BINUS Debate Team Battles to the Semi-finals in NUDC 2024: A Showcase of Talent and Tenacity
The National University Debating Championship (NUDC), the pinnacle of the Indonesian debating scene, took place from May 26 to June 2, 2024. This year’s event, held at Universitas Terbuka, South Tangerang, was the most competitive yet, with participants across Indonesia vying for a chance to represent the country at the World Universities Debating Championship (WUDC). After a rigorous selection process, the BINUS Debate team was finalized, featuring debaters Rachel Chen and Jennifer Marcellyn Cen, along with independent adjudicator Regina Stephanie Wuisana. Under the guidance of their coach, acclaimed Indonesian debater Batara Mulya, the team was ready to make a significant impact on the national stage.
With a month of preparation, the team faced their first major test at the Regional 2 Qualifiers, held from May 4 to May 6, 2024. Known as the toughest of the three regional qualifiers, the BINUS team exceeded expectations, winning three gold medals—two for individual speakers and one for the team. They finished as the second-best team overall, with Rachel and Jennifer ranking as the 4th and 5th best speakers respectively. This performance secured their position as the top seed from LLDIKTI III for NUDC 2024. Entering the nationals with confidence tempered by caution, the team was prepared for the tough, demanding format of nine preliminary rounds followed by a 32-team single elimination bracket.
A gold medal earned by the team of two debaters at the second regional qualifiers
Two gold medals earned by each of the debaters at the second regional qualifiers
After three gruelling days of preliminaries, the BINUS team advanced to the top 48 cut-off, and ultimately broke into the top 32 as the second-best team in the open category. Regina also distinguished herself by progressing into the elimination rounds as an independent judge. The elimination rounds saw the BINUS team taking each match step by step. They triumphed in the octo-finals against Parahyangan University and Lambung Mangkurat University, while further continuing their winning streak in the quarter-finals against President University and Diponegoro University.
The BINUS Debate team at the National University Debating Championship
The BINUS Debate team breaking into the top 32 at NUDC 2024
However, their journey came to a close in the semi-finals after a hard-fought battle. Despite this, the team celebrated individual successes. Regina Stephanie Wuisana earned a bronze medal as the 8th best independent adjudicator, while Rachel Chen achieved a silver medal as the 8th best speaker. This year’s NUDC was notably the most competitive to date, with no team from the top eight breaking into the grand final. This highlights the rapid development and increasing competitiveness of the Indonesian debating scene.
For the BINUS Debate team, the future looks promising, with Rachel and Jennifer having many years ahead of their debating careers. Their impressive performance this year sets the stage for even greater achievements in the future. The BINUS Debate team is confident that they will return next year, much stronger and better. Their journey through NUDC 2024 highlights the dedication, skill, and strategic prowess that define exceptional debating teams. The BINUS Debate team is looking forward to continuing their upward trajectory in the coming years.
The BINUS Debate team at the semi-final round of NUDC 2024
In conclusion, the BINUS Debate team’s remarkable journey at NUDC 2024 is a testament to their hard work and determination. The combination of seasoned coaching, strategic preparation, continuous hard work, and individual talent has propelled them to new heights in the national debating arena. As they set their sights on future competitions, their experience at this year’s NUDC will undoubtedly serve as a cornerstone for continued success and growth in the vibrant and competitive world of Indonesian debating.