Depok, July 16, 2026 – Lecturer from the Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), Dr. Budhy Kurniawan R., M.Si., has once again guided the Indonesian Physics Olympiad Team to achieve international recognition. As one of the leader, Dr. Budhy accompanied the national team, which successfully brought home one gold medal, two silver medals, and two bronze medals at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026, held in Bucaramanga, Colombia, from July 4–12, 2026. This achievement marked an improvement compared to Indonesia’s performance at the 2025 IPhO in Paris, where the team secured three bronze medals and two Honorable Mention.
IPhO 2026 marked the fifth time Dr. Budhy had been entrusted as leader The trust placed in him reflects the contribution of an FMIPA UI lecturer in nurturing Indonesia’s young talents in physics while supporting the nation’s achievements in international science competitions.
Prior to the team’s departure for Colombia, Dr. Budhy was also involved in providing intensive training for the participants. The training was conducted in three stages, consisting of two training sessions, each lasting ten days, followed by try out for two days to further refine their theoretical knowledge, experimental skills, and readiness to compete.
During their time in Colombia, Dr. Budhy, together with Dr. Getbogi Hikmawan, M.Si., from Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), accompanied the Indonesian team throughout the competition, from the implementation of the experimental and theoretical tests, participating in the moderation process of assessment results with the international jury panel, to attending meetings International Board that determined the medal thresholds.
The role of a leader on International Physics Olympiad is not only to accompany participants throughout the competition but also to ensure that the assessment process is conducted objectively through moderation sessions with the international organizers. Dr. Budhy’s experience and expertise in physics olympiad coaching have been important factors in supporting the readiness of the Indonesian team to compete with 381 participants from 93 countries, comprising 87 participating countries and six observer countries.
“As leaders, our role is not only to accompany students during the competition but also to ensure that the assessment process is conducted fairly through moderation sessions with the international jury. On the other hand, we also provide support to help participants remain focused and confident throughout the competition,” said Dr. Budhy.
This year, the Indonesian team was represented by five outstanding students who qualified through the tiered selection process of the National Science Olympiad (OSN) at the regency/city, provincial, and national levels. From the 30 top national participants who took part in the training program, the selection process narrowed the group down to 10 students, before finally selecting the five students who represented Indonesia at IPhO 2026.
The five medals for Indonesia were secured by Evan Syatia To (gold medal, SMA BPK Penabur Gading Serpong, Tangerang, Banten), Ackhava Adam Malonda (silver medal, SMA Wardaya, DKI Jakarta), Gusti Komang Abhika Atmaja (silver medal, SMA Kesatuan Bangsa, Yogyakarta), Arrow Dunatos Pascha Kristian (bronze medal, SMA Negeri Unggulan MH Thamrin, DKI Jakarta), and Juan Richie (bronze medal, SMA Kristen Immanuel, Pontianak, West Kalimantan).
“Alhamdulillah, this year’s achievement improved thanks to the rigorous selection process and intensive training undertaken by the students before departing for Colombia,” said Dr. Budhy.
In addition to tackling internationally standardized physics problems, the participants also had to adapt to the 12-hour time difference between Indonesia and Colombia. The examinations were held from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Colombia time, equivalent to 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB). Nevertheless, the participants were able to adapt quickly and overcome jet lag and perform optimally during the examinations.
“We hope this achievement can inspire more Indonesian students to pursue physics. The involvement of FMIPA UI lecturers in olympiad training also represents a tangible contribution from higher education institutions in preparing Indonesia’s scientific talents to compete at the international level,” said Dr. Budhy.
The achievement not only brings pride to Indonesia but also highlights FMIPA UI’s role in supporting the development of the younger generation in science. Through the involvement of its lecturers in international competitions, FMIPA UI continues to contribute to nurturing outstanding talents who are expected to strengthen Indonesia’s competitiveness in science and technology.
