LABUHANBATU | INDATANEWS.COM- Indonesian students have once again demonstrated outstanding achievements on the international stage. Caroline Cicilia Nababan, a first-grade student of SD Negeri 18 Rantau Selatan in Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatra, won the Gold Winner award in Mathematics and earned the prestigious Top Score title at the Asia Science & Mathematics Competition (ASMC) Global Round 2026.
The prestigious international competition was held on July 11–12, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Caroline emerged as the best participant in the Mathematics Competition Level A category, which is designated for first- and second-grade elementary school students.
Caroline had already impressed judges during the preliminary round by achieving a perfect score of 100. She maintained her exceptional performance in the final round, once again demonstrating her outstanding mathematical ability to secure the championship.
In addition to receiving the Gold Medal and Top Score award, Caroline was also presented with a Certificate of Appreciation as a Junior Delegate of the Asia Innovation Conference, held at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
WELCOME HOME: Caroline's father, Titin Nababan, welcomes his daughter at Kualanamu International Airport and expresses his gratitude for her outstanding international achievement. (PHOTO: Archive)
Warm Welcome Following International Success
Upon returning from Malaysia, Caroline received a heartfelt welcome from her family. She arrived at Kualanamu International Airport in Deli Serdang on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, where she was greeted by her father, Titin Nababan.
Titin expressed his gratitude for his daughter's remarkable achievement, saying she had proudly represented Indonesia on the international stage. He emphasized that Caroline's success was not only a source of pride for their family but also for the people of Labuhanbatu and North Sumatra.
"Thank God, Caroline has brought honor to Indonesia. We are deeply grateful that our Red and White flag was proudly represented through her achievement at an international competition," Titin said.
He also conveyed his appreciation to Labuhanbatu Police Chief AKBP Wahyu Hendra Jaya for the support that enabled Caroline to participate in the competition.
According to Titin, the assistance provided by many parties played a crucial role in allowing Caroline to compete against participants from numerous countries.
Meanwhile, Caroline's mother, Linsiani, revealed that her daughter completed every mathematics problem with the highest possible score. She also noted that Caroline finished the competition in the fastest time among all contestants.
"Caroline successfully outperformed participants from many countries, won the Gold Medal, and was recognized as the Top Score of ASMC 2026," Linsiani said.
Academic Excellence Beyond the Competition
During the ASMC Global Round 2026, Caroline's participation extended beyond mathematics and science competitions. She also joined several academic programs that formed part of the official event agenda.
The activities included an innovation conference, cultural exchange programs, and leadership training sessions. These experiences broadened Caroline's perspective while providing opportunities to interact with participants from various countries.
Caroline is the daughter of Police First Brigadier (Aipda) TP Nababan and Linsiani. She is also the youngest of five siblings.
Despite Caroline's remarkable accomplishment, her family hopes educational facilities at SD Negeri 18 Rantau Selatan will receive greater attention. According to Linsiani, improved school buildings and modern learning facilities are essential to support better educational outcomes.
"We hope the school's learning facilities will be improved so the children can study in a more comfortable environment," she said.
Linsiani also expressed her appreciation to the principal and teachers of SD Negeri 18 Rantau Selatan for their continuous support throughout Caroline's journey toward international success.
She further hoped that both the Labuhanbatu Regency Government and the North Sumatra Provincial Government would support classroom renovation projects to provide students with a safer and more conducive learning environment.
PROUD OF THE GOLD MEDAL: Caroline's mother, Linsiani, expresses her pride after her daughter won the Gold Medal and earned the Top Score title at ASMC 2026 by outperforming participants from numerous countries. (PHOTO: Archive)
Caroline Hopes for Better Learning Facilities
Caroline herself also expressed her wish for improved educational facilities. The talented young student hopes to study in a better learning environment and receive a scholarship that will enable her to further develop her potential in international science competitions.
Despite her young age, Caroline has shown extraordinary determination to continue learning and achieve even greater success. She believes the support she has received so far will help her pursue future academic achievements.
"Mr. Bobby, Caroline has become an international science champion in Malaysia. May Caroline have a study desk so she can study more comfortably?" Caroline said.
Caroline's achievement stands as compelling evidence that elementary school students from Indonesia's regions can successfully compete on the global stage when provided with the necessary support, opportunities, and quality educational guidance. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala