Faculty of Economics and Business, State University of Semarang (UNNES) held a National Student Essay Competition (Lesma) 2023. On this occasion, the competition carried the theme “Youth Synergy in Efforts to Support Golden Indonesia in 2045”. The theme has several sub-themes, namely economy, socio-cultural, health, innovative technology, politics, education, tourism, and environment.

Lesma participants in 2023, are students or active students of D3, D4, and S1 programs in public or private universities throughout Indonesia. In this case, there are 3 main champions, 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place, and three other hopeful champions. Meanwhile, all participants received an E-certificate as an award for their scientific contribution.

In the competition which was held from July 1 to October 1, one of the lecturers of the Indonesian Literature Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Diponegoro University was invited to be a guest judge. Marta Widyawati, S.S., M.Hum., one of the new lecturers at the Indonesian Literature Study Program, FIB Undip, proved her role in assessing the intellectual flow in the competition that took place. At its peak, Marta was present to assess the finalist presentation process on October 1, 2023.

After the final assessment was carried out, champions from various universities emerged. Carrying an essay titled “Plasticycle: Plastic Bottle Waste Management Platform with Circular Economy Concept Implementation in Supporting Indonesia Emas 2045” Nur Syifa Nadiastuti from UNJ became the first winner. Ramadhani Ragil from UNNES became the second winner with an essay entitled “IUP (Investment UMKM Platform): A Platform for MSME Investment Service Providers to Assist the Turnover of the Economy Towards Golden Indonesia 2045”. The 3rd place winner was still from UNNES, on behalf of Medi Elfiani with an essay entitled “GASANTING (Healthy Families Without Stunting): Optimizing Health in Reducing Stunting Cases Through Mobile Application-Based Innovation to Welcome the Golden Indonesia 2045”. Following them were Azza Mariska RK from UGM as the 1st runner-up, Dhifa Amaliyah from UNNES as the 2nd runner-up, and Eka Sri Febriana from UNNES as the 3rd runner-up.

“This event succeeded in bringing together students from various universities to think about this country. The ideas were well thought out, creative, and innovative, a good sign for a Golden Indonesia 2045,” said Marta in response to the competition. As he expressed, Dr. Sukarjo Waluyo, M.Hum., the Head of the Indonesian Literature Study Program of FIB Undip, admitted that he was proud of the participation of his young lecturers in contributing to the scientific world. (Hamdan)