Balikpapan, 15 November 2025 — The Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK), through the Academic Support Unit for Languages (UPA Bahasa), successfully held the National Essay Writing Competition and Public Speaking Seminar 2025 in a hybrid format at the ITK Auditorium, Building A. The event attracted 210 participants from various regions across Indonesia, joining both onsite and online.

With the theme “Embracing Global Communication through Language and Technology,” the competition was designed to enhance students’ academic essay-writing skills in English while strengthening their confidence in public speaking.

 Essay Presentations and Public Speaking Seminar 

The event began with opening remarks from the UPA Bahasa committee. Finalists then presented their Speech Essay Presentations, delivering critical ideas on the role of language and technology in shaping global communication.

Participants showcased strong enthusiasm through innovative, well-structured, and relevant ideas aligned with the dynamics of the digital era.

 Winners of the National Essay Writing Competition 2025 

After a rigorous evaluation process, the judges announced the following winners:

Main Winners

• 1st Place: Gastin Gabriel Jangkang – Universitas Lambung Mangkurat
• 2nd Place: Pualam Abadi Nusantara – Universitas Gadjah Mada
• 3rd Place: M Jodi Septian Wahyudianto – Universitas KH. Abdul Chalim

Runner-Ups

• 4th Place: Essie Dhiya Zhafira – UPN “Veteran” Yogyakarta
• 5th Place: Mery Ardiyani – Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang
• 6th Place: Sabrina Salsabila – UIN Sumatera Utara

ITK extends its appreciation to all participants for their creativity, dedication, and fresh insights on global communication issues.

 Appreciation for Judges and Speakers 

The success of this event was also supported by esteemed judges and speakers who provided objective assessments and valuable perspectives on academic writing and public speaking:

• Riki Herliansyah, S.Si., M.Stats., Ph.D.
• Pipit Andriani, S.Pd., S.S., M.H. (Intercultural School Surabaya)
• Joseph Benedict Pace, English Language Teacher (Lower Secondary, AS Level EGP & Humanities)

They evaluated participants based on content quality, argumentation, language accuracy, essay structure, and communication skills during presentations.

Encouraging Young Indonesians to Communicate on a Global Stage

Through this competition, UPA Bahasa ITK hopes that students across Indonesia continu

to sharpen their English writing and speaking competencies—skills essential for facing global challenges.“We hope this event becomes a platform that fosters courage, creativity, and strong communication skills among young Indonesians in the era of technology,” said a representative of UPA Bahasa ITK.

This event reaffirms ITK’s commitment to supporting the development of students’ soft skills and strengthening its role in nurturing a generation that is articulate, critical, and innovative.