PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Daop 9 Jember, in collaboration with Koding Akademi – Robotics and Coding Center, held the KAI RailTech Robotics Competition on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the Garuda Building, KAI Daop 9 Jember. The competition brought together 20 students, from kindergarten through middle school, representing 10 schools in Jember and Banyuwangi regencies. Participants programmed robots to complete a simulated railway route within the Daop 9 region, from Pasuruan Station to Ketapang.
The “Track The Future!” Theme and the Spirit of STEM
The competition featured the theme “Track The Future!” and the slogan “Code The Future, Build Smarter Transportation”. These were chosen to introduce robotics and coding as part of the development of modern transportation technology.
Through an interactive approach, children explored how technology supports safer, more reliable, and modern transportation services. Cahyo Widiantoro, Legal and Public Relations Manager at PT KAI Daop 9 Jember, explained that National Children's Day 2026 provided an opportunity to create an inspiring learning space for children.
“Through National Children's Day, KAI wants to offer activities that are entertaining while also providing meaningful learning experiences for children.”
A Simulated Railway Route as a Learning Tool
Participants programmed robots to move precisely through points representing stations within the Daop 9 Jember region. The route was designed to resemble a train journey through Pasuruan, Jember, Banyuwangi Kota, and Ketapang stations.
The simulation was more than a game. Participants had to develop accurate programming logic so their robots could follow the route and complete each mission. Noah, one of the participants, said his greatest challenge was refining the program to keep the robot on track.
“Sometimes the code has errors, so we have to try again and again. It takes practice and patience to get the robot to follow the route and complete the mission.”
Skills Developed Through the Competition
The competition gave participants practice in several important skills. Alongside programming logic, they developed systematic thinking, creativity, attention to detail, and problem-solving. Children learned to organize instructions in sequence, identify errors, and find solutions when programs did not work as expected.
Cahyo added that advances in transportation technology require people who are adaptable, creative, and able to think logically from an early age. KAI therefore continues to offer educational programs that encourage children's interest in STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Special Requirements for Participants
The competition had a distinctive requirement. Each participant's accompanying adult had to have an Access by KAI account and show a boarding pass or e-boarding pass for a train journey during July–August 2026. This also made the competition a gesture of appreciation from KAI to its loyal customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the KAI RailTech Robotics Competition?
The KAI RailTech Robotics Competition is organized by PT KAI Daop 9 Jember in collaboration with Koding Akademi – Robotics and Coding Center. It invites students from kindergarten through middle school to program robots to complete a simulated railway route.
Who can participate in the competition?
The competition is open to students from kindergarten through middle school. The 2026 edition included 20 participants from 10 schools in Jember and Banyuwangi regencies.
What are the benefits of joining a robotics competition like this?
Participants learn programming logic, practice systematic thinking, develop creativity and attention to detail, and build problem-solving skills. The competition also introduces children to railways and modern transportation technology.
Ready to Learn Robotics and Coding?
Want your children to learn coding and robotics through a similar approach? Koding Akademi offers Robotics and Coding programs designed for children, from beginner to advanced levels.
