Anomalies in 2026 Paskibraka Selection Process: Top Candidate Allegedly Replaced by 'Titipan' Candidate

South Sulawesi, VIVA – The 2026 Paskibraka selection process in South Sulawesi has suddenly drawn public attention. Controversy erupted after a Makassar-based student, reportedly scoring highly, failed to advance to the national round and was replaced by another candidate in the final selection. Allegations of ‘titipan’ candidates and discrimination have since gone viral on social media. Cathlyn Yvaeni Lesmana, a Makassar high school student, became the centre of attention after being listed as a strong national delegation candidate. However, her name was absent from the final list representing South Sulawesi for the central selection round. The controversy intensified after reports emerged of Cathlyn’s high scores in several test stages. According to circulating reports, she achieved a perfect 100 in national awareness tests and 95 in general intelligence assessments. These results have prompted widespread questioning of why she did not advance. Social media users have alleged opaque candidate substitutions. “Poor thing, the top three candidates—what’s the point of rankings if the chosen ones aren’t the top performers?” read a TikTok video caption by @Friska_32, cited by VIVA on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. Several netizens accused the selection process of lacking objectivity and being influenced by specific interests. The ‘titipan’ narrative has gained traction, though no official evidence has yet emerged to substantiate the claims. “If there’s already a ‘titipan’, there’s no need for a selection process as this would harm children’s mental health,” read a netizen’s comment in the post. “I was devastated just for not making it through selection; those who advance due to being replaced can’t even imagine the impact,” added another netizen. Allegations of Discrimination and Racism Emerge. The controversy has grown more sensitive as reports indicate the disqualified candidate was the only ethnic Chinese participant in the provincial selection. Allegations of racial discrimination and covert racism have surfaced. Makassar City DPPI’s official account reportedly posted a statement affirming that all forms of discrimination and racism contradict Pancasila values. Although not naming anyone directly, the post is believed to relate to the ongoing Paskibraka selection controversy.