Universitas Nusa Mandiri (UNM), a prominent institution recognized as a leading Digital Business Campus, has officially announced the return of its flagship event for high school students, the Indonesian Student Creativity Competition, better known as KREASI 2026. Carrying the empowering theme "Unleash Your Spirit," the 2026 edition of the competition is designed to serve as a premier platform for high school (SMA), vocational school (SMK), and equivalent-level students across Indonesia to showcase their talents, foster a spirit of sportsmanship, and explore cutting-edge innovations within the digital landscape. As the educational sector increasingly intersects with technological advancement, KREASI 2026 aims to bridge the gap between traditional physical excellence and the rapidly evolving demands of the digital era.
The competition this year introduces a diverse array of categories that reflect the modern interests of Gen Z and Gen Alpha students. The three primary categories include a Futsal Sports Competition, a Padel Sports Competition, and an Online Creative AI Video Content Competition. By blending high-energy physical sports with advanced technological challenges, Universitas Nusa Mandiri seeks to provide a holistic environment where students can develop their potential both on the field and behind the screen. This multifaceted approach is a direct reflection of UNM’s commitment to producing a well-rounded "Golden Generation" that is physically fit, socially adept, and technologically proficient.
A Strategic Vision for Youth Development
The launch of KREASI 2026 is not merely an annual ceremonial event but a strategic initiative aimed at long-term character building and talent cultivation. Sofian Wira Hadi, the Head of the UNM Jatiwaringin Campus, emphasized that the competition is envisioned as a nurturing ground for the leaders of tomorrow. Speaking during a press release on Monday, July 20, 2026, he noted that the event is structured to prepare students for the complexities of the future job market and social environment.
“We have designed KREASI 2026 as a space where students can dare to demonstrate their best abilities,” Sofian stated. “It is not just about the competition itself; it is about the journey of building character, fostering creativity, maintaining sportsmanship, and developing the ability to adapt to technological shifts. These are no longer just optional skills but essential requirements in almost every professional field today.”
The emphasis on "Unleash Your Spirit" serves as a call to action for students to break through their perceived limitations. In an era where digital distractions are prevalent, UNM aims to redirect that energy toward productive and competitive outlets that offer tangible rewards and developmental milestones.
Pioneering AI Literacy in Secondary Education
One of the most significant highlights of KREASI 2026 is the inclusion of the Creative AI Video Content category. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to disrupt industries ranging from cinema to software engineering, UNM is taking a proactive stance by encouraging students to master these tools early. This category challenges participants to utilize generative AI technologies to produce innovative video content that is both aesthetically pleasing and ethically sound.
Sofian Wira Hadi explained that this specific category was introduced to shift the narrative around AI from one of passive consumption to active creation. “We want the younger generation to be more than just consumers of technology. They should be the architects of it. By utilizing AI positively and responsibly, students can create works that were previously thought impossible at their age level,” he added.
This move aligns with global educational trends where digital literacy is being redefined. No longer limited to basic computer skills, modern digital literacy involves understanding algorithmic logic, prompt engineering, and the ethical implications of automated content. By integrating AI into a national-level competition, Universitas Nusa Mandiri is positioning itself as a pioneer in integrating advanced technology into the secondary education extracurricular ecosystem.
The Rise of Padel and the Sustainability of Futsal
While technology takes center stage in the digital categories, KREASI 2026 remains grounded in the importance of physical health and team dynamics through its sports categories. Futsal, a perennial favorite among Indonesian students, remains a core component of the event. The sport is celebrated for its ability to teach discipline, quick decision-making, and intense collaboration under pressure.
However, the addition of Padel marks a forward-thinking move by the organizers. Padel, a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, has seen an explosion in popularity globally and is currently gaining significant traction in Indonesia’s urban centers. By introducing a Padel competition for male students, UNM is acknowledging the diversifying interests of the youth and providing a platform for a sport that emphasizes strategy and social interaction.
Through these sports, the university aims to instill values that are often difficult to teach in a traditional classroom setting. The grit required to recover from a goal down in futsal or the focus needed to win a tie-break in padel are direct metaphors for the resilience required in the professional digital business world.
Event Timeline and Logistics
Universitas Nusa Mandiri has established a clear and rigorous timeline to ensure the smooth execution of KREASI 2026. The registration period is currently open and will remain so until August 10, 2026. Following the close of registrations, a mandatory Technical Meeting is scheduled for August 12, 2026, where participants will receive detailed briefings on the rules, regulations, and judging criteria for each category.
The competitive phase will begin shortly thereafter:
- Futsal Competition: Scheduled to take place from August 19 to August 21, 2026.
- Padel Competition (Men’s): Scheduled for August 22 to August 23, 2026.
- AI Video Competition: Submissions and judging will follow a timeline synchronized with the physical events, allowing for a grand announcement of winners across all categories.
The university has also announced a substantial prize pool to incentivize participation. A total of Rp 25 million in cash prizes is up for grabs, along with official certificates and trophies. Perhaps more importantly for the students’ futures, the experience and recognition gained from KREASI 2026 serve as valuable additions to their academic portfolios, which can be used for university applications and future scholarship opportunities.
Broader Impact and Institutional Commitment
As a "Digital Business Campus," Universitas Nusa Mandiri’s involvement in high school competitions is part of a broader mission to support Indonesia’s digital transformation. The country is currently striving toward the "Indonesia Emas 2045" (Golden Indonesia 2045) vision, which relies heavily on the quality of its human resources. Events like KREASI 2026 are essential cogs in the machine of national development, ensuring that the youth are not left behind as the global economy shifts toward automation and digitalization.
The competition also serves as an introductory gateway for students to the academic culture of UNM. By engaging with the university through KREASI, students gain a firsthand look at how technology and business are integrated within the UNM curriculum. This early exposure helps demystify higher education and provides a clear pathway for students interested in pursuing careers in tech-driven industries.
Sofian Wira Hadi concluded his statement by urging students not to miss this opportunity. “Do not hesitate to show your talent and creativity. KREASI 2026 is an opportunity to meet talents from various schools, broaden your experience, and prove that the Indonesian youth are capable of achieving greatness in both sports and digital technology.”
Conclusion and Information Access
The anticipation for KREASI 2026 is building among schools in Jakarta and surrounding regions. With its unique blend of physical endurance and digital ingenuity, the event is set to be one of the most comprehensive student competitions of the year. It represents a paradigm shift in how educational institutions engage with the youth, recognizing that the "spirit" of a student can be unleashed just as effectively through a perfectly executed AI prompt as it can through a winning goal on the futsal court.
For students, teachers, and parents interested in learning more about the registration process, specific category rules, and competition venues, Universitas Nusa Mandiri has provided a dedicated information portal. Detailed information can be accessed via the official website at https://kreasi.nusamandiri.info. As the deadline of August 10 approaches, the university encourages all eligible students to prepare their teams and creative projects to participate in this landmark event.
