The Faculty of Law at Gadjah Mada University (FH UGM) has once again added to its long list of achievements on the national stage. A delegation of FH UGM students achieved the highest honor by winning first place in the 2025 Hulu Oleo Legal Writing Competition (LERION). This prestigious competition was organized by the Faculty of Law at Halu Oleo University under the theme “Strengthening the Role of the Constitutional Court as the Guardian of the Constitution.”
The delegation team, consisting of three FH UGM students from the Class of 2023—Yuma Putra Bangsa (Team Leader), Wahyu Fajar Nur Rohim, and Ignatius Axel Rama Puherdin—demonstrated dedication and strong legal analytical skills. They successfully outperformed finalists from various other leading universities in Indonesia. In this competition, the UGM Faculty of Law team presented an essay titled “Constitutional Court Decision No. 135/PUU-XXII/2024: A Progressive Step by the Constitutional Court in the Conduct of National and Local Elections.” This essay provided an in-depth analysis of a significant Constitutional Court decision that has garnered attention in the development of constitutional law.
This success did not come easily. After passing through a rigorous selection process, the UGM Faculty of Law team made it into the top five finalists eligible to advance to the final round. In the final round, held on Sunday (August 10, 2025), the team gave a presentation to explain their essay before the panel of judges. Their ability to present strong and comprehensive arguments impressed the judges, leading them to victory.
The achievements of Yuma, Fajar, and Axel are clear evidence of the academic excellence and strong competitive spirit among UGM Law School students. It is hoped that these accomplishments will inspire other students to continue working hard, excelling, and bringing honor to their alma mater in various national and international competitions.
The victory of the UGM Faculty of Law in the LERION 2025 competition also made a significant contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). First, it contributes to SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, particularly by promoting inclusive access to justice and strengthening legal institutions that are responsive to vulnerable groups. Second, it supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by encouraging equal access to legal services for persons with disabilities. Furthermore, the protection of vulnerable groups, especially women with disabilities, is also linked to SDG 5: Gender Equality. The written work highlighting the role of the Constitutional Court in upholding the constitution reflects efforts to support SDG 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, particularly in strengthening transparent and accountable legal institutions. From an educational perspective, the students’ participation in this national academic competition is also aligned with SDG 4 on Quality Education, as it fosters the intellectual capacity and analytical skills of the younger generation. Furthermore, the team’s success demonstrates the implementation of SDG 17 on “Partnerships for the Goals” through collaboration among students, faculty advisors, and competition organizers to strengthen academic culture and the rule of law in Indonesia.
Author: Delegation of the Faculty of Law, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FH UGM)
