MEDAN, November 11, 2026 – Students from the Mining Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) have once again achieved a proud milestone. The Mining Engineering student team from FT USU secured 2nd Place in the PBI Expo 2026 Debate Competition: Resonance of Art, Youth and Advancement, organized by Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara (UINSU) on November 9, 2026.
The competition took place at the UINSU Campus on Jalan William Iskandar, Pasar V, Medan Estate, Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra. The event was attended by university students from various higher education institutions as well as school students from across North Sumatra, serving as a platform for the younger generation to develop critical thinking skills, present arguments, build communication, and sharpen their academic competitiveness.
In the competition, the Mining Engineering Study Program of FT USU was represented by three students: Davyna Alexandra, David Bonaventura Situmorang, and Atha Fadlil Ramadhan. The trio successfully demonstrated their argumentative and competitive abilities, earning them the 2nd Place title.
This success represents a significant achievement for the FT USU Mining Engineering students. Debate competitions require not only mastery of the subject matter, but also analytical thinking, systematic argument building, clear communication of ideas, and the ability to respond to opposing viewpoints logically and tactfully.
Developing Students' Critical Thinking and Communication Skills
The participation of FT USU Mining Engineering students in the PBI Expo 2026 Debate Competition demonstrates that student development extends beyond field-specific knowledge and technical skills to encompass communication, leadership, critical thinking, and multidisciplinary insight.
Debating is an essential skill for students navigating both academic and professional landscapes. Through this competition, students gained valuable experience processing information, analyzing issues from multiple perspectives, defending positions with sound logic, and respecting diverse viewpoints.
For Mining Engineering students, these skills directly apply to the industry, where decision-making, professional communication, teamwork, and the analysis of both technical and non-technical issues are crucial.
Supported by Faculty Advisor and Student Association Chairman
Throughout the competition, the FT USU Mining Engineering student team was guided by faculty advisor Edi Yasa Ardiansyah, alongside Brandon Timothie Siahaan, Chairman of the Mining Engineering Student Association (HMTP FT USU).
This guidance was vital in offering academic and organizational support to the students throughout the competition. The roles of faculty advisors and student organizations are key to helping students realize their potential, boost their confidence, and encourage them to take part in competitive activities beyond campus.
Securing 2nd Place also highlights the value of synergy among students, faculty, and student organizations in fostering an academic environment that drives achievement and growth.
Student Achievements as Part of Skill and Character Development
This milestone in the PBI Expo 2026 Debate Competition proves that FT USU Mining Engineering students can excel across diverse fields, including competitions that rely on communication, reasoning, and general knowledge.
The achievement further demonstrates that engineering students benefit from a balanced skill set—combining academic strength, technical skills, interpersonal abilities, and an adaptive, competitive character.
By engaging in academic and non-academic competitions, students are expected to expand their personal capacity, build networks across universities, and sharpen their competitiveness for the workplace and future industry demands.
Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The involvement of FT USU Mining Engineering students in the PBI Expo 2026 Debate Competition also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Specifically, this achievement supports SDG 4: Quality Education by fostering critical thinking, communication, structured argumentation, and lifelong learning. The debate competition serves as an out-of-classroom learning experience that builds both academic competence and soft skills.
Additionally, it aligns with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by encouraging interaction among students from various universities and schools across North Sumatra. The event created a platform for exchanging ideas, experiences, and perspectives among young minds from different educational institutions.
Encouraging Mining Engineering Students to Keep Excelling
The 2nd Place finish in the PBI Expo 2026 Debate Competition is expected to inspire other FT USU Mining Engineering students to develop their potential and actively participate in academic and non-academic competitions.
"This achievement is part of our effort to foster a culture of excellence within the Mining Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Engineering USU, by encouraging students to not only excel in mining engineering principles, but also master communication, leadership, creativity, and competitiveness," shared Dr. Adri Huda, Head of the FT-USU Mining Engineering Study Program, in a motivational message.
Through a drive for achievement and ongoing skill development, FT USU Mining Engineering students are empowered to become well-rounded, critical-thinking professionals ready to make meaningful contributions to society, industry, and national development.