Although Stopped at the Final Stage, the Struggle Story of 4 Finalists of Genera-Z Berbakti 2026 is Inspiring

Kapanlagi.com - The journey to the final stage of Genera-Z Berbakti 2026 was clearly not an easy one. Hundreds of teams from various universities in Indonesia went through a long selection process before finally, the eight best finalists secured their place in the Grand Final. Unfortunately, in competitions, there are always those who advance further and those who must end their journey.

Four finalists, namely UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, IPB University, Universitas Cendrawasih, and BINUS University, have given their best abilities. They came with ideas, innovations, and big dreams to serve in Desa Bakti BCA. Although they did not succeed in advancing, their spirit to make a positive impact on society remains alive.

1. UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung Brings Technological Innovation, But Must End the Journey

Tri, Rifki, and Tessa from UIN Sunan Gunung Djati. (c) KapanLagi

The first battle brought together UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung and Gadjah Mada University (UGM) to compete for the opportunity to run the KKN program in the Creative Tourism Village of Terong, Belitung Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands.

Represented by Tri, Tessa, and Rifki, the UIN Bandung team appeared confident by bringing various innovations, including a water quality testing tool capable of detecting pH, mineral content, and metals in water. This technology is expected to help the community obtain better water quality.

However, the panelists had their own considerations regarding the implementation of technology in the community. One of these considerations came from Tri Mumpuni, affectionately known as Puni.

"The best technology if you can bring as close as possible, in accordance with the capabilities of the people. That is a techno-anthropological approach. You bring many new things, but this still needs to be proven first. To bring one technology alone, it takes 5-10 years for people to understand," Puni advised the participants at the end of the battle session between UIN Bandung and UGM.

In the end, UGM was chosen to realize the KKN program in the Creative Tourism Village of Terong. This result certainly left a sense of disappointment for the representatives from UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung. Although their steps have been halted, their spirit of dedication is certainly not stopped.

"I have been entrusted. There is hope that we carry from our group friends as well. I actually feel a bit guilty about that," Tessa said.

Meanwhile, Tri expressed gratitude to her fellow fighters. "Remember the eleven friends who are in Bandung are hoping for that. But we strengthen each other. Thank you for being present and walking together this far," Tri stated.

"Honestly, I am a bit disappointed. But fundamentally, Allah knows what is best. And perhaps our fortune is not in Desa Terong itself," said Rifki.

2. IPB University Was Once Praised by Cinta Laura Kiehl, But Has Not Yet Succeeded

Tya, Miki, and Lubna from IPB University. (c) KapanLagi

Battle two brought together IPB University and Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD) to compete for a ticket to Desa Gunung Padang, West Java.

IPB University, represented by Lubna, Miki, and Tya, presented the Sabilulungan Lestari program. Various systems and technologies were introduced to assist the community, ranging from measuring land productivity to analyzing air quality. Their presentation even successfully captured the attention of one of the panelists, Cinta Laura Kiehl.

"Looking at the IPB University program, as an outsider who may not be an expert in this field, I really like the roadmap you have built, so that I, as an outsider, can understand what you are trying to achieve," said Cinta Laura Kiehl.

Despite receiving appreciation, the panelists decided that UNPAD was the team entitled to implement the program in Desa Gunung Padang. The representatives from IPB University could not hide their sadness.

"I apologize that I still cannot fulfill our dream together for service to Desa Gunung Padang. But we can still create an impact together. I believe in us. Thank you," said Lubna.

"I want to apologize to my friends because I haven't been able to take you to the Gunung Padang Tourism Village. Thank you guys!" said Miki.

Tya also expressed pride in her fellow fighters. "We have come this far, so I am still proud even though we couldn't make it through," said Tya.

Although not yet winners at BCA Genera-Z Berbakti 2026, IPB University believes there are still many other opportunities to continue benefiting the community.

3. Cendrawasih University Proudly Voices from Eastern Indonesia

Elis, Monik, and Lika from Cendrawasih University. (c) KapanLagi

Universitas Cendrawasih is the only finalist from the eastern tip of Indonesia. The team, consisting of Elis, Lika, and Monik, faced off against Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) for the opportunity to conduct community service (KKN) in Patakbanteng Village, Wonosobo Regency, Central Java.

They presented a concept for transforming the village into a healthy, sustainable, and empowered community through four main programs: NutriMom, CEHATI, Trashformer, and DesaSehat.id. Unfortunately, the final results led to the UNAIR team being selected to implement their program in Patakbanteng Village.

Despite their disappointment, the Universitas Cendrawasih team maintained a positive attitude.
"It actually feels like a big failure because we lost. This is a strong motivation. If I fail here, I believe I have very big and great ideas that I can build elsewhere," said Elis.

On the other hand, Monik also felt happy to have the opportunity to present her ideas and programs up to the battle stage of Genera-Z Berbakti 2026.

"Today we are very happy, we have been able to convey the ideas from our friends, which we brought all the way from the east. Whoever departs and the UNAIR team that departs, we also feel proud of what has been decided by the panelists," Monik explained.

"With what we have trained, with what we have written, it turns out that the results are not yet there. We are already great, we have come this far. We are the only contestants from the east. So don’t be discouraged even if we lose, but stay enthusiastic about pursuing other projects," said Lika.

Although their journey in the competition must come to an end, the spirit of bringing change from Eastern Indonesia remains a unique pride.

4. BINUS University Continues to Fight Even Though the Presentation Did Not Go Ideally

Ria and Preti from BINUS University. (c) KapanLagi

The final battle brought BINUS University face to face with the University of Indonesia (UI) for the ticket to KKN in the Tourist Village of Kakaskasen Dua.

Represented by Preti, Ria, and Hiro, BINUS University offered a program for cultural regeneration, strengthening MSMEs, and community-based digitalization to develop the potential of Kakaskasen Dua Village.

However, their struggle did not go smoothly. Hiro, who was the driving force of the BINUS University team, fell ill. In the end, only Preti and Ria advanced to present their ideas before the panelists.

Despite facing a challenging situation, the two performed their best until the end of the session. Unfortunately, the panelists chose UI as the team that would implement the program in Kakaskasen Dua Village.

Sadness was expressed by the team members. One of them, Ria, emphasized that she would not stop serving the community. She believes there will be other opportunities that can be used for similar activities.

"Sad, disappointed. The important thing is that we have given our best, and next we will continue to serve the community," Ria expressed.

BINUS University's journey indeed ended in the final round, but their spirit to continue serving Indonesia did not end.

5. The Struggle May Stop, but the Spirit of Service Continues

Genera-Z Berbakti is not just a competition to find a winner. This event also serves as a space for the younger generation to present real solutions for the community through their creative ideas.

Four teams indeed had to stop their journey in the final round. However, their struggle proves that victory is not the only goal. The courage to bring ideas, learn from every process, and the desire to serve the community become achievements that are equally significant.

Curious about the implementation of the programs from the four winning teams that successfully advanced, namely Gadjah Mada University, Padjadjaran University, Airlangga University, and Indonesia University in the BCA Bakti Village of their choice? Watch the complete journey of BCA Genera-Z Berbakti 2026 on YouTube Solusi BCA, or visit bca.id/genzberbakti. This inspirational show can also be watched via Vidio.

(kpl/wri)