Students from Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) recorded impressive achievements at the 18th National Student Arts Week (PEKSIMINAS) 2026, held at the Universitas Jember from September 8–12, 2026. The UNY delegation secured four awards: first place in Women’s Seriosa Singing, second place in Men’s Poetry Recitation, third place in Vocal Group, and Third Honorable Mention in Poetry Writing.
The highest achievement was secured by Sesilia Sekar, a student of the Department of Music Education, Faculty of Languages, Arts, and Culture (FBSB) UNY, who won first place in Women’s Seriosa Singing. Another award was earned by Muhamad Abyan Rahmat, a student of Indonesian Language and Literature Education at FBSB UNY, who placed second in Men’s Poetry Recitation. His command of voice, articulation, expression, and interpretation of the work were among the strengths of his performance.
Meanwhile, the UNY team placed third in the Vocal Group category. The team consisted of 11 students: Baresti Ayuwidi Arsanto, Syafa Nayada Azra, Salsabila Rizka Amanda, Cindy Hesty Laura Sidabalok, Kamila Chalissa Putri Wibowo, Ronaldo Rendi Bentura, Bastian Agrinitus, Muhamad Bagus Widiatmoko, Kesawa Sadu Wirasana, Firmandhito Nathan Kumiadi, and Hezro Perez Ginting.
In addition to these three achievements, UNY also earned Third Honorable Mention in Poetry Writing through Irsyad Qolbi, a student of Indonesian Literature.
The achievements were supported by the guidance of seriosa coaches Dr. Drijastuti Jogjaningrum, S.Sn., M.A. and Lukas Gunawan Arga Rakasiwi, M.Pd.; Vocal Group coaches Dr. Dott Birul Walidaini, M.Pd. and Giovani Pimero RT, S.Pd., Gr.; and poetry recitation and writing coach Dr. Mawaidi, S.S., M.Pd. In the competition, Sesilia performed two songs, Perjumpaan by Trisutji Kamal and Elegie by F.X. Sutopo. She was accompanied by Benecditus Ziven Dixy, a Music Education student, on piano.
For Sesilia, the achievement was not something that came instantly. She underwent intensive preparation both before and during the competition. While participating in PEKSIMINAS, she also followed a disciplined routine to maintain her physical and vocal condition. “During the competition, I avoided iced drinks completely. I practiced almost every day, and after my Educational Practice activities, I would train with Mr. Arga and the others. In addition to training with my lecturers, I also practiced independently and took private lessons with my teacher,” Sesilia said.
Sesilia is currently undertaking her Educational Practice (PK) at SMKN 6 Yogyakarta. Despite her academic commitments, she continued to manage her time for training and preparation for the national-level competition.
According to Sesilia, seriosa presents its own particular challenges. Singers are required not only to possess strong vocal technique, but also to develop an interpretation that suits the character of the song. “My advice is that training for seriosa is indeed difficult. What you need to do is maintain strong chest and abdominal resonance and have confidence when reaching high notes,” she explained.
UNY delegation supervisor Dr. Wenti Nuryani, M.Pd. expressed her appreciation for the students’ achievements. According to her, their success was the result of a long process involving practice, discipline, teamwork, and mental preparation.
“This achievement is certainly a source of pride for UNY. What matters most is not only the final result, but also the process the students went through, from training and building team cohesion to having the courage to perform and compete at the national level. Hopefully, this achievement will become a valuable experience and motivation for them to continue creating,” Wenti said.
She added that PEKSIMINAS provides an important platform for students to develop their talents and creativity while learning to compete in a healthy manner at the national level. The experience is expected to further strengthen students’ confidence in developing their artistic potential and representing UNY.
UNY students’ four achievements at PEKSIMINAS XVIII 2026 demonstrate their success in developing artistic talent through a disciplined and sustained process. The accomplishments also reinforce UNY’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to achieve, create, and develop their potential in both the arts and academics.
