Jakarta, September 9, 2026 — For participants in the 2026 Indonesian Debate Competition (LDI), the competition isn't just about winning. Behind the debate stage, they discover new experiences, meet friends from various regions, broaden their horizons, and even see broader educational and future opportunities.

This experience was felt by Allesia Keiran The from Bina Bangsa School PIK, one of the Ten Best Speakers of LDI 2026. According to her, LDI provided an opportunity to meet participants from various regions that she might not have previously encountered in everyday life.

"I think LDI is very helpful because it provides an opportunity to meet so many people from various regions, especially since this is a national-level competition. We can meet debaters from the Riau Islands, North Kalimantan, and various other regions that we might not encounter in our daily lives," he said.

According to Allesia, the experience and achievements gained from LDI can also provide valuable resources for further education. A national certificate issued by the National Achievement Center (Puspresnas) of the Ministry of Education and Culture serves as a form of recognition for participants' achievements.

"In addition to the prizes we receive for winning the LDI, we also receive a national certificate issued by the National Development Planning Agency (Puspresnas) of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. I believe that even being part of the LDI competition and a finalist can help increase our chances of obtaining scholarships and competing for places at the world's best universities," he said.

"I really appreciate this experience because it could potentially help me get into the universities of my choice, and even get a scholarship," he continued when met at the signing of the Cooperation Agreement (PKS) between the National Achievement Center and the International Global Network, Jakarta (9/9).

A similar story was told by Gabrielle Angeline Stephanson Li from SMAK 1 Penabur Jakarta, who won Third Best Speaker. For her, the achievement was a form of appreciation for the process and hard work she had gone through.

"From an internal perspective, awards or achievements can also provide self-satisfaction or self-fulfillment for all the accomplishments and hard work we've gone through. It's a source of pride," said Gabrielle.

Beyond the awards, Gabrielle felt a change in herself after participating in LDI. She became more confident in debating, gained broader insights, and built a network with other participants.

"Experience has also provided much broader insights. We are now more confident in debating, have broader knowledge, and have broader connections through our achievements at LDI," he said.

The experience was also appreciated by the participants' parents. Anastasia, the parent of one of the LDI finalists, Ava Mikayla Emmanoelle, said the opportunity to participate in the national competition provided a space for her children to develop their skills and learn from a broader environment.

"We appreciate the National Development Planning Agency (Puspresnas) and the Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education for providing opportunities for children through the Indonesian Debate Competition, specifically the English Debate. They can showcase their talents, gain experience competing at the national level, and meet friends from various regions across Indonesia," he said.

According to Anastasia, these experiences now give children the opportunity to progress to the international level. The 15 Best Speakers of the 2026 LDI English Debate competition will receive further coaching through a collaboration between Puspresnas and the International Global Network (IGN). From this coaching, the top three participants will be selected to participate in the Asia Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in January 2027.

"We really appreciate that after the national level, this opportunity continues through AYIMUN at the international level. This gives the children a chance to learn further while simultaneously fulfilling the responsibility of representing Indonesia at the international level," said Anastasia.

He reminded us that a child's achievement journey isn't solely measured by prizes or trophies won. It's a long process, including maintaining a balance between achievement and education.

"For children, achievement isn't just about prizes or trophies. It involves a process, sacrifice, and commitment. The most important thing is how they maintain their academic performance because their primary goal remains learning," he said.

For these young talents, LDI is more than a competition. Meeting participants from various regions, experiencing debate, gaining insight and confidence, and even the opportunity to participate in international forums are all part of a journey that can shape their continued development.

Further development through AYIMUN is the next opportunity for participants to bring this experience to a wider space while also learning to take on roles in the international environment.*** (Author: Ririn/Documentation: Puspresnas Team)

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Source: Siaran Pers Kementerian Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah Nomor: 799/sipers/A6/IX/2026

Writer: Ririn Ramandani

Editor: Denty Anugrahmawaty

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