Students from Politeknik Statistika STIS successfully brought home the overall champion title at the 2022 Statistics Festival (Statfest), which was announced on Sunday (April 17). This victory marks the second consecutive year that Politeknik Statistika STIS has retained the rotating trophy, which was previously won in 2021. The event is held annually by the Statistics Student Association of Universitas Gadjah Mada (HIMASTA UGM). There were three competition categories: the National Statistics Olympiad (ONS), the Statistical Infographic Competition (KIS), and the Statistical Essay Competition (KES). The Statfest competition spanned approximately four months, starting from the registration period in January and culminating in the announcement of winners from all three branches on April 17.

Out of the three competition categories, the team from Politeknik Statistika STIS managed to win in ONS and KIS. Bagaskoro Cahyo Laksono (4SE1) and Reyhan Saadi (4SD2) secured 1st Place and Best Analysis in ONS; 2nd Place in ONS was awarded to Fahriza Rianda (4SE2) and M. Alfariz Kurniawan (4SE5); while 1st Place in KIS was won by Ni Putu Lidya Pramesti (1ST6) and Ni Putu Esti Utami Barsua (1ST5). Thanks to these four achievements, the rotating trophy will remain at Politeknik Statistika STIS for another year.

Bagaskoro Cahyo Laksono, often called Bagas, expressed that this victory was both a proud and unexpected achievement. After participating in several competitions, Statfest 2022 became the first competition where he secured 1st place, nearly four years into his study at Politeknik Statistika STIS. Despite his busy schedule as a fourth-year student, Bagas remained determined to aim for the championship. According to him, any task can be managed as long as there is motivation and one does not feel burdened. For Bagas, being a teaching assistant for the Regression Analysis course, working on his thesis, and participating in competitions could all be done simultaneously—evidenced by his title win.

ONS Statfest consists of three stages: preliminary round, semifinal, and final. According to Bagas, the final stage was the most challenging. At this stage, participants were required to analyze a problem and present their analysis results before a panel of judges. Despite feeling nervous, thanks to thorough preparation and previous competition experience, his team managed to win the Best Analysis award, beating four other competitors—most of whom were also from Politeknik Statistika STIS.

When asked about Politeknik Statistika STIS reclaiming the overall champion title, Bagas confidently stated that students from Otista 64C are always enthusiastic and earnest in participating in every competition. As a result, defending the rotating trophy against competitors from campuses all across Indonesia is by no means impossible. Bagas also shared his hopes: “Hopefully, we can keep holding on to this rotating trophy. If possible, let’s aim for Politeknik Statistika STIS to maintain this achievement for three consecutive years.”

Not only senior students, but first-year students also contributed to the victory. Ni Putu Esti Utami Barsua and Ni Putu Lidya Pramesti, teamed together, defeated other participants to win first place in the KIS category. Both are freshmen from the 63rd cohort and hail from Bali. There were many new challenges Esti and Lidya had to face since this was their first time participating in an infographic competition. They had to learn how to use editing applications, choose good color palettes, determine content layout, find accurate data, and balance their time between competition preparation and coursework. Furthermore, the KIS final coincided with the mid-semester exam schedule at Politeknik Statistika STIS. Nevertheless, the role of the student organization FORKAS that supports them played a major part in their success, providing motivation, support, and tips for creating quality infographics.

Bringing back the rotating trophy is not something that can be achieved by just one person—it requires support from all parties, including the campus, family, and participation from all students who had the courage to join the competition. Support from fellow students who gave likes and comments on the participants’ infographics via Statfest 2022’s Instagram account also provided meaningful encouragement for the KIS team from Politeknik Statistika STIS.

The enthusiasm from the campus, support from various parties, and up-to-date competition information continue to encourage students to participate in such events. Esti and Lidya shared that their courage came from admiration for seniors who had previously achieved success and were well appreciated by the campus. Although they initially had no expectation of winning first place, they were thrilled and considered this both a success and a valuable experience. “Even having the courage to participate in a competition is already an achievement in overcoming the fear of trying,” said Lidya.

“When you join a competition, don’t just stop after one or two tries. Don’t quit just because you lost once. Keep trying until you win,” added Bagas. This also applies to students who have already won previous competitions. Esti and Lidya stated that they plan to continue competing as long as opportunities arise and they will keep seeking new experiences—not just in infographic competitions. The strong motivation, spirit, and determination of the students to keep competing provide optimism that Politeknik Statistika STIS will continue to retain the championship title in the years to come.

(Triana Nuramalia Shalli_62)