Students of SMA Cahaya Rancamaya IBS, Bogor, Indonesia, once again made the school proud by achieving outstanding results at a national level through their participation and victories in the Indonesian Science Project Olympiad (ISPO) 2025. In this prestigious competition that brings together the budding scientists of Indonesia from across the archipelago, they successfully brought home three Bronze Medals. This victory is not merely an academic milestone, but a clear testament to the dedication, hard work, and the school’s commitment to nurturing a generation of young leaders in science and technology.
ISPO: A Prestigious Platform for Innovative Youth
ISPO, or the Indonesian Science Project Olympiad, is a research-based competition covering the fields of biology, physics, chemistry, technology, environment, and computer science. The event is open to junior and senior high school students from across Indonesia who have a strong interest in research and innovation. ISPO serves as a platform for students to sharpen their scientific thinking, develop research methodologies, and present their findings before a panel of experts.
Participants are challenged not only to generate original ideas but also to propose solutions to real environmental and social problems in Indonesia. Hence, this competition is not about who is the smartest, but who can see problems as opportunities for innovation.
Active Participation from Cahaya Rancamaya IBS
In ISPO 2025, Cahaya Rancamaya IBS demonstrated extraordinary commitment by sending 23 teams—10 from the high school level and 13 from the junior high level. This large-scale participation reflects the school’s vibrant scientific culture and the high enthusiasm among students.
Out of the 23 teams, 10 advanced to the finals (5 from each level). This achievement strongly indicates that the school’s research development program has been running effectively. At Cahaya Rancamaya IBS, teachers serve not only as educators but also as mentors, equipping students with critical thinking skills and sound scientific methodology.
Three Bronze Medals for SMA Cahaya Rancamaya
In the final stage of the competition, three teams from SMA Cahaya Rancamaya IBS earned Bronze Medals in three different categories:
- Environment
(Environment)
Muhammad Dwi Yudha Utama and Fikri Zidane Athaya impressed the judges with their project titled “SCAN CODES (Sugarcane Carbon Nanodots Solar Energy).” Their work explored the use of sugarcane as a base material to produce carbon nanodots for environmentally friendly solar energy systems.
- Chemistry
(Chemistry)
Rafif Ahnaf and Muhammad Harlan Siregar created an innovative natural shoe cleaner through their project “Shoe Foam Cleanser PERBA – Pembersih Sepatu Berbusa Alam.” They developed a product made from natural ingredients that effectively cleans shoes without damaging the material.
- Physics
(Physics)
Fattan Ghazy Firjatullah and Batara Altafaris Nugroho introduced “OASIS (Oil Application for Sustainable Integrated Soils),” a study on using used cooking oil as carbon dots to enhance soil quality in agriculture. The idea was highly relevant to issues of sustainability and household waste management.
These three teams showed that science doesn’t always have to be complex or costly. In fact, with the right scientific approach, simple ideas drawn from everyday life can lead to remarkable innovations that benefit society.
Impact and Lessons from Scientific Competitions
Participating in ISPO has been a valuable experience for the students. Beyond research skills, they learned how to present ideas, respond to critical questions from judges, and engage in scientific discussions with peers. These experiences enriched their knowledge, built self-confidence, and strengthened their communication skills.
ISPO also fostered collaboration. Students learned how to work as a team, divide responsibilities fairly, and integrate diverse ideas into a meaningful project. Such processes not only build academic competence but also strong, adaptive character.
The Role of the School: Cultivating a Research Culture from an Early Age
This remarkable achievement cannot be separated from the vital role of Cahaya Rancamaya IBS. With its educational vision that emphasizes individual potential and scientific character development, the school continues to create a learning ecosystem that supports students’ interests and talents in science.
Teachers act not just as instructors, but also as facilitators and mentors. They guide students to think independently, find solutions, and respond to challenges using scientific approaches. The school also actively collaborates with external institutions to strengthen student capacity for both national and international competitions.
Inspiring the Youth of Indonesia
The achievements of Cahaya Rancamaya IBS students serve as an inspiration to learners across Indonesia. They prove that anyone can become a young innovator—with a strong passion for learning and the courage to explore new ideas. In today’s challenging global era, the ability to think scientifically, creatively, and critically is essential to build a sustainable future for the nation.
ISPO is only the beginning of a long journey toward becoming young scientists capable of making real contributions. It is hoped that these accomplished students will continue to develop their skills, participate in international competitions, and eventually become leading innovators in society.
Looking Ahead: Hopes and Future Steps
Armed with their ISPO 2025 experience, Cahaya Rancamaya IBS students are expected to further develop their research projects in broader and more applicable directions. The school remains committed to supporting their innovative efforts through research mentoring programs, strengthening scientific literacy, and providing adequate laboratory facilities.
This achievement is not the end, but the beginning of a long journey to shape Indonesia’s future scientists. Cahaya Rancamaya IBS seeks to instill in its students that science is a tool to respond to the challenges of the times and to deliver meaningful benefits to society.
