Udayana University Holds Internal Selection for the 2025 Indonesian Student Debate Competition

Udayana University through the Student Affairs Bureau in collaboration with Udayana Debating Society (UDS) holds Internal Selection for the 2025 Indonesian Student Debate Competition (KDMI). The event was officially opened online by the Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Ir. Gusti Ngurah Alit Susanta Wirya, S.P., M.Agr., on Saturday, June 28, 2025.

The event was attended by the Head of BKM, Chair of USCC, Vice Deans for Student Affairs and Information, Chair of the Reasoning and Creativity Unit, UDS advisors, and the selection participants.

In his speech, Prof. Alit emphasized that KDMI is an important platform to sharpen students' critical thinking, logic, and communication skills. He also stressed the importance of continuous development for talented students. “Achievements in this competition greatly influence the institution’s image and reputation at both regional and national levels. Although only one team will be sent, the selection process is neither instant nor easy; it involves several long and strict stages,” he explained.

Prof. Alit also urged the Vice Deans for Student Affairs to start identifying student potential early. He hopes this event can be a role model for a quality and fair debate selection, producing young talents capable of speaking at high-level academic forums.

Concluding his remarks, the Vice Rector for Student Affairs also applauded the participants: “Congratulations to all participants. Uphold sportsmanship and take this event as a valuable experience in your academic journey,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chair of the Committee, Dr. Ni Luh Putu Krisnawati, S.S., M.Hum, reported that the internal selection involved 17 teams from various faculties across Udayana University. Since the official competition quota only accommodates four teams, the committee also prepared three "swing teams" from outside Udayana to complete the match format. The selection process consists of four preliminary rounds, semifinals, and finals.

The selected teams will receive intensive training through a bootcamp facilitated by UDS alumni and seniors with national and international debate experience. Training will focus on improving issue analysis, rhetoric, and public speaking skills in preparation for the regional and national KDMI levels.

The Committee Chair also emphasized the importance of academic integrity throughout the competition. Participants are advised not to use assistance from artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT or search engines. “This competition tests independent thinking and originality of ideas. Therefore, intellectual honesty is absolutely essential,” she explained.

“All match results will be tabulated using transparent national and international standard systems that cannot be manipulated. Each round’s results will be announced in real-time via links provided to the participants,” she added.