21 August 2025
Threesna Sharfina
Medan, August 21, 2025 – The Faculty of Vocational Education, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), celebrated the 80th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia by holding a hacking competition entitled Hackathon Siber Tangguh Bangsa Merdeka to enliven the celebration at the Faculty of Vocational Education. The event occurred on Thursday (21/8) at the Computer Laboratory of the Faculty of Vocational Education USU, collaborating with the Applied Bachelor’s Degree Program in Instrumentation Engineering Technology, Digital Literacy Access, United States Mission Indonesia, and PT. Xtend Integrasi Indonesia.
The series of activities began in the morning with registration, followed by the opening session featuring the national anthem Indonesia Raya, a prayer, and remarks delivered by the Head of the Applied Bachelor’s Degree Program in Instrumentation Engineering Technology, Dr. Ir. Zikri Noer, S.Si., M.Si.
Meanwhile, in his motivational session, Alfian Linux emphasized the importance of digital literacy and the young generations' readiness to safeguard the nation’s cyber sovereignty.
Ten student teams participated in the competition, which involved solving various capture-the-flag (CTF) challenges in cybersecurity. For more than six hours, participants were tested on analytical sharpness, technical skills, and teamwork strategies.
As a result, the three best teams emerged as winners. Team Kak, abangku mau foto (students of Fasilkom-TI USU) won first place, followed by Rex Regum Query in second place, and Hengker Pesbuk (students of Fasilkom-TI USU) in third place. All three showcased consistent performance and innovative strategies until the end of the competition. The competition began at 09:00 AM and ended at 04:00 PM. After the scoreboard was frozen, the committee announced the winners, presented certificates, and captured the moment with group photos.
Through this event, the Faculty of Vocational Education USU hopes to foster a young generation that is resilient, intelligent, and full of integrity in cybersecurity. “This is not just a competition, but also a platform to nurture digital talents who will play a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty in the technological era,” stated the organizing committee.
With the spirit of togetherness, Hackathon Siber Tangguh Bangsa Merdeka is expected to become a regular agenda that strengthens Indonesia's digital literacy and cybersecurity ecosystem.
The event was closed by the Vice Dean III of the Faculty of Vocational Education USU, Drs. Gustanto, M.Hum., and was also attended by several notable figures, including Alfian Linux (Founder of Digital Literacy Access, IVLP Awardee, and CEO of PT. Xtend Integrasi Indonesia), Ryalsah Putra, SE., M.Si. (Chairman of HIPMI Medan), Ir. Dolly Aswin Harahap, S.T. (Chief Organizer), and representatives from the U.S. Consulate in Medan. Their presence further motivated the participants to showcase their best abilities in this prestigious event.
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