29 May 2026
Raisha Andini
Students of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) once again achieved national recognition at the National Essay & Business Plan Competition 2026, organized by Universitas Andalas in collaboration with Futura Innovation Hub as part of the Catalyst Future Competition & ASIA 2026.
The competition, which attracted more than 200 participants from 72 universities and government-affiliated higher education institutions across Indonesia, provided a platform for students to present innovative ideas in various strategic fields, including technology and the digital economy, health, energy, and environmental sustainability.
At the event, USU students earned several awards through three teams competing in the essay competition category.
The Arya Team from the D4 Statistics Study Program, Faculty of Vocational Studies, consisting of Arya Dwi Ardhana Wibowo (team leader), Anazta Rizky Fauzan Siagian, Sadina Umeko, Cahaya Nahura, and Ririn Ayundha Putri, won Runner-up Essay Competition, Gold Medal in the Technology and Digital Economy category, and Best Team Essay Competition.
Meanwhile, the Arjuna Team from the Public Health Study Program, Faculty of Public Health, consisting of Arjuna Sembiring (team leader), Melky Sedek Arta Sasta, Haikal Kesuma Caesar, Reno Sagala, and Alkhis Novrianda Solin, secured a Silver Medal in the Nutrition and Health category.
Another achievement came from the Abdurrohim Team of the Management Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business. The team, consisting of Abdurrohim (team leader), Emir Husein Rangkuti, Rolinsah Marbun, Yenli Milani Silitonga, and Clarisse Izabelle Halim, received a Bronze Medal in the Energy and Environment category.
Arya Dwi Ardhana Wibowo, leader of the Arya Team, expressed gratitude for the achievement. According to him, the accomplishment was the result of hard work and strong collaboration among team members throughout the competition process.
“We are very grateful, proud, and happy about this achievement. The awards we received are the result of hard work, dedication, and collaboration among all team members throughout the competition. This recognition proves that the ideas and innovations we developed were well appreciated,” he said.
Arya explained that before entering the competition, the team conducted extensive research on the issues they intended to address. Scientific references, emerging technologies, and community needs served as the foundation for the solutions presented to the judges.
He added that the greatest challenge was balancing academic responsibilities, organizational activities, and competition preparation. The team was also required to develop innovations that were not only conceptually appealing but also realistically implementable.
“Through clear task distribution, effective communication, and structured time management, we were able to complete every stage of the competition optimally without neglecting our academic responsibilities,” he said.
Furthermore, Arya noted that strong teamwork, consistency in research, and the courage to propose innovative solutions to real-world problems were the key factors behind their success.
Looking ahead, he and his teammates are committed to participating in more academic and innovation competitions at both national and international levels. Beyond pursuing achievements, they also hope to further develop their innovations and create a broader impact on society.
“We hope this achievement can inspire other students to continue innovating and excelling. We also want to bring pride to Universitas Sumatera Utara and demonstrate that Indonesian students are capable of creating creative solutions that generate positive social impact,” he concluded.
The achievements earned by the three teams serve as clear evidence of the quality and competitiveness of USU students at the national level. These accomplishments also reflect USU’s commitment to fostering an academic culture of research and innovation that contributes to society and national development.
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