FLS3N 2026 Highlights Young Indonesian Talents in Arts and Literature

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The 2026 National Festival of Arts and Literature for Indonesian Students (FLS3N) for primary and secondary education students has officially concluded, providing a platform for young Indonesians to develop and showcase their talents in arts, culture, and literature. The national event also highlighted the role of students in preserving Indonesia’s cultural heritage through creative expression.

Head of the National Achievement Center (Puspresnas) Maria Veronica Irene, praised the national finalists for demonstrating creativity, dedication, and talent throughout the competition. She said FLS3N was not merely a competition, but also a space for students to present works reflecting their hard work and stories from their respective regions.

“I am very proud that through this competition, you have demonstrated your talents and become the spearhead in preserving and safeguarding our culture,” Maria said in Jakarta on October 3. She encouraged the students to continue creating after the competition, stressing that their achievements should mark the beginning of a longer journey rather than its end.

For primary school students, FLS3N featured seven competition categories: Storytelling Through Drawing, Solo Singing, Crafts, Storytelling, Story Writing, Pantomime, and Dance. Meanwhile, junior secondary school students competed in eight categories, including Three-Instrument Mixed Ensemble, Illustration, Traditional Music Creativity, Storytelling, Solo Singing, Story Writing, Pantomime, and Dance.

Maria also expressed appreciation for all participants who demonstrated enthusiasm, creativity, courage, discipline, and sportsmanship during the event. Students who received awards were presented with medals, certificates, and development grants, while those who did not receive awards were encouraged to view the experience as an important part of learning, self-expression, and talent development.

One of the young participants, Jasmine Aulia Putri from SMP Negeri 1 Kota Cirebon in West Java, won a gold medal in Storytelling after progressing through city- and provincial-level competitions before reaching the national stage. She underwent intensive training to portray several characters, including Sunan Kalijaga, a male student at an Islamic boarding school, and a monkey, while also learning to play a musical instrument and synchronize it with her storytelling.

Jasmine said the experience taught her that art is not simply about performing, but also about conveying emotions to audiences. “Never be afraid to try, and never get tired of learning, because every victory requires a process,” she said, encouraging other young people to pursue their talents wholeheartedly.

Dinda Tsalaasa, a bronze medalist in Storytelling Through Drawing from SDN 15 Tanjungpinang in Riau, recalled having only a few minutes to prepare after the competition theme was announced. She said the experience taught her to work under pressure while remaining confident in developing her artistic ideas within a limited amount of time.

For Dinda, participating in FLS3N was not only about the final result, but also about the process and the courage to continue creating. Her message echoed Maria’s call for students to keep developing their talents, pursue their dreams, and contribute to preserving Indonesia’s arts and cultural heritage through their creative work.