After a week-long event, the National University Debating Championship (NUDC) reached its conclusion. Universitas Terbuka (UT), in collaboration with the Indonesian Talent Development Center (BPTI) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, successfully hosted the NUDC at Universitas Terbuka Convention Center (UTCC) in Tangerang Selatan. The championship spanned from Monday, May 27, 2024, to June 1, 2024. UT students served as the Organizing Committee (OC), Liaison Officers (LO), and Chairpersons, along with faculty and staff from various units at UT. 

The NUDC 2024 was participated by 112 top teams from universities across Indonesia. After several rounds of competition, from pre-eliminary to the final round, the event officially concluded on the evening of Saturday, June 1, 2024, at UTCC. The closing ceremony was accompanied by an Awarding Ceremony for the NUDC 2024 winners and was a grand celebration. 

The closing and awarding ceremony was attended by Tatang Muttaqin, S.Sos., M.Ed., Ph.D., Special Staff for Talent Management from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology; Dr. Maria Veronica Irene Herdjiono, M.Si., Head of the National Achievement Center (PUSPRESNAS); leaders and members of BPTI; UT leadership; the Chair of the UT Academic Senate; the Chair of the UT Board of Trustees (MWA); university leaders, judges, and NUDC 2024 participants. The event began with a welcome by MCs Muhammad Bijaksabara Hikmawan, S.IP., and Ayubi Cakradiwati, S.Hum., M.Ed., followed by the national anthem “Indonesia Raya,” the UT Hymn, and a recap video of NUDC 2024. 

Remarks were delivered by the Rector of UT, represented by the Vice-Rector for Information Systems and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Paken Pandiangan, S.Si., M.Si. In his speech, he expressed deep gratitude to BPTI and PUSPRESNAS for entrusting UT with hosting NUDC 2024. He emphasized UT’s commitment to supporting the Ministry’s programs, including talent competitions, and encouraged continued innovation and excellence. He also acknowledged the hard work and support from all involved parties in making NUDC 2024 a success. 

During the ceremony, UT received an award from BPTI, presented by Tatang Muttaqin and Dr. Maria Veronica Irene Herdjiono. Prof. Paken Pandiangan, accompanied by NUDC 2024 Chairman Anto Hidayat, accepted the award. Prof. Paken stated, “This award is an achievement and appreciation for UT, proving our success in hosting NUDC 2024, a prestigious national talent competition.” 

Tatang Muttaqin also delivered a speech, congratulating the finalists and expressing his appreciation for everyone’s efforts in making NUDC 2024 successful. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between universities and BPTI to nurture Indonesian talents on national and international stages. His speech officially marked the closing of NUDC 2024. 

The highlight of the event was the announcement of the NUDC 2024 winners. The Roderick Sibarani Award, honoring deceased debaters, was presented to the first breaking team from Universitas Gadjah Mada, Brian Hose Antonio Hambur and Jaso Valentino Samvero, by NUDC 2024 Chief Judge Dr. Rachmat Nurcahyo. The Best Institutional Adjudicator Award went to Raziq Othman Ali from Universitas Diponegoro, presented by NUDC 2024 Chairman Anto Hidayat. 

The winners of NUDC 2024 were: 

• Best Speaker Novice Category: Kathleen Yasmin from President University 

• Overall Best Speaker, Open Category: Brian Hose Antonio Hambur from Universitas Gadjah Mada 

• Novice Champion: Ariel Davis Suntoro and Muhammad Khafidz Al Gifani from Universitas Gunadarma 

• Open Champion: Fransiska Anastasia Hutabarat and Ramazan Bayram Sofiano from Universitas Kristen Indonesia 

The excitement was further heightened by a performance from guest star IDGITAF, adding to the festive atmosphere of NUDC 2024. 

The NUDC 2024 series provided students with opportunities to innovate, create, and expand their professional networks. For UT, it was a valuable experience and an opportunity to showcase its professionalism and capability as a host of prestigious talent competitions. This success was made possible by the dedication and participation of the organizing committee, participants, and BPTI. UT looks forward to hosting more national events and improving upon its performance in future opportunities.