Jakarta, August 31, 2026 — The 2026 National Science Olympiad (OSN) for Elementary Schools provides a platform for students to develop their talents, hone their reasoning, and foster a spirit of achievement from an early age. A total of 686 finalists from 38 provinces and Indonesian Schools Abroad (SILN) in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Singapore participated in the series of competitions, which took place from August 25 to 31, 2026.
The 2026 National Science Olympiad (OSN) will feature three disciplines: Mathematics, Natural Sciences (IPA), and Social Sciences (IPS). The series of tests is designed to measure students' abilities more comprehensively, from conceptual mastery to their ability to explore, observe, and present ideas.
Maria Veronica Irene Herdjiono, Head of the National Achievement Center (Puspresnas) of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen), stated that the National Science Olympiad (OSN) is not solely about winning medals, rankings, and awards. Furthermore, the experience of participating in the competition is part of the learning process and character building for students.
"Your achievements in the 2026 National Science Olympiad (OSN) are not just about medals, rankings, and awards, but also about the learning process, hard work, discipline, honesty, and the will to continue developing," said Irene at the closing ceremony of the 2026 National Elementary School OSN in Jakarta on Sunday (30/8).
This message is reflected in the experience of Halimatun Sa'diah, a student at SMP Negeri 6 Lhokseumawe, Aceh Province, who won a gold medal and the best theory award at the National Science Olympiad (OSN) Science Competition (OSN IPA). Facing difficult questions and extensive material, Halimatun learned to manage her time, create a study schedule, and focus on strengthening her weaknesses.
"OSN taught me critical thinking, perseverance, and discipline. I also learned to appreciate the process. Winning or losing is a matter for later; the important thing is that I gave my best," said Halimatun.
Michael Keii Shen, a student at SD 1 YPK in East Kalimantan Province, had a similar experience, winning a silver medal in the Elementary School Social Studies National Science Olympiad (OSN SD). He found participating in the OSN to be a valuable opportunity to compete alongside high-achieving students from across the region, while also testing his abilities through challenging stages.
"I am very happy and proud to be able to compete in the biggest Olympic event in Indonesia and compete with great children from all over the country," said Michael.
Michael explained that the National Science Olympiad (OSN) process encouraged him to develop skills beyond mastery of the material. Through the exploration test, he learned how to create infographic maps and convey ideas through presentations so they could be understood by the panel of judges. "Through the exploration test, I learned how to create infographic maps and how to present effectively so that what I conveyed could be understood by the panel of judges," he said.
The OSN is also supported by collaboration between various parties, including local governments, educational institutions, principals, teachers, parents, mentors, judges, facilitators, and the committee. This collaboration is crucial for building a sustainable talent development ecosystem.
With the 2026 National Elementary School OSN (National Elementary School Sports Competition) coming to an end, the spirit of talent development does not end with the competition. The experiences students gain during the selection and competition process are part of a journey to develop their potential, strengthen their reasoning, character, and drive for continued growth.*** (Author: Ririn/Documentation: Puspresnas Team)
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