MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, GRESIK – Indonesia’s runner-up finish at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand brought many inspiring stories. Among the 91 gold medals won by the national contingent, one was proudly contributed by a Muhammadiyah student: Alma Ariella Tsany, a 16-year-old student of Muhammadiyah Highschool 1 Gresik (Smamsatu)
Friday (12/12) became an unforgettable moment for Alma. As Indonesia Raya echoed through the arena, she stood on the highest podium with tears of joy, a gold medal hanging around her neck. Competing in women’s lead climbing, Alma delivered an exceptional performance and became the only athlete to reach the highest point on the 15-meter wall in the final round.
Alma’s success is remarkable not only because of her age, but also because she is still balancing her role as a student and a national athlete. Her achievement is strongly supported by her school, which provides space for students to develop their talents through what it calls a “Hidden Curriculum.”
Principal of Smamsatu, Nurul Ilmiyah, explained that Alma’s achievement validates the school’s humanistic and integrative learning approach. The school believes that every student has unique strengths that must be facilitated and nurtured.
Smamsatu applies academic flexibility for high-achieving students. Alma, for instance, receives training and competition dispensations integrated with special academic support, ensuring she remains academically on track while pursuing her sporting career. This approach positions the school as a talent incubator rather than a barrier to students’ aspirations.
Through this progressive educational model, values such as discipline, resilience, and responsibility are continuously emphasized. Alma’s gold medal stands as clear evidence that with an adaptive learning system and a supportive school environment, academic and non-academic achievements can go hand in hand. (Janu) (Translated by Bintang Adrian)
