Jakarta, August 18, 2026 — The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) through the National Achievement Center (Puspresnas), officially opened the 2026 National Student Sports Olympiad (O2SN). Carrying the theme "Healthy, Fit, Character-Based, and Great Talents through Sports", this event provides a space for students to develop their interests, talents, and achievements in the field of sports.
The 2026 O2SN is also part of a series of student talent development programs that focus not only on achievement but also on character building through sports. This year, the O2SN is entering its 19th year and has recorded a significant increase in participant numbers compared to the previous year.
The Secretary General of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Suharti, stated that the O2SN participants' enthusiasm for achievement aligns with the momentum of Indonesia's independence day. She believes that independence should be filled with work, achievements, and the courage to continually improve, with Indonesian children as a vital part of the nation's future.
"Good luck! Show your best skills. Uphold sportsmanship," said Suharti in Jakarta on Tuesday (August 18).
Suharti reminded that the O2SN is not just a competition to determine who wins, who is the strongest, or who is the most skilled. More than that, the O2SN is part of an effort to discover, develop, and sustain Indonesian sports talent.
"O2SN is a vital part of Indonesia's efforts to discover, develop, and nurture Indonesian talent. You have been on a long journey, from the district/city level, to the provincial level, and now, at the national level. You have fought your best to be here," said Suharti.
Suharti advised the participants to take three things with them during their participation in the O2SN. First, compete to the best of their ability while upholding sportsmanship. Second, build friendships with participants from various regions. Third, make sports part of the character-building process.
Increasing Participant Enthusiasm
During the competition, Puspresnas involved professional judges and referees from the respective sports organizations. The competition was also supported by an official team from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to ensure that the matches were conducted according to regulations.
On the occasion, the Head of the National Achievement Center, Maria Veronica Irene Herdjiono, stated that the 2026 National Sports Week (O2SN) covers elementary, secondary, and special education levels. A total of 234,803 students registered to participate in this year's event. "This demonstrates the extraordinary enthusiasm of all students for sports," Irene said.
The Ministry of Education and Culture also continues to collaborate with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI), sports associations, local governments, and various other parties to ensure the sustainability of student talent development. Thus, achievements built through the O2SN will not stop at the national level but can serve as a stepping stone for students to further their achievements at the international level.
This enthusiasm was evident in the preparations of the participants, who came from various regions. Maria Tersisia Pangarungan Teturan, a women's gymnastics participant from Central Papua, said she trained every day to prepare for the 2026 National Sports Week (O2SN).
Maria also encouraged her friends to continue to believe in their own abilities, "Be confident, you can get through to the next level."
Affan Syafaat Yusuf, a rock climber from West Sumatra, expressed similar sentiments. He prepared physically and mentally through regular and disciplined training before participating in this national competition. "To my friends, stay motivated, train with discipline, and don't be afraid to try," Affan advised.
The National Sports Week (O2SN) for Elementary Schools (SD/MI/equivalent and SMP/MTs/equivalent) will take place from August 17 to 23, 2026, in Jakarta. For SD/MI/equivalent, the sports contested include kids' athletics , gymnastics, badminton, pencak silat, and swimming. Meanwhile, for SMP/MTs/equivalent, the competitions include athletics, rock climbing, badminton, pencak silat, and swimming.
Furthermore, the O2SN for Special Education Level will be held on September 7-12, 2026 and for the O2SN for Secondary Education Level (SMA/MA/SMK/MAK/Equivalent) will take place on November 9-15, 2026. This year, the O2SN is attended by the best young talents from 33 provinces throughout Indonesia and Indonesian Schools Abroad (Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Malaysia).*** (Author: Stephanie & Puspresnas Team/Documentation: Kemendikdasmen Team)
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