Jakarta, October 14, 2026 – Innovation is a key driver of building self-reliant, sustainable villages. In line with this spirit, PT United Tractors Tbk (UT), together with the United Tractors Foundation (Yayasan Karya Bakti United Tractors/YKBUT), once again held SOBAT Competition 2026, an annual innovation competition now in its eighth year since it was first launched in 2019.
Carrying the theme “Synergy of Innovation and Real Action in Building Sustainable Village Self-Reliance” and the tagline “Village Innovation, for Indonesia,” the competition provides a platform for students, university students, teachers, and lecturers to turn creative ideas into solutions that address rural communities’ needs. The series of activities ran from June to October 2026, culminating in the awards night on October 14, 2026.
“For us, SOBAT Competition 2026 is more than just a competition. It is a platform for the younger generation to develop innovations that address communities’ real needs. We believe that local potential, when supported by creativity, collaboration, and appropriate guidance, can become a driving force in building more self-reliant and sustainable villages. We hope this competition will serve as a starting point for solutions that can be further developed and deliver benefits to the wider community,” said Himawan Sutanto, Head of the Corporate Social Responsibility Department.
SOBAT Competition 2026 features seven competition categories: Senior High School (SMA/MA), Vocational High School – General (SMK Umum), Vocational High School – Teaching Factory (SMK Teaching Factory/TeFa), Polytechnic or University, Teachers, Lecturers, and Disability Groups. These diverse categories give participants from various backgrounds opportunities to contribute innovations aligned with their competencies and potential.
Enthusiasm for the competition has grown year after year. In 2024, a total of 848 innovations were registered. This figure rose to 1,025 innovations in 2025 and further to 1,108 in 2026.
Each entry is evaluated based on creativity, functionality, implementation potential, and relevance to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). To ensure a high-quality, objective evaluation, the first stage is supported by artificial intelligence (AI) technology, while the second and third stages involve cross-evaluation by two judges.
UT’s commitment to sustainable development is also reflected in the return of the Disability Groups category. This category is open to active students enrolled in special needs senior high schools (SMALB), special needs vocational high schools (SMKLB), or equivalent institutions, including individuals with sensory, physical, intellectual, and mental disabilities.
Including this category reinforces the principle that opportunities to innovate and contribute to society should be accessible to everyone. UT aims to ensure that the potential and creativity of the younger generation can flourish without being limited by differences in background or individual circumstances.
To develop high-quality innovations, SOBAT Competition 2026 uses three selection stages. Participants first submitted their innovation entries by the July 10, 2026 registration deadline. A total of 120 innovations advanced to the second stage and were given the opportunity to refine their papers and prototypes, supported by funding for prototype development or research.
In the final stage, the 35 best innovations, representing five entries from each category, presented their work online before a panel of judges. This process assessed not only the quality of the innovations but also participants’ ability to explain the benefits, implementation potential, and impact of their work.
In addition to the selection process, participants received guidance through webinars and coaching clinics. The sessions covered using AI to prepare scientific papers, create engaging and educational videos, and develop communication skills. These activities were expected to help participants refine their innovations while strengthening their ability to communicate their ideas effectively.
UT remains committed to promoting innovation and empowering the younger generation as part of its efforts to build self-reliant and sustainable villages. In line with the spirit of “Village Innovation, for Indonesia,” SOBAT Competition 2026 is expected to generate innovative solutions that deliver tangible benefits to communities and contribute to Indonesia’s sustainable development.
United Tractors’ Overview
PT United Tractors Tbk (UT) was established in 1972 and is recognized as one of Indonesia’s leading heavy equipment distributors. Today, UT continues to expand its business through its Mining Solutions and Heavy Equipment pillar. In line with its commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UT consistently implements various initiatives that uphold sustainability principles.
ESG United Tractors
As a world-class heavy equipment, mining, and energy company, UT has been operating in Indonesia for over 54 years. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future for Indonesia by effectively applying ESG principles. UT aims to pay attention to the environment, positively impact society, and uphold good corporate governance at all levels of its business operations. The company also strives to optimize its competencies, expertise, and strategic assets to bring added value to all stakeholders and the Indonesian people.
|
For more information, please contact: Dianwahyu Sri Purnomo Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability Division PT United Tractors Tbk Email : ir@unitedtractors.com and corcom@unitedtractors.com Address : Jl. Raya Bekasi Km.22 Cakung, Jakarta Timur 13910 Telp. : (62-21) 3511961, Fax : (62-21) 3441413 Medsos : IG (@unitedtractorsofficial & @ceritadi.unitedtractors) Website: www.unitedtractors.com LinkedIn: PT United Tractors Tbk |