South Tangerang, September 26, 2026 – When curiosity meets the courage to seek answers, research can be a path for students to understand the problems around them and create solutions. This enthusiasm is fostered in the 2026 Indonesian Student Research Olympiad (OPSI), which provides a space for young Indonesian talent to research, innovate, and build character. This year's OPSI theme is "Young Innovators, Achieving Indonesia."
OPSI is a strategic initiative of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen), through the National Achievement Center (Puspresnas), to foster and develop student talent in research and innovation. Student interest in research is also growing. In 2026, the number of OPSI applicants reached 39,300 students, compared to 26,723 students in 2025.
At the national level, OPSI 2026 featured 125 finalist teams, representing 250 students from 24 provinces and Indonesian Schools Abroad (SILN) in Malaysia. The finalists comprised 60 junior high school (SMP/MTs/equivalent) teams and 65 senior high school (SMA/MA/SMK/MAK/equivalent) teams, competing in various research fields.
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), Abdul Mu'ti, stated that the development of research talent needs to continue after the competition concludes. The government is providing various forms of support, including development funds and assistance for educational institutions, competency development through the Indonesian Talent Development Program (Bina Talenta Indonesia), the Indonesian Talent Scholarship for undergraduate students at home and abroad, and opportunities to pursue achievement pathways for university entrance.
Winners will have the opportunity to participate in the Indonesian Talent Scholarship selection from the Ministry of Education and Culture through the National Achievement Center (Puspresnas) in collaboration with the Education Fund Management Institute (LPDP). This scholarship is specifically designed to provide funding for undergraduate (S1) or applied (D4) education at both domestic and international universities. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to enter higher education through the SNBP (National Selection Based on Achievement) pathway and the achievement pathway, which are independently held by each university in accordance with applicable regulations.
"A medal isn't the end of the journey. Today's achievement is a gateway to future opportunities to learn further, develop talents, gain new experiences, and compete at a higher level. For some talented individuals, this is also an opportunity to bring Indonesia's name to the international stage," said the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education at the opening of the OPSI in South Tangerang on Friday (September 25).
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education advised all OPSI participants to view the research experience as part of the character-building process. "Treat OPSI not only as an opportunity to achieve, but also as a space to build character. Character is the foundation of every achievement," said Abdul Mu'ti.
On the same occasion, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Suharti, said, "OPSI provides space for students to develop curiosity, think critically and systematically, analyze problems based on data, build ideas, and produce works and solutions that are creative, innovative, and beneficial to life."
The entire OPSI 2026 series of activities includes outreach, a work exhibition, presentations and interviews, and a Research Idea Challenge. The finalists also receive leadership development through strengthening six competencies: Critical Thinking , Communication , Collaboration , Character , Creativity , and Citizenship .
To support research practices, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is also developing talent development through collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the National Agency for Research and Innovation (BRIN) in the implementation/development of OPSI (Student-Based Research) programs. These include strengthening research methodology, understanding basic research principles in accordance with scientific principles, and ensuring ethical clearance through online learning. (Author: Denty / Editor: Destian, Seno / Photographer: Morecka)
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