“For MAN Insan Cendekia Serpong, this achievement demonstrates that talent development in madrasahs can lead students to compete at the international level. The three medals won by Ihsan contribute to MAN IC Serpong's track record of encouraging students to build academic competence, teamwork abilities, and problem-solving skills grounded in earth science,” Najmi concluded. (Diva Rifdah)