Malang, East Java, September 20, 2026 – The 2026 National Science Olympiad (OSN) for Secondary Education (Dikmen), SMA/MA/SMK/MAK/Equivalent National Level, which was held on September 14-20, 2026 at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), took place in accordance with the Decree of the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Number 16 of 2026 concerning the Standards for Implementing Student Talent Events and the 2026 OSN guidelines. However, in its implementation, the National Achievement Center (Puspresnas) found cheating in the implementation of the test.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen), through the National Student Press Agency (Puspresnas), will take firm action in accordance with the regulations regarding the detected cheating. "We have been monitoring and collaborating with the National Jury for nine events and one exhibition during the two-day OSN test on September 16 and 17, 2026. The results revealed cheating during the test," confirmed the Head of Puspresnas, Maria Veronica Irene Herdjiono.
"Puspresnas and the National Jury Board are strengthening the integrity of the National Science Olympiad (OSN) through strict oversight that has begun at the district/city/provincial level at the elementary and secondary education levels. Fraud in the 2026 National OSN Dikmen (District-Level Education OSN) is suspected to have occurred among finalists in the economics, astronomy, mathematics, and earth sciences categories. Finalists, contingent leaders, educational institutions, and other parties are expected to comply with the provisions and regulations of the national OSN and be ready to respect the clarification and assessment results of the National Jury Board," said Irene.
Following up on the findings of fraud, Puspresnas together with the National Jury Board have conducted an inspection and review based on evidence and information obtained during the OSN implementation. This process was carried out by securing and inventorying related evidence and information, conducting clarification with relevant parties, and examining the process and results of the test implementation in the suspected event branches. Puspresnas also ensures the independence of the review process so that follow-up actions are determined based on evidence and applicable regulations. Puspresnas also ensures that the inspection process is carried out while still considering the rights of all parties involved as part of the commitment to maintaining objectivity, transparency, accountability, and fairness in the implementation of talent events.
According to the OSN Dikmen guidelines, serious violations include the use of prohibited equipment for the competition and the bringing of prohibited communication devices and other equipment during the test. Based on these provisions, participants found to have committed violations may be subject to disqualification. Sanctions for educational institutions or other parties will be further reviewed with the Inspectorate General of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
"We discovered that a participant accessed Google during the test to search for clues or information related to the questions. We and the proctors have taken control of the network system, which can detect cheating in the test application. Clarification was provided, and the participant admitted to the cheating. This step was taken by the judges to maintain the objectivity, fairness, integrity, and sportsmanship of the competition, so that the achievements truly reflect the participants' abilities," said Dwi, the coordinator of the judges for the economics branch.
In the mathematics competition, violations of test rules were also found. "One participant violated the test rules by bringing and using a cell phone and utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology while working on the questions," said Fajar, the jury coordinator for the mathematics competition.
The Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education, through the National Student Development Center (Puspresnas), emphasized that the success of the National Science Olympiad (OSN) is measured not only by the number of medals won, but also by the quality of the process that led to those achievements. The OSN is not merely a competition to win medals. It is part of a student talent development ecosystem that integrates competence, character, integrity, and opportunities for continuous achievement development. The Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education, through Puspresnas, ensures that achievements resulting from the OSN are achieved through an honest and integrated process.
The Ministry of Education and Culture also appreciates the public's concern for the achievements and character of Indonesia's young generation and their participation in overseeing the implementation of the National Science Olympiad (OSN) at all levels. Intensive governance will continue to be strengthened to identify high-achieving talents across 38 provinces, 514 regencies/cities, and the National Student Association (SILN). The public is also urged to ensure that information regarding the OSN comes from the official and verified communication channel of the National Student Development Center (Puspresnas ): https://pusatprestasinasional.kemendikdasmen.go.id/.
(Author & Documentation: Puspresnas Team/Editor: Rany)
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