Indonesia Sends Young Talents to Prestigious Global Competitions

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has sent 79 of the country’s top young talents to represent the nation in 14 international competitions throughout 2026. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to nurturing future generations capable of competing on the global stage through academic excellence and vocational skills.

The delegation was officially sent off by Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, in Jakarta on Tuesday July 14, 2026. The participants were selected through a national talent identification process and have undergone intensive training organized by the National Achievement Center (Puspresnas) and its partner institutions.

He emphasized that participating in international competitions is not merely about winning medals. He said the experience is intended to prepare future scientists, innovators, and leaders who will contribute to Indonesia’s development.

“International competitions are not the final destination. Our goal is to nurture future scientists, innovators, and leaders who will use their knowledge to advance Indonesia. Today’s achievements are only the beginning of an even greater contribution to the nation,” Abdul Mu’ti said.

He also encouraged the delegates to compete with confidence and use every competition as an opportunity to demonstrate that Indonesian students can stand alongside the world’s best talents. According to the minister, the participants carry not only their academic abilities but also the honor of representing Indonesia on the international stage.

Throughout 2026, the Indonesian delegation will compete in a wide range of prestigious international events, including the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI), and the World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC). They will also participate in the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), International Economics Olympiad (IEO), Young Inventors Challenge (YIC), International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO), and The Battle of the Chefs, among other competitions.

Meanwhile, the Ministry's Secretary General, Suharti, said Indonesia’s participation in multiple international competitions is the result of a structured and continuous talent development program. She noted that the achievement reflects the government’s long-term commitment to building a sustainable ecosystem for nurturing outstanding young talent.

Through participation in these international competitions, the government hopes Indonesian students will gain greater global recognition for their academic excellence, innovation, and skills. The initiative also reinforces Indonesia’s commitment to investing in high-quality human capital as a foundation for the country’s future development.