Makassar – Hasanuddin University, through the Directorate of Student Affairs, once again brought together students from universities across Indonesia in the 14th National Maritime Competition (KKMN). This year’s competition carries the theme Blue Innovation for Global Resilience: Strengthening the Role of Young People in the Blue Economy and Global Maritime Sustainability.
The KKMN series has been running since June 2026. This year, 260 teams from 52 universities took part in the competition. After a selection process, 54 teams from 19 universities advanced to the final round.
Participants came from various parts of Indonesia, including Universitas Indonesia, Universitas Padjadjaran, IPB University, Universitas Udayana, Universitas Sriwijaya, Universitas Mulawarman, Universitas Lambung Mangkurat, Universitas Negeri Padang, Universitas Sulawesi Barat, and Universitas Negeri Gorontalo.
Finalists competed in four categories: Maritime Debate, Maritime Poster, Maritime Videography, and Maritime Scientific Writing. The final round featured a poster exhibition, scientific paper presentations, judging of video entries, and the final match of the Maritime Debate.
The KKMN opening was attended by the Unhas Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs (Prof. Muhammad Ruslin, drg., M.Kes., Ph.D., Sp.B.M.Mf., Subsp.Ortognat.D.), the Unhas Director of Student Affairs (Prof. Dr. Ir. Suhasman, S.Hut., M.Si., IPM), the Head of the Achievement and Talent Development Team (Aswin Baharuddin, S.IP., M.A.), and several Vice Deans for Academic and Student Affairs from faculties across Unhas.
In remarks, Unhas Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs Prof. Muhammad Ruslin said that KKMN is not just a competition, but also a space for students to broaden their horizons, sharpen their skills, and develop their creativity.
“KKMN is a space for students to improve their insight, skills, and creativity. We hope this gathering also opens room for collaboration and gives rise to innovations that can continue to be developed,” said Prof. Ruslin.
Unhas Director of Student Affairs, Prof. Suhasman, said that the staging of KKMN up to its 14th edition shows Unhas’s continued commitment to providing space for developing students’ potential and achievements.
“KKMN is not only a venue for competition, but also gives rise to new ideas and innovations that young people can develop,” said Prof. Suhasman.
Highlighting the issues of the blue economy and maritime sustainability, this year’s KKMN encouraged students to see both the potential and the challenges of using aquatic resources responsibly. These ideas were then expressed through a variety of works and innovations.
KKMN is also a space to expand networks among students and universities. The 14th KKMN took place in the Unhas Institute for Research and Community Service Hall on Saturday, 5 September 2026. (*/rmd)
Editor : Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.