IKN – A long journey from Papua has brought the Delta Theta Team from Cenderawasih University to the Final of the 2026 Indonesian Flying Robot Contest (KRTI) in Nusantara Capital City (IKN). For the team, this achievement is more than just taking part in a competition. It is also an opportunity to bring the work and spirit of students from eastern Indonesia to the national stage.

Delta Theta consists of three Physics students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Cenderawasih University: Dzaki Zeidan Febrian as team leader, along with Ronias Busub and Lingga Mohamad Fajar.

At KRTI 2026, the team presented an ornithopter-type unmanned aerial vehicle inspired by the flight mechanism of insects. The aircraft uses a carbon rod structure and a flapping-wing propulsion system. The team also developed a lift calculator and an ornithopter simulator to support the analysis and refinement of their design.

The road to the final was far from easy. Delta Theta had to repeatedly adjust the aircraft’s weight, structural strength, wing shape, and flapping mechanism to achieve optimal lift. Each test became an opportunity to identify weaknesses and improve the prototype.

“Because an ornithopter relies heavily on the balance between its structure, wings, and flapping mechanism, we had to continuously evaluate and improve the prototype. Through this process, we learned the importance of precision, patience, and the willingness to keep trying,” the team said.

From concept development and physics calculations to prototype construction, testing, evaluation, and refinement, every stage was carried out step by step before they finally secured a place in the final. For the three students, being able to bring a project developed in Papua to a national-level competition has been a deeply meaningful experience.

Meeting students from various regions across Indonesia has also become one of the most memorable parts of their journey. They were able to see different innovations, exchange experiences, and gain new insights from diverse approaches to technology development.

For Delta Theta, competing at KRTI 2026 is both a source of pride and a responsibility, as they carry the name of Cenderawasih University and Papua onto the national stage. They hope their journey can inspire more students in Papua to confidently develop ideas and bring their innovations to national competitions.

From Papua to IKN, Delta Theta carries more than an ornithopter. Their journey delivers a message that distance should never become a barrier to innovation. With perseverance and the courage to keep trying, ideas from eastern Indonesia can also spread their wings on the national stage.