Aceh Tamiang flood survivor makes 2026 Paskibraka national team
Zilqueensa topped district and provincial selection, then will represent Aceh at the Aug. 17, 2026 independence ceremony.
SMA Negeri 2 Percontohan Karang Baru student Zilqueensa Abintary Laudicia Simatupang advanced to the 2026 national Paskibraka after leading the selection results at the district level and in Aceh province. The Aceh Tamiang student will represent Aceh alongside M Hibban Annapis of SMA Modal Bangsa Aceh Besar at the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia ceremony on 17 August 2026.
She earned the achievement after her family home was hit by hydrometeorological flooding in late 2025. Zilqueensa said water rose to about four meters in her home, her parents' laundry business was also affected, and school activities were suspended for two months. She said she lost motivation for a time, but resumed training once conditions improved. Aceh Tamiang's Kesbangpol said the selection process, which began in February 2026, continued even though sports facilities had not fully returned to normal and some were still being used by evacuees.