The Innovative Social Ideas Competition (KGSI) themed “Empowering Education in the Digital Era” will feature Najwa Shihab, Rod Brazier, and Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Z. Hasibuan as judges. The event, organized through a collaboration between Universitas Sumatera Utara, Narasi, and the Australian Embassy Indonesia, will be held at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) USU on Wednesday (13/5/2026).
 
The competition encourages university students in Medan to think critically, creatively, and collaboratively in developing innovative ideas that create positive social and environmental impact. KGSI is also expected to become a collaborative movement that inspires and empowers the younger generation.
 
The three judges were selected for their strong track records and consistent contributions, making them influential role models for young people.
 
Sibmission link : https://bit.ly/KGSIMedan2026

The Innovative Social Ideas Competition (KGSI) themed “Empowering Education in the Digital Era” will feature Najwa Shihab, Rod Brazier, and Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Z. Hasibuan as judges. The event, organized through a collaboration between Universitas Sumatera Utara, Narasi, and the Australian Embassy Indonesia, will be held at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB)

KGSI Brings Together Najwa Shihab, Australian Ambassador, and Prof. Poppy

Universitas

Raisha Andini

JAKARTA – HUMAS USU: After a series of extensive and comprehensive socialization activities, the 2026 Joint Selection for Admission to State Universities in the Western Region (SMMPTN-Barat) was officially launched through a grand launching event held at Hotel Grand Sahid Jaya Jakarta on Monday (11/05/2026). Previously, the online registration process had already opened on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 4:00 PM WIB through the official registration website at pendaftaran.smmptnbarat.id.&nbsp;The announcement was published through a press release issued by the Joint Committee for New Student Admissions through the Independent Selection Pathway of the Western Region State Universities Cooperation Agency Consortium (BKS-PTN Barat), signed by the Coordinator of the Socialization and Promotion Division of SMMPTN-Barat 2026, Ahmad Bahrudin.<img src="https://konten.usu.ac.id/storage/year/2026-05/posts/62601/1778551549544-e9622d3c-4caa-4140-8e85-fc3fa91ee1df_1.webp">&nbsp;In 2026, SMMPTN-Barat is participated in by 27 state universities across Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Western Java. Since its first implementation in 2017, SMMPTN-Barat has been recognized as one of the best joint admission models in Indonesia for its professional, credible, and inclusive selection system.&nbsp;The Grand Launching of SMMPTN-Barat 2026 was also attended by the Inspector General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Nur Syarifah, S.H., LL.M., and the Director General of Higher Education of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Khairul Munadi.&nbsp;Chairman of SMMPTN-Barat 2026, Prof. Ibrahim, stated that this year marks the ninth implementation of SMMPTN-Barat and that the program is conducted based on the Regulation of the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Number 3 of 2026 concerning New Student Admissions for Diploma and Undergraduate Programs at State Universities.&nbsp;“With a strong regulatory foundation, SMMPTN-Barat has proven to be a professional, efficient, effective, transparent, and accountable selection model. The examination assessment system uses Computer-Assisted Test (CAT) and is supervised by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK),” said Prof. Ibrahim, who also serves as the Rector of Universitas Bangka Belitung.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Chairman of BKS-PTN Barat, Prof. Salampak, explained that 27 state universities within the BKS-PTN Barat consortium are participating in the 2026 SMMPTN-Barat:&nbsp;&nbsp;<ol style="list-style-type:decimal;margin-top:0cm;" start="1" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Universitas Syiah Kuala&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Universitas Malikussaleh&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Universitas Teuku Umar&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Universitas Samudra&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Institut Seni Budaya Indonesia Aceh&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Universitas Riau&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Universitas Jambi&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Universitas Bengkulu&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Universitas Andalas&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Institut Seni Indonesia Padangpanjang&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Universitas Maritim Raja Ali Haji&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Universitas Bangka Belitung&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Institut Teknologi Sumatera&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">UIN Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">UIN Mahmud Yunus Batusangkar&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Universitas Sumatera Utara&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">UIN Syekh Ali Hasan Ahmad Addary&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Universitas Lampung&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Universitas Sriwijaya&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">UIN Imam Bonjol Padang&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Universitas Siliwangi&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Institut Seni Budaya Indonesia Bandung&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Universitas Palangka Raya&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Universitas Tanjungpura&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ol>The Grand Launching served as the official socialization event following the Soft Launching conducted by the SMMPTN-Barat Committee on May 4, 2026, coinciding with the opening of online registration, which will continue until June 11, 2026.&nbsp;As an independent admission pathway, SMMPTN-Barat aims to provide broader opportunities for prospective students who were not admitted through the National Selection Based on Achievement (SNBP) or National Selection Based on Test (SNBT), including students who do not yet have an SNPMB account. Through this pathway, prospective students still have the opportunity to pursue higher education at universities within the BKS-PTN Barat Consortium.&nbsp;The 2026 SMMPTN-Barat Computer-Based Written Examination (UTBK) consists of two main components: the Scholastic Potential Test (TPS) and the Literacy Test. TPS materials include General Reasoning, General Knowledge and Understanding, Reading and Writing Comprehension, and Quantitative Knowledge. Meanwhile, the Literacy Test includes Indonesian Literacy, English Literacy, and Mathematical Reasoning.&nbsp;As participating institutions include public, arts, and religious universities, participants are given the flexibility to choose study programs according to their interests and potential. Participants are also allowed to combine science and technology (saintek) and social sciences and humanities (soshum) study programs. In total, 1,013 study programs are offered with an admission quota of 20,035 prospective students from the 27 participating universities.&nbsp;The registration fee for SMMPTN-Barat 2026 is set at Rp375,000, the same as the previous year. Each participant may choose two study programs, and university choices do not have to match the location where the participant takes the UTBK. The order of study program choices will determine selection priority.&nbsp;Payment can be made through five partner banks: Bank Mandiri, BNI, BSI, BTN, and BRI. Registration is conducted through the website pendaftaran.smmptnbarat.id to obtain a payment ID and PIN. Payments can then be made via bank tellers, ATMs, or digital platforms such as Tokopedia.&nbsp;The Grand Launching of SMMPTN-Barat 2026 was held in a hybrid format, both offline and online, involving leaders of universities within the BKS-PTN Barat consortium. Further information and updates regarding SMMPTN-Barat 2026 can be accessed through the official website smmptnbarat.id and the official communication channels of HUMAS SMMPTN-Barat 2026.&nbsp;Bottom o

JAKARTA – HUMAS USU: After a series of extensive and comprehensive socialization activities, the 2026 Joint Selection for Admission to State Universities in the Western Region (SMMPTN-Barat) was officially launched through a grand launching event held at Hotel Grand Sahid Jaya Jakarta on Monday (11/05/2026). Previously, the online registration process had already opened on Monday,

BKS-PTN Barat Consortium Officially Launches the 2026 SMM PTN Barat Program

HUMAS USU – Selvyana Angel Br. Hombing, a student of the English Literature Program at Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), won the Bronze Medal at the Pekan Essay Nasional (PENA) 2 competition held in collaboration with Universitas Dhyana Pura (UNDHIRA) on May 2–3, 2026, in Bali.&nbsp;The competition carried the theme “Innovation and Real Action of the Young Generation in Building Golden Indonesia 2045,” featuring several subthemes including Agriculture, Education, Food, Environment, and others. The event was participated in by 1,195 participants grouped into 378 teams from various regions across Indonesia, presenting diverse ideas and creative solutions through essay works.&nbsp;Selvyana competed in the Education subtheme by introducing an innovation called Jalur Nyata. The program is designed to assist high school graduates in determining their future direction. Through Jalur Nyata, students are offered a solution in the form of a program combining education, mentoring, and direct experience, enabling participants not only to receive information but also structured guidance.&nbsp;“I chose this topic because I see that many high school graduates still experience confusion after graduation, whether in choosing further education or entering the workforce,” she explained.<figure class="image"><img src="https://konten.usu.ac.id/storage/year/2026-05/posts/62552/Pena Competition.jpg"></figure>The essay discussed the background of the issue, problem formulation, objectives and benefits of the program, as well as the potential impact of the innovation on society and education.&nbsp;Selvyana described the competition as a valuable experience that allowed her to explore her potential while developing critical thinking skills, expressing ideas through writing, and learning how to present ideas in an engaging and meaningful way.&nbsp;“I chose essay competitions because they align with the skills we often learn in the English Literature program, especially in writing,” she said.

HUMAS USU – Selvyana Angel Br. Hombing, a student of the English Literature Program at Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), won the Bronze Medal at the Pekan Essay Nasional (PENA) 2 competition held in collaboration with Universitas Dhyana Pura (UNDHIRA) on May 2–3, 2026, in Bali.&nbsp;The competition carried the theme “Innovation and Real Action of the

USU Student Wins National Essay Competition in Bali

Amid intense preparations for the Asian karate stage, a sense of relief finally appeared on the face of Leica Al Humaira Lubis. The student of the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology at Universitas Sumatera Utara (Fasilkom-TI USU) achieved another remarkable milestone by winning a gold medal at the 2026 National Karate Championship for the FORKI Chairman’s Cup IV, held in Bandung from May 9–12, 2026. This marked her third gold medal following her victories at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand and the 2024 Aceh–North Sumatra National Sports Week (PON XXI). <img src="https://konten.usu.ac.id/storage/year/2026-05/posts/62604/8.1.webp"> Competing in the prestigious Senior Women’s Kumite +68 Kg category, Leica delivered an impressive performance from the early rounds. The athlete trained under Indonesia’s National Karate Training Center successfully broke through the dominance of her rivals before eventually facing Jakarta karateka Salma Aulia in the final match. In a high-intensity bout, Leica secured victory with a convincing score of 6–3. For Leica, this gold medal was more than just another victory. It represented a long journey filled with setbacks and hard work that finally paid off. “This is an important moment because this is my first gold medal at the National Championship. In the previous two championships in West Sumatra and Banten, I won silver medals,” Leica said happily after the medal ceremony. The achievement became a significant milestone in her career as a national karate athlete. Especially after failing to secure a bronze medal at the 2025 Asian Karate Federation (AKF) Championship, the National Championship gold medal now serves as a major confidence boost ahead of the upcoming AKF competition in June. “This is an important stepping stone toward the Asian level,” she said.
Leica’s success did not come instantly. The daughter of Andi Lubis and Maya Junifrianti first became acquainted with karate at the age of 10. She trained at Dojo INKANAS Sei Deli and quickly fell in love with the martial art because, according to her, karate develops not only physical strength but also mental resilience. Although she once stopped training for a period, Leica returned to karate at the age of 11 and has remained fully committed ever since. <img src="https://konten.usu.ac.id/storage/year/2026-05/posts/62604/8.2.webp"> Behind her determination stands a figure she greatly admires: Sensei Jintar, the coach who has guided her since childhood. He played a major role in shaping Leica’s character and competitive mentality, enabling her to grow into a national athlete. Leica’s journey to success was not always smooth. She once experienced a bitter disappointment after failing at the 2022 Regional Sports Week (Porprov), which served as a qualification event for the National Sports Week (PON). However, the setback did not stop her. “Alhamdulillah, afterward I was called to the North Sumatra PON team selection and succeeded,” she recalled. A never-give-up attitude has become Leica’s life principle. She firmly holds onto the motto: “Train as if you have never won, and compete as if you have never lost.” That philosophy is reflected in her daily life as an athlete. Before competitions, Leica prepares herself with strict discipline, from praying to studying videos of her future opponents’ techniques. In her everyday life, the 172-centimeter-tall athlete, weighing 66 kilograms, also maintains a healthy lifestyle by consuming nutritious, controlled meals and ensuring adequate rest.
 Interestingly, despite her achievements as a national athlete, Leica chose to pursue academics in information technology rather than sports studies. She jokingly admitted that she stayed in the field because she had “already entered Fasilkom USU.” Outside the competition arena, Leica has a calm personality. She enjoys reading and listening to rock music. Although many of her friends consider her quiet, Leica explained that she is actually just shy and hesitant to talk too much. “My friends say I’m quiet. But actually, I’m just shy and reluctant to talk a lot,” she said with a smile. Behind her calm demeanor lies a big dream she continues to pursue. In addition to aspiring to become a web developer, Leica also has a simple yet meaningful ambition: to travel around the world through karate. Her gold medal victory at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand remains one of the proudest moments of her life. As a debut athlete, she successfully contributed a gold medal for Indonesia at Southeast Asia’s biggest multi-sport event. “I felt happy and emotional because as a debutant I could present a gold medal for Indonesia,” she said. Now, after the 2026 FORKI National Championship, Leica must once again focus on national training camp preparations in Jakarta. Major events await her ahead: AKF 2026 and her main target of making Indonesia’s National Team for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, this coming September. Amid this long journey, Leica has a simple message for young people of her generation: “Never give up on achieving your dreams, because God will work in His own way,” Leica said confidently. Those words feel like more than mere motivation; they are a true reflection of Leica’s own life journey — a Fasilkom USU student who has proven that perseverance, discipline, and the courage to rise after failure can lead someone to stand on the highest podium.
 Congratulations and continued success, Leica Lubis! (RJ)

Amid intense preparations for the Asian karate stage, a sense of relief finally appeared on the face of Leica Al Humaira Lubis. The student of the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology at Universitas Sumatera Utara (Fasilkom-TI USU) achieved another remarkable milestone by winning a gold medal at the 2026 National Karate Championship for

KGSI Brings Together Najwa Shihab, Australian Ambassador, and Prof. Poppy

KGSI Brings Together Najwa Shihab, Australian Ambassador, and Prof. Poppy

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