Essay Competition · High School Category
High School Essay Competition
Open to high school (SMA/SMK and equivalent) students from across Indonesia. Choose one sub-theme, develop your scientific ideas, and present in Semarang.
About the Competition
Scientific ideas for high school students, four sub-themes, one final presentation.
The UNLIMITED 2026 High School Essay Competition is a national research competition open to high school (SMA/SMK and equivalent) students from across Indonesia. This category is separate from the university competition to ensure fairness and relevance at each educational level.
Participants choose one of four sub-themes (Energy, Health, Agriculture, Environment) aligned with Industry 6.0 transformation, develop their scientific ideas, and present their work before the jury panel on September 25, 2026 in Semarang.
Four Sub-Themes
Choose one sub-theme that best aligns with your team's ideas and expertise.
Energy
Renewable energy innovation, energy efficiency, and sustainable solutions for future needs.
Health
Public health issues, medical technology, and efforts to improve quality of life through health innovation.
Agriculture
Modern farming, food security, and technology application to increase productivity and sustainability.
Environment
Environmental protection, waste management, and innovative solutions to maintain ecosystem balance.
Writing Guidelines
Technical requirements to follow before submitting your essay.
General Requirements
- Karya ditulis dalam Bahasa Indonesia
- Esai bersifat ilmiah, orisinal, dan belum pernah dipublikasikan atau dilombakan sebelumnya
- Setiap tim hanya boleh mengajukan satu karya untuk satu subtema
- Peserta yang telah terdaftar tidak diperkenankan tergabung dalam lebih dari satu tim
Team Size
Peserta dapat mendaftar individu atau membentuk tim yang terdiri dari 2–3 orang anggota dari instansi yang sama.
Format Requirements
- Format file: PDF, ukuran maksimal 10 MB
- Panjang esai: 10–15 halaman (tidak termasuk daftar pustaka dan lampiran)
- Font: Times New Roman 12pt, spasi 1.5, margin 2.5 cm
- Daftar pustaka menggunakan gaya APA 7th Edition
* Complete requirements including template and cover page are available in the official guidebook.
Competition Schedule
From early registration through final presentations in Semarang.
Wave I
Early bird — lower registration fee
Wave II
Regular registration
Wave III
Last minute — final submission deadline
Essay Judging
Evaluation by the jury board
Top 10 Announcement
Announced via official website and social media
High School Technical Meeting
Technical briefing for high school track finalists
University Technical Meeting
Technical briefing for university track finalists
Grand Opening + High School Finals
Presentation and awarding for high school track
University Finals + Awarding
Presentation and awarding for university track
Awards
Winners receive trophies, certificates, and award funds — all finalists receive official certificates.
Trophy + Certificate + Prize Money
Per category (High School & University)
Trophy + Certificate + Prize Money
Per category (High School & University)
Trophy + Certificate + Prize Money
Per category (High School & University)
Certificate + Prize Money
For the essay with the best writing quality
Certificate + Prize Money
For the best presentation
Certificate + Prize Money
For the best poster
Certificate + Prize Money
For the best innovation
Finalist Certificate (Top 10)
For all teams reaching the top 10
Participation Certificate (e-Certificate)
For all participants who submitted work
* Award fund amounts will be announced through the official guidebook and UNLIMITED 2026 social media.
High School Essay FAQ
Quick answers to technical and administrative questions.
Who can register?
The Essay Competition is open to two categories: (1) Active university students from national and international institutions, and (2) High school students (SMA/SMK or equivalent) from across Indonesia.
Must I register as a team?
Participants may register individually or form a team of 2–3 members from the same institution. Full details will be provided in the official guidebook.
Can I choose my own sub-theme?
Yes. Participants are free to choose one of the available sub-themes based on their team's interests and expertise. Each team can only submit one essay for one sub-theme.
What are the registration and presentation deadlines?
Registration opens in 3 waves (12 May – 20 July 2026). Finalist presentations are scheduled for September 25 (High School) and September 26, 2026 (University) in Semarang.
What language should the essay be in?
High school participants write in Indonesian. University participants (national and international) write in English.
What is the required essay length?
Essay length is 10–15 pages excluding bibliography and appendices. Complete format details (font, margins, spacing) are available in the official guidebook.
Can I submit an essay that has been presented elsewhere?
No. Submitted essays must be original and never previously published or competed in any competition before.