Balikpapan - Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) has once again selected its top students through the 2026 Outstanding Student Selection (PILMAPRES). Out of a total of six applicants, following the administrative selection stage, three students have successfully advanced to the next round.

The three finalists are:

• Marles Paelongan (Chemical Engineering – FRTI) 
• Angelika Putri Fadilla (Physics – FSTI) 
• Ahmad Ihwan Nor Ifandi (Civil Engineering – FPB) 

PILMAPRES serves as a strategic platform to identify students who not only excel academically but also demonstrate strong achievements, leadership, and meaningful contributions to society.

From National to International Achievements

The three finalists showcase diverse and competitive accomplishments across various fields.

Marles Paelongan, a 6th-semester Chemical Engineering student with a GPA of 3.51, has earned several academic achievements, including:

•  1st Place in the National Calculus Competition (UHO) 
•  2nd Place in multiple national essay competitions 
•  Bronze Medal in a national mathematics competition 
•  Top 10 Finalist in a national Idea Pitch Competition 
•  Contributor to an Organic Chemistry practicum module with intellectual property rights (IPR) 

He is also actively involved as Vice Head of the Scientific Division of HIMATEKKIM ITK and a national volunteer mathematics tutor.

Meanwhile, Angelika Putri Fadilla, a 4th-semester Physics student with a GPA of 3.04, demonstrates a strong blend of academic excellence and global exposure, including:

•  Finalist at the international International Student Summit (ISS) 2026
•  1st Place in a national geophysics essay competition 
•  Awardee of the Pertamina Foundation Scholarship 
•  Participant in an exchange student program at Universitas Brawijaya 
•  Author of a scientific article in a national journal 

She is also active in social and environmental initiatives, serving as a Project Officer for a mangrove program and contributing to youth community movements in Balikpapan.

On the other hand, Ahmad Ihwan Nor Ifandi, a 4th-semester Civil Engineering student with a GPA of 3.19, stands out in leadership and social contributions, with achievements such as:

•  Awardee of the Indonesian Government’s Beasiswa Unggulan
•  Delegate of Digital Future Leaders by UNDP Indonesia 
•  1st and 2nd Place winner in various national essay competitions 
•  3rd Place in a water resources infrastructure idea competition 
•  Finalist in the international International Student Summit

He is also actively engaged as a leader in environmental social initiatives, as well as in campus organizations and community education movements.

More Than Just Achievements

PILMAPRES is not merely about a list of accolades, but about how students create meaningful impact through their knowledge and capabilities.

These three finalists represent ITK students who are not only academically competent, but also adaptive, innovative, and capable of contributing to challenges at both local and global levels.

The next stage will determine who will represent ITK at a higher level. However, one thing is certain: all three have proven that every process is not just a journey, but a meaningful story toward greater impact.

ITK Impactful  from campus, for the future.