Indonesian Debate Competition Opens Pathways to Global Opportunities

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - For participants of the 2026 Indonesian Debate Competition (LDI), the national contest is more than a competition to win awards. The experience has allowed students from different parts of Indonesia to exchange perspectives, build networks, broaden their knowledge, and explore opportunities for further education.

Allesia Keiran The from Bina Bangsa School PIK, who was named one of the Ten Best Speakers at LDI 2026, said the competition enabled her to meet students from regions she might not otherwise encounter. She also viewed the experience and achievements gained through LDI as valuable preparation for pursuing higher education.

“Besides the prizes we receive when we win LDI, we also receive a national certificate issued by the National Achievement Center, or Puspresnas, under the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. In my view, simply being part of the competition and becoming an LDI finalist can help increase our chances of receiving scholarships and competing for places at some of the world's best universities,” she said.

Allesia added that the experience could support her efforts to enter her preferred universities and pursue scholarships. She made the remarks on September 9, 2026, during the signing of a cooperation agreement between Puspresnas and International Global Network in Jakarta.

A similar experience was shared by Gabrielle Angeline Stephanson Li of SMAK 1 Penabur Jakarta, who was named the Third Best Speaker at LDI 2026. She said the achievement provided a sense of fulfillment and reflected the effort and commitment required throughout the competition.

“From an internal perspective, awards or achievements can also provide a sense of self-fulfillment for all the accomplishments and hard work we have gone through. It is something that makes us proud of ourselves,” Gabrielle said.

Gabrielle added that participating in LDI had made her more confident in debating, expanded her knowledge, and helped her build wider connections with fellow participants. Parents also welcomed the opportunity, with Anastasia, the parent of LDI finalist Ava Mikayla Emmanoelle, saying the competition allowed students to develop their talents while gaining experience with peers from across Indonesia.

“We appreciate Puspresnas and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for giving children opportunities through the Indonesian Debate Competition, particularly the English Debate category. They can develop their talents, gain experience competing at the national level, and meet friends from different regions across Indonesia,” Anastasia said.

The opportunities will continue beyond the national competition, with 15 Best Speakers from the 2026 English Debate category set to receive further development through a collaboration between Puspresnas and International Global Network. Three participants from the program will subsequently be selected to take part in the Asia Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in January 2027, giving them an opportunity to represent Indonesia on an international platform.

Anastasia said the continuation from the national competition to an international forum would give students further opportunities to learn and take responsibility when representing Indonesia abroad. She also emphasized that achievement should not be measured only by trophies or prizes, but by the process, commitment, and ability to maintain a balance between academic education and extracurricular accomplishments.

“Children's achievements are not only about prizes or trophies. There is a process, sacrifice, and commitment that they have to go through, and most importantly, they must continue to maintain their achievements at school because their main goal is still to learn,” she said.