Malang, East Java, September 20, 2026 – The 2026 National Science Olympiad (OSN) for Secondary Education was officially closed by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), Abdul Mu'ti, at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), Malang City, East Java, Saturday (19/9). A total of 566 science talents from various regions in Indonesia participated in the competition in nine branches of the event, namely astronomy, biology, economics, physics, geography, informatics, earth science, chemistry, and mathematics.
Of the 566 finalists, 45 participants won gold medals, 90 participants won silver medals, and 135 participants won bronze medals. Meanwhile, in the Artificial Intelligence Competition Exhibition (EKKA), 2 participants won gold medals, 4 participants won silver medals, and 6 participants won bronze medals through Universal Participation, a collaboration between the National Achievement Center (Puspresnas) with Cakrawala University and Casio. In the 2026 OSN medal tally, DKI Jakarta became the overall champion with 82 medals, consisting of 21 gold medals, 26 silver medals, and 35 bronze medals.
In his remarks, Minister Abdul Mu'ti stated that the National Science Olympiad (OSN) is not merely a platform for winning medals, but also a platform for discovering, guiding, and developing the academic potential of Indonesia's young generation. He stated that all participants who successfully reach the national level are talented individuals who have gone through a selection process and possess the potential to be further developed.
"Continue studying to achieve your dreams and continue studying so that you can become Indonesian scientists, Indonesian scientists with Pancasila personalities and noble morals, and who will lead the Indonesian nation to progress and glory through the scientific and technological advancements you develop," said the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education.
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education explained that the development of science and technology must remain rooted in Indonesia's natural, social, and cultural potential. Therefore, young Indonesian scientists are expected not only to master technological developments, including artificial intelligence, but also to possess the values, morality, integrity, and character of the Indonesian nation.
"We hope this event can motivate our children to study harder and develop themselves as young Indonesian scientists who are able to apply theory and explore the various riches we possess, including natural resources, biological resources, plant resources, and socio-cultural resources, all of which can become formal and material objects for the development of science," explained the Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education.
The Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education also explained that potential development is cumulative and requires continued experience, learning, and the courage to keep trying. Participants are expected to have a growth mindset, be optimistic about the future, and persevere in their quest for improvement.
"We encourage our children to develop the science that we possess as a nation, so that it can become an added value that makes our natural resources even more beneficial thanks to the scientific and technological advancements that can be initiated through this National Science Olympiad (OSN) event," said the Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Meanwhile, Maria Veronica Irene, Head of the National Achievement Center (Puspresnas), stated that the 2026 OSN saw a more than 12 percent increase in participants compared to the previous year. In addition to competitions in nine disciplines, the series of activities also included the Collaborative Indonesian Talent Development Program and an artificial intelligence competition exhibition.
This series of activities provides participants with the experience of not only competing individually but also collaborating across fields. This provides them with various opportunities for further development, from talent development to the opportunity to participate in international selection events.
"For appreciation, we offer coaching money, opportunities to compete in international competitions through training at the National Training Center (Pelatnas), talent development, scholarships, and the potential for university admission through the achievement pathway. All of this is provided by the Ministry of Education and Culture to support talent development in Indonesia," said Irene.
Furthermore, Muhammad Salis, Vice Rector 4 of the University of Muhammadiyah Malang, stated that the National Science Olympiad (OSN) provides a space for young talents to actualize themselves, build networks, and motivate each other to grow. He stated that the OSN also demonstrates a focus on innovation and the development of young talent.
"Competition isn't really about winning or losing, but about how we enjoy self-actualization and how we enjoy new networks," Salis explained.
In addition to medals, the 2026 National Science Olympiad (OSN) medalists will receive development funds and the opportunity to participate in talent development and selection for various international events. Gold medalists will receive development funds of Rp 25 million, silver medalists Rp 20 million, and bronze medalists Rp 15 million. These opportunities are part of the Ministry of Education and Culture's (Kemendikbud) effort to ensure that achievements in the OSN can serve as the first step in the sustainable development of Indonesian science talent.*** (Author & Documentation: Puspresnas Team/Editor: Destian)
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