My Experience Participating in the National Olympiad in Information Technology (OTN)

By Kenrick Virya Putra – Harapan Bangsa School

Participating in the National Olympiad in Information Technology (Olimpiade TIK Nasional, OTN) was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. This competition has allowed me to showcase my creativity and technical abilities, especially in website design and development.

My journey began with the online preliminary round. All participants had to independently design a website based on the theme “Technology for a New Era.” My website, named “CryptoVault,” has the goal to help the public better understand the importance of cryptocurrency and digital security. During the design process, I aimed to create a website interface that was both modern and simple, responsive, and that provided a good user experience. Through the website content, I hoped to convey the idea that “technology can be both safe and beneficial to society.”

During the preparation and creation process, I learned to complete every step, from programming to interface design, independently, and also honed my time management skills. This stage, while challenging, also helped me grow a lot. When I learned I had successfully advanced to the national finals, I was filled with excitement and pride.

The finals were held at the Indonesia International Convention Center (ICE BSD, Tangerang), bringing together outstanding contestants from all over the country. Being able to exchange ideas, learn from, and share experiences with so many tech-loving peers was an invaluable memory. In the finals, each participant had to present and explain their designed website to the judges personally. I explained CryptoVault's philosophy, functions, and features in detail, including how the website helps users understand the basics of cryptocurrency and important methods for protecting personal digital assets.

At first, I was inevitably nervous, but as the presentation progressed, I gradually regained my confidence and completed it successfully. This experience made me deeply realize that, in addition to technical skills, expression and communication skills are equally important.

By participating in OTN, I gained not only knowledge and experience but also a passion and a sense of mission for technology. I realized that technology is not just a tool for programming or design, but a force driving social progress. It taught me the importance of perseverance, hard work, and the courage to try new things. This experience has deepened my passion for technology and strengthened my resolve to continue pursuing this field.

For me, the National Olympiad in Information Technology (OTN) is more than just a competition; it's a journey filled with growth and inspiration. Through my project, CryptoVault, I not only showcased my love for technology but also hoped to raise awareness of the importance of digital security. I am incredibly proud to have represented Harapan Bangsa School in this competition, and I hope this experience will be a significant step towards an innovative future.