Semarang – Another remarkable achievement has been recorded by a student of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES). Gesner Elbaryo Naftali, a student of the Bachelor’s Program in Sociology and Anthropology Education, bearing Student Identification Number (NIM) 3401422146, secured Second Place in the Men’s Open Category at the Argajaladri Orienteering Race 1, a regional orienteering competition that brought together participants from Central Java, East Java, and the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY).
The competition was organized by Argajaladri of Universitas Islam Sultan Agung (Unissula) and took place on 18–19 July 2026 across two of Semarang’s iconic cultural heritage sites, Kota Lama (Old Town) and Kampung Batik. The event featured the Sprint Orienteering format, a discipline that combines map-reading and navigation skills with speed, strategic decision-making, and physical endurance as participants navigate through designated checkpoints in the shortest possible time.
Gesner’s second-place finish in the highly competitive Men’s Open Category demonstrates not only his physical fitness but also his ability to think critically, interpret maps accurately, and make rapid decisions under pressure. Competing against athletes from three provinces, his accomplishment highlights his exceptional competitiveness and resilience.
For Gesner, this achievement reflects the importance of holistic student development beyond academic excellence. His success illustrates how university students can cultivate leadership, resilience, and critical thinking through extracurricular activities and competitive events. The achievement also brings pride to the Bachelor’s Program in Sociology and Anthropology Education and further strengthens the reputation of FISIP UNNES at the regional level.
The Dean of FISIP UNNES expressed appreciation for Gesner’s outstanding accomplishment. The achievement is expected to inspire other students to pursue excellence in both academic and non-academic fields while continuing to develop their talents, interests, and professional competencies.
Beyond being a sporting event, the Argajaladri Orienteering Race 1 also served as an educational platform that introduced participants to the historical and cultural richness of Semarang. By utilizing the city’s Old Town and Kampung Batik as competition venues, the event promoted awareness of cultural heritage preservation while demonstrating how public spaces can be transformed into meaningful environments for education, sports, and community engagement.
Gesner Elbaryo Naftali’s achievement reflects Universitas Negeri Semarang’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting sports and healthy lifestyles, SDG 4 (Quality Education) through fostering students’ holistic development both inside and outside the classroom, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by utilizing cultural heritage sites as spaces for education, recreation, and sustainable tourism, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration among higher education institutions in organizing competitions that strengthen student achievement, networking, and inter-university cooperation.
