Two students from the Faculty of Law at Gadjah Mada University, Shelina Theodora and Dhea Praja Gupta, won second place in the Legal Opinion Competition at the 2025 Veteran Legal Competition (VLC). The competition was organized by the Faculty of Law at the University of National Development “Veteran” Jakarta on May 16–17, 2025. This achievement serves as concrete evidence of the academic capabilities of UGM Law students in addressing complex and dynamic legal challenges at both the national and international levels.
This year, the VLC Legal Opinion Competition features the subtheme “The Sustainability of Cross-Border Marketplaces in the Face of Policy and Competition in Indonesia.” This theme challenges participants to analyze the legal dynamics surrounding the operations of cross-border marketplaces, including issues of competition regulation, intellectual property protection, and provisions under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). In this competition, participants are not only required to draft a written legal opinion but also to present it in person before a panel of judges, just as a professional legal consultant would provide legal advice to a client.
The UGM delegation stood out by presenting sharp, systematic arguments grounded in a comprehensive legal framework. The arguments presented covered aspects of national, regional, and international law relevant to the issues raised. With guidance from their advisor, Virga Dwi Efendi, S.H., LL.M., the UGM team demonstrated a deep understanding of the Indonesian legal system as well as the ability to relate it to global digital economic policy practices and trends.
This achievement also reflects the contribution of the UGM Faculty of Law in supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on Quality Education and Goal 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth. By facilitating student participation in academic competitions that test analytical acuity and understanding of global legal dynamics, the UGM Faculty of Law plays an active role in producing competent, innovative graduates who are ready to compete in the digital age. This competition also fosters awareness of the importance of legal development that is fair, inclusive, and oriented toward economic sustainability.
Through this achievement, the UGM Faculty of Law has once again demonstrated its standing as a legal education institution that is not only academically excellent but also responsive to contemporary legal issues. This competition serves as a vital platform for students to hone their critical thinking, argumentative, and professional skills in addressing evolving legal challenges in the cross-border digital era. It is hoped that this experience will provide a strong foundation for students to contribute to the fields of law and policy on a global scale.
Reportase: Dhea Praja Gupta
Editor: Public Relations
