Yogyakarta, October 1, 2025 – The preliminary round of the 2025 Mathematics Algebra Competition (KOALA) for university students officially began today, Wednesday (1/10). The Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, sent 13 students to take part in the event. Held online via the Zoom platform, the competition brought together hundreds of students from various universities across Indonesia. The event aims to select the best participants who will advance to the final round at Universitas Mataram next month.
This year, KOALA focuses on core topics in algebra, including Vector and Matrix Algebra, Linear Algebra, Group Theory, and Ring Theory. These subjects were chosen to test the depth of students’ understanding and their ability to apply fundamental mathematical concepts that are abstract and complex. Through a series of theoretical and problem-solving questions, the competition is designed to sharpen participants’ logical reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
In addition to providing an intellectually stimulating academic experience, KOALA 2025 offers a range of attractive awards, including E-certificates, Finalist Medals, and Cash Prizes for the top three winners. Beyond being a competition, KOALA serves as a platform to enhance the quality of mathematics education at the university level and as a space for talented students to achieve, network, and exchange knowledge.
The preliminary round began at 07.30 WIB, opened by Dr. Iwan Ernanto, Chair of the KOALA 2025 Committee. In his remarks, Dr. Iwan expressed appreciation for the participants’ enthusiasm and emphasized the importance of the competition as a means to challenge and broaden students’ understanding of algebra. The event was then officially opened by Dr. Nikken Prima Puspita, Chair of the Algebra Enthusiasts Community, who also conveyed hopes that the competition would strengthen the academic mathematics community in Indonesia.
Registration for KOALA 2025 was open from September 1 to 27, 2025, and students who passed the administrative selection were required to participate in today’s preliminary round. During this stage, participants were tested through a series of questions covering the four main algebra topics. The results will be announced on October 8, 2025, and those with the highest scores will qualify for the final round at Universitas Mataram.
Beyond competition, KOALA also acts as a forum for collaboration and knowledge exchange among students and lecturers from various universities in Indonesia. Through this event, it is hoped that a new generation of young mathematicians will emerge—competent, innovative, and competitive in both algebra and applied mathematics. Support from numerous universities across Indonesia further strengthens the effort to build an inclusive and sustainable academic ecosystem, positioning KOALA 2025 as an increasingly prestigious and inspiring event.
Concluding the event, Dr. Nikken reminded participants that the essence of KOALA lies not merely in winning but in the learning process and valuable experience it offers.
“Through KOALA, we hope the participants can enjoy the process and take part in this competition with happiness,” she said.
With the completion of today’s preliminary round, all attention is now focused on the announcement of the results on October 8, 2025. The best participants will then advance to the final round at Universitas Mataram to compete for the KOALA 2025 championship title.
Keywords: Mathematics Competition, Algebra
Writer: Uha Isnaini
Photo: Uha Isnaini