Enviro News Asia, Banjarmasin — Alexander Dwiki Hermawan, a student of Universitas Lambung Mangkurat (ULM), has achieved national recognition by winning Second Runner-Up Honorable Mention in the 2026 National Outstanding Student Selection (Pilmapres), demonstrating the ability of students with disabilities to excel and compete at the national level.
Alexander, a student of the Special Education Study Program at ULM’s Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, has low vision. He was among the finalists of the 2026 National Pilmapres, organized by the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs under the Directorate General of Higher Education at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek). The national event was held at Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN), Tangerang, Banten, from August 4 to 8, 2026.
The 2026 National Pilmapres marked a historic milestone as it introduced the Outstanding Student with Disabilities category at the national level for the first time. The category is part of efforts to provide equal opportunities for students with disabilities to demonstrate their academic achievements, creativity, leadership and other accomplishments.
Alexander reached the national stage after undergoing a competitive selection process at the regional level through the Higher Education Service Institution (LLDIKTI) Region XI Kalimantan. He eventually became one of 16 finalists competing in the Outstanding Student with Disabilities category at the 2026 National Pilmapres.
ULM Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmad Alim Bachri expressed his appreciation for Alexander’s achievement, saying it brought pride to ULM and South Kalimantan. He said the achievement represented not only an individual accomplishment but also the importance of providing equal opportunities for all students to develop their potential.
“Alexander’s achievement is a source of pride for the entire ULM community. He has demonstrated that every student has the potential to excel when given equal opportunities, support and space to grow,” Ahmad Alim Bachri said.
He added that ULM would continue strengthening an inclusive educational environment and supporting the achievements of all students, including students with disabilities.
“We want the university to be a place where no student is left behind because of a disability. ULM will continue to promote inclusive access to education, strengthen support systems and provide broad opportunities for students to achieve at both national and international levels,” he said.
Participants in the Pilmapres Outstanding Student with Disabilities category were assessed not only on academic achievements but also through a comprehensive evaluation covering outstanding accomplishments, creative ideas, English communication skills, critical thinking, creativity, leadership, teamwork, confidence and concern for fellow participants.
Alexander said the achievement meant more to him than receiving an award, as it gave him an opportunity to demonstrate that disability should not prevent anyone from pursuing aspirations, creating meaningful work and achieving excellence.
“This achievement is not only about the award I received, but also about proving that disability does not prevent someone from having dreams, creating and achieving. I hope my achievement can encourage other students with disabilities,” Alexander said.
For Alexander, reaching the national stage also provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of equal opportunities for students with disabilities. He emphasized that an inclusive educational environment can enable every student to develop their abilities and make meaningful contributions to society.
“I represented ULM and South Kalimantan, but beyond that, I also carried the hopes of fellow students with disabilities. We want the same opportunities to learn, grow, compete and contribute to society,” he said.
Alexander’s achievement at the 2026 National Pilmapres is expected to inspire stronger achievement-oriented and inclusive education practices in higher education. His success demonstrates that support, equal opportunities and an inclusive educational environment can empower students with disabilities to develop their potential and make meaningful contributions to society and the nation. (*)
