Higher Education Ministry introduces disability category for 2026 Outstanding Student Selection

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) is promoting inclusivity in the 2026 National Outstanding Student Selection (Pilmapres) by opening a special category for students with disabilities.

“This year’s Pilmapres is a significant moment because, for the first time, it features a category for Outstanding Students with Disabilities. We want to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to demonstrate their best potential,” said Sukino, Coordinator of Student Affairs at the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs, Kemdiktisaintek, in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.

Sukino stated that Pilmapres is an important instrument for nurturing the talents of Indonesian students. According to him, the event not only selects the best students but also builds leadership character, creativity, innovative thinking skills, integrity, and a spirit of making real contributions to society.

Pilmapres is a strategic programme by Kemdiktisaintek to foster Indonesian students who excel both academically and non-academically. The 2026 National Pilmapres is being contested by 54 finalists from 31 universities across Indonesia. The finalists consist of 19 undergraduate students, 19 diploma students, and 16 students in the Outstanding Students with Disabilities category, who passed a tiered selection process from the university level, through the Higher Education Service Institutions (LLDikti), to the initial national selection organised by Kemdiktisaintek.

The diploma programme assessment includes presentations of innovative products, outstanding achievements, and English communication skills. Meanwhile, the Outstanding Students with Disabilities category is assessed through outstanding achievements, creative ideas or innovations, presentations, and interviews tailored to the competition’s characteristics. Through this series of assessments, the finalists are expected to demonstrate leadership, innovation, communication skills, and tangible contributions to society.