UIN Jakarta Student Wins National Essay Competition “My Vision of Golden Indonesia 2045
South Tangerang, UIN News Online — Another proud achievement has been made by a student of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta at the national level. Elsa Balqis Shafira, a student of the Faculty of Dirasat Islamiyah, secured 2nd Place in the National Essay Competition themed “My Vision of Golden Indonesia 2045”, on Tuesday (May 13, 2025).
The competition, organized by Yayasan Bangga (Bangkit Anak Bangsa) in collaboration with the ITB Alumni Association Class of 1993, was held from February 1 to March 15, 2025. It aimed to provide a platform for Indonesia's younger generation to voice ideas and visions about the nation’s future.
Over 350 participants joined the competition, and all essays underwent a strict selection process by a panel of renowned judges in literacy and writing, including Kurnia Effendi, Ahmad Baiquni, and Didik Fotunadi.
Elsa Balqis Shafira stood out with her essay titled “PUSAKA: Literacy Legacy to Welcome the Nation’s Centennial.” Her work emphasized the importance of literacy as a foundation for building a future civilization rooted in local wisdom and national spirit.
Elsa’s achievement reflects UIN Jakarta students’ active contribution in voicing national strategic issues through literacy. She stated that consistent, impactful small steps in society are key to initiating major changes.
“This achievement motivates me to keep moving forward, as I believe great changes always start with small steps done with sincerity and consistency,” said Elsa.
According to UIN News Online, the competition was initiated by Didik Fotunadi, founder of Yayasan Bangga, inspired by his own experience winning an essay competition titled “Korea in My Eyes” in 1998. He hoped to encourage the younger generation to share strategic ideas in building Golden Indonesia 2045.
For your information, here are the winners in the student category:
- 1st Place: Indira Akmalia Hendri (Bandung Institute of Technology)
- 2nd Place: Elsa Balqis Shafira (UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta)
- 3rd Place: Nicky Rotin S. Manullang (DEL Institute of Technology, Medan)
- Honorable Mention: Nicola Ananda (Satya Wacana Christian University, Salatiga)
Photo Documentation:
(Sabila Weliza / Fauziah M. / Noeni Indah S.)