A student from Politeknik Negeri Jember (POLIJE) has achieved remarkable success by winning the prestigious title of Gus Jember 2026, bringing pride to the university and reinforcing its reputation for developing well-rounded graduates. Enrico Indra Budianto, a student in the Bachelor of Applied Public Sector Accounting Study Program, emerged victorious after successfully competing against talented participants from across Jember Regency.

The Gus and Ning Jember competition is one of the region's most prestigious tourism ambassador programs, aimed at selecting young individuals who possess leadership, cultural awareness, public speaking skills, and a strong commitment to promoting the tourism potential of Jember. Enrico's achievement reflects not only his personal excellence but also POLIJE's dedication to nurturing students who excel both academically and non-academically.

Expressing his gratitude after being crowned Gus Jember 2026, Enrico described the achievement as both an honor and a responsibility. He emphasized his commitment to becoming a positive role model for young people and contributing to the promotion of Jember's tourism, culture, and creative economy. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of his family, lecturers, and fellow students throughout his journey.

The achievement received high appreciation from Saiful Anwar, Director of POLIJE, who congratulated Enrico on his outstanding accomplishment. He stated that the award reflects the trust placed in POLIJE students by the community and demonstrates the institution's success in producing graduates with strong character, leadership, and social responsibility alongside professional competence.

The Director also encouraged Enrico to maintain his academic performance while carrying out his responsibilities as Gus Jember. He emphasized that the title should inspire Enrico to continue serving as a positive ambassador for both Jember Regency and POLIJE, while balancing his public role with his academic commitments.

Enrico's victory continues POLIJE's strong tradition in the Gus and Ning Jember competition, highlighting the university's consistent commitment to developing students with leadership qualities, communication skills, and civic engagement. The achievement demonstrates that vocational education not only equips students with technical expertise but also prepares them to become influential leaders within their communities.

Through participation in regional ambassador programs, POLIJE students gain valuable experience in public communication, tourism promotion, cultural advocacy, and community engagement. These experiences complement their academic education by strengthening soft skills that are increasingly important in today's competitive professional environment.

The success of Enrico Indra Budianto as Gus Jember 2026 reflects POLIJE's vision of producing graduates who are academically competent, socially responsible, and capable of making meaningful contributions to regional development. His achievement serves as an inspiration for fellow students to pursue excellence beyond the classroom while actively promoting local culture, tourism, and community empowerment.