Balikpapan - A total of 43 higher education institutions from across Indonesia are set to compete in the 2026 National Indonesian Flying Robot Contest (Kontes Robot Terbang Indonesia/KRTI). The national competition will take place from September 21–26, 2026, with Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) and Nusantara Capital City (IKN) serving as the host locations.

The finalists were selected following Stage 2 of the KRTI 2026 selection process, consisting of Progress and Regional Assessments, conducted by the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs. The selection results were officially announced through Letter Number 3180/DST/B2/DT.01.02/2026 dated August 20, 2026, regarding the Announcement of Teams Qualified for the 2026 KRTI National Level.

At the national finals, a total of 94 teams will compete across five divisions. The Fixed Wing (FW) division will feature 15 teams, Long Endurance Low Altitude (LELA) 12 teams, Racing Plane (RP) 27 teams, Technology Development (TD) 16 teams, and Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) 24 teams.

The 43 higher education institutions that have successfully secured places in the 2026 KRTI National Finals are:

•  Institut Teknologi Bandung 
•  Institut Teknologi Kalimantan 
•  Institut Teknologi Nasional Yogyakarta 
•  Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember 
•  Institut Teknologi Sumatera 
•  Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya 
•  Politeknik Negeri Bali 
•  Politeknik Negeri Malang 
•  Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Kedirgantaraan 
•  Universitas Ahmad Dahlan 
•  Universitas Airlangga 
•  Universitas Andalas 
•  Universitas Bina Nusantara 
•  Universitas Brawijaya 
•  Universitas Cenderawasih 
•  Universitas Dian Nuswantoro 
•  Universitas Diponegoro 
•  Universitas Dirgantara Marsekal Suryadarma 
•  Universitas Gadjah Mada 
•  Universitas Gunadarma 
•  Universitas Halu Oleo 
•  Universitas Hasanuddin 
•  Universitas Hasyim Asy'ari Tebuireng Jombang 
•  Universitas Islam Indonesia 
•  Universitas Jenderal Soedirman 
•  Universitas Komputer Indonesia 
•  Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto 
•  Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta 
•  Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta 
•  Universitas Negeri Malang 
•  Universitas Negeri Semarang 
•  Universitas Negeri Surabaya 
•  Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta 
•  Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha 
•  Universitas Pertamina 
•  Universitas Riau 
•  Universitas Sebelas Maret 
•  Universitas Sumatera Utara 
•  Universitas Syiah Kuala 
•  Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa 
•  Universitas Telkom 
•  Universitas Teuku Umar 
•  Universitas Udayana 

Each institution on the list has at least one team that qualified in one of the five divisions of the 2026 KRTI National Finals. Several institutions have also successfully secured places in multiple divisions.

As one of the host institutions, Institut Teknologi Kalimantan will not only play a key role in organizing the competition but will also compete in the national finals. ITK’s Pandhega Daksa Team has qualified for the Technology Development (TD) division and will compete against 15 other teams from higher education institutions across Indonesia.

KRTI provides a platform for university students to develop and demonstrate their capabilities in unmanned aerial vehicle technology, robotics, control systems, and other supporting technological innovations. Through the competition, participants are challenged not only to develop aircraft capable of completing designated missions but also to create innovative technological solutions in accordance with the characteristics of each division.

The 2026 KRTI National Finals at ITK and IKN will also provide an important opportunity for East Kalimantan to welcome some of Indonesia’s most talented university students. The gathering of 43 higher education institutions and 94 finalist teams is expected to create not only a competitive atmosphere but also a platform for exchanging knowledge, experiences, and ideas in the advancement of aerospace technology in Indonesia.

The Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs has also encouraged each participating institution to provide the necessary support to ensure that their teams can prepare thoroughly and participate in the competition to the best of their abilities. Further technical information regarding the 2026 KRTI National Finals will be communicated through the organizers’ official channels and participants’ communication groups.

As the competition draws closer, ITK is preparing to welcome participants from across Indonesia to East Kalimantan. See you at the 2026 KRTI National Finals, September 21–26, 2026, at Institut Teknologi Kalimantan and Nusantara Capital City.