Mathematics Competition Sharpens Logic and Critical Thinking
TANGERANG — A mathematics competition spanning different educational levels offers a way to sharpen logical and critical thinking, as well as problem-solving skills. These abilities were put to the test at The Genius Math League 2026, which brought together participants of different ages and educational backgrounds and offered total prizes of up to Rp1 billion.
The competition, organised by TechConnect, reached its final round at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) BSD in Tangerang on Friday (23 October 2026). Unlike competitions restricted by educational level, the event allowed participants from different levels to compete in individual and team categories.
The Genius Math League 2026 was designed to test participants’ ability to process information, recognise patterns, choose strategies and solve mathematical problems. In addition to answering accurately, competitors had to think quickly and maintain their concentration under time constraints.
In the Individual Championship, participants faced three rounds: The Immortal Seven, The Genius Grid and The Final Countdown. The rounds tested accuracy, speed of thought and the ability to choose an appropriate approach to solving problems.
The Team Championship comprised three rounds: Trinity Rush, The Codebreakers and The Crown Clash. In this category, mathematical ability was combined with teamwork, communication and decision-making.
The competition presented mathematics not merely as a calculation skill, but also as a way to develop structured thinking. Information analysis, pattern recognition and problem-solving were among the skills tested throughout the contest.
In the individual category, Kent Marcello Cendekia of SMP Kesatuan Bangsa Yogyakarta took first place. Lim, Jovan Valencio of SMA Karangturi Semarang came second, while Harrison Matthew Tanuwijaya of SMAK 3 Penabur Jakarta finished third.
Kent said the competition offered a different experience because participants had to combine quick thinking with accuracy. He said the challenges in each round encouraged competitors to continue developing their mathematical abilities.
“I think the rounds in The Genius Math League 2026 were very interesting because they offered different challenges. We had to think quickly while still being careful when solving the questions,” Kent said, according to a press release on Tuesday (27 October 2026).
In the team category, Regional Semarang took first place. The team comprised Steven Endrajaya of SMP RUSHD Semarang, Lim, Jovan Valencio of SMA Karangturi Semarang, and Nada Jenna Sasmaya of SMP Semesta Bilingual Boarding School Semarang.
Regional Tangerang, comprising Harrison Matthew Tanuwijaya of SMAK 3 Penabur Jakarta, Michael Magica Ang of SMAK BPK Penabur Bandar Lampung, and Mikhael Francis Wisanggeni of Sekolah Dian Harapan Global Bintaro, came second. Regional Yogyakarta placed third, represented by Radam Gumelar of Universitas Airlangga, Kent Marcello Cendekia of SMP Kesatuan Bangsa Yogyakarta, and Alvaro Allinson Kristanto of SD Kanisius Keprabon 02 Surakarta.
Alongside the individual and team winners, the organisers presented participants’ choice awards. Peter Euan Ridjab of SMP Kolese Kanisius Bandung was named Favourite Individual.
The Favourite Team award went to Regional Surabaya, comprising Mohammad Rozi Badrus of UIN Malang, Geofrey Alexander Chandra of SMP Kristen Petra 3, and Ethan Mark Jusuf of SD KR Elyon. The awards were presented as part of the prize-giving ceremony.
Henny, the mother of Harrison Matthew Tanuwijaya, said she was grateful for her son’s achievement. She hoped the participants’ success would motivate Indonesian children to keep learning by making use of easier access to information and technology.
“I am very happy and grateful for Harrison’s achievement. I also hope Indonesian children will keep striving to move forward. Although there may be limitations, information and textbooks are now easy to access. By making use of technology such as the internet, if you have the will, there is a way. I hope you can succeed like Harrison,” Henny said.
As well as the competition, the organisers held a Math & Greet session, giving participants and visitors the opportunity to interact with the finalists. The programme concluded with a Math Awarding Session to present prizes to the winners.
Through the competition, TechConnect aims to create opportunities for participants at different educational levels to develop their mathematical abilities. The event is also intended to encourage enthusiasm for learning and strengthen analytical thinking skills relevant to technological developments.