Balikpapan - Failing to pass SNBP, taking a gap year, and studying consistently since Grade 10 were all part of the journeys of three new Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) students who achieved the institution’s highest UTBK scores in the 2026 admissions cycle.

They are Besty Desy Saputri Dewi from Chemical Engineering with an average score of 661.78, Faiz Sulaiman from Electrical Engineering with 655.87, and Sidney Xylon Richard Leatemia from Electrical Engineering with 654.88.

After Missing Out on SNBP, Besty Enters Her Dream Program

Besty, a graduate of SMAN 6 Balikpapan, was previously unsuccessful in the SNBP pathway, where she had applied to Pharmacy. Instead of remaining disappointed, she immediately joined an intensive tutoring program and began preparing for the UTBK.

After discussing her options with her parents, Besty chose Chemical Engineering at ITK as her first choice in SNBT. Her hard work paid off. She earned a total score of 5,294.24, the highest among ITK’s incoming students in 2026, and was accepted into the study program she truly wanted.

“My greatest motivation was to make my parents proud and prove that I could compete through the test-based pathway,” Besty said.

Faiz Bounces Back After a Gap Year

Second place was achieved by Faiz Sulaiman, a graduate of SMAN 5 Balikpapan. Faiz recorded a total score of 5,246.93 and was accepted into ITK’s Electrical Engineering Study Program.

He had taken a gap year and felt disappointed after failing to secure a place in his first-choice program. However, Faiz recovered from the setback and is now grateful to continue his education in a field that still aligns with his interests.

Faiz hopes to remain active in both academic and organizational activities and aims to graduate with honors.

Sidney’s Consistent Preparation Since Grade 10

Sidney Xylon Richard Leatemia, a graduate of SMAN 4 Samarinda, ranked third with a total score of 5,239.02.

Sidney had been preparing for the UTBK since Grade 10. Although Electrical Engineering at ITK was his second choice, the program remained one of his preferred fields because of its strong connection to today’s technological innovations. He was also impressed by ITK’s spacious campus and facilities, which exceeded his expectations.

The stories of Besty, Faiz, and Sidney show that the path to university is not always smooth. Failure, waiting, and a long preparation process can instead become the starting point for recovery and achievement.