Three talented students from the Statistics Program of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) have once again achieved outstanding success at the national level. Mahardi Nalendra Syafa, Rahma Nur Annisa, and Daffa Elgo Santosa secured first place in the Smatic 5.0 National Statistics Olympiad, which was held by Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ) on Saturday, August 10, 2024.
The Smatic 5.0 National Statistics Olympiad is a prestigious event that invites participation from the best students from various universities in Indonesia. The competition went through a rigorous process, starting from the preliminary round that selected the best 10 teams to advance to the semifinals. From there, only the top 3 groups made it to the final round to compete for the championship.
In the final round, Mahardi, Rahma, and Daffa presented their project titled “Optimizing Traffic Light Waiting Times Using Monte Carlo Simulation.” Their work, which involved using Monte Carlo simulations to optimize the timing of traffic lights, demonstrated not only their strong grasp of statistical methods but also their ability to apply these techniques to solve real problems.
With the theme “Statistics for Solving Contemporary Problems,” participants were challenged to demonstrate their skills in data analysis and interpretation, as well as present creative solutions to various real-world problems through essays and infographics. This initiative aligns with SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, emphasizing the importance of data literacy and statistical analysis in addressing global challenges.
Mahardi, Rahma, and Daffa captured the judges’ attention with their sharp analytical thinking and innovative approach. Their excellent teamwork and synergy were the keys to their success, leading UGM to victory amid intense competition. This achievement also reflects support for SDG 9, which encourages innovation and infrastructure in efforts to strengthen research and technological development.
This victory not only adds to UGM’s long list of national achievements but also highlights the strength of statistical education at the university. The three students have proven that UGM students are ready to compete and excel at the national level, even in fields that require high precision and accuracy. It is hoped that this achievement will inspire other students to continue excelling and bringing glory to UGM on both national and international stages.
Keywords: Statistics, Smatic, Student Achievement
Author: Endang Sulastri
Editor: Muhammad Fahruli Wahyujati
Photo: Muhammad Fahruli Wahyujati