Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) has reaffirmed its position as an incubator for future global citizens. Demonstrating intelligence and critical thinking, a delegation of Thursina successfully swept the first-place titles in the National School Debating Championship (NSDC) and the Indonesian Language Debate Competition (LDBI) at Malang Regency level, organized by the National Achievement Center (PUSPRESNAS).
The impressive achievement is not simply a victory, but a reflection of a curriculum that prioritizes international exposure and intercultural awareness. Under the auspices of prestigious institutions, the students show cognitive maturity to compete at the highest level.
The NSDC team, led by Yusuf Raihan, Achmad Mecca Cahya Sisworo, and Ahmad Reza Anugrah, dominated the top podium. The success was closely followed by the LDBI team, composed of Muhammad Firas Irsyadan Rosmayadi, Atha Rasyid Rizqi, and Muhammad Raihan Rasyadiya Azkaya, who also secured first place out of 48 competing teams.
Despite the busy academic schedules and participation in international events like the Thursina Language Festival (TLF), they proved remarkable determination. Ahmad Reza Anugrah, a member of the 11th-grade NSDC team, explained that intensive preparation was carried out amidst a tight schedule.
"We conducted intensive training for a week, with the majority done independently," he said. Furthermore, although accompanied by Ustaz Bayu Cakra, the independent training was key to building confidence.
The success is the result of a long-term investment in self-development. These students had previously developed an extensive global network by participating in international debate circuits such as the World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC) and the Indonesian Round Table Executive Club (IREC) in UGM.
In addition to collective wins, Thursina IIBS also celebrated individual achievements that demonstrated world-class public speaking skills. Achmad Mecca Cahya Sisworo won the 5th Best Speaker, followed by Yusuf Raihan (the 7th place), and Ahmad Reza Anugrah (the 9th place) in the NSDC category. Meanwhile, in LDBI, Muhammad Firas Irsyadan Rosmayadi earned the 7th Best Speaker.
Ahmad Reza stated that the second participation in LDI was a valuable opportunity to further develop their cross-cultural mindset. "We are deeply appreciative of the opportunity to grow. Our hope is to see these achievements continued by the next generation of Thursina IIBS, maintaining our tradition of intellectual excellence," he said optimistically.
Through cultural immersion and simulated global debates, Thursina IIBS is committed to foster students who not only excel academically but also possess a keen intercultural awareness. The accomplishment is clear evidence that Thursina students are ready to step into the role of internationally minded leaders on the global stage. (iz/lil)
