Indonesia enters debating contest

JAKARTA: Four senior high school students from Greater Jakarta will represent Indonesia at the World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC) in Stuttgart, Germany, which commences on Feb. 11.

The 2004 WSDC team from Indonesia comprises Putu Sanjaya from SMA Kanisius, Central Jakarta; Siti Astrid Kusumawadhani from SMA Al Izhar, Ciputat, South Jakarta; Sahil Kush Mahtani from Pelita Harapan high school, Karawaci, Tangerang, and Ziarini Zaki Karmiadji from SMA Al Azhar, Serpong, Tangerang.

Team leader Dayu Nirma Amurwanti said the championship would be the fourth consecutive event to be participated in by Indonesia since 2001.

Indonesia was named the best rookie in the 2001 championship in Singapore.

Last year, Indonesia managed to pass the preliminary round to eventually finish 13th in Lima. One member of the Indonesian team, Siti Astrid Kusumawardhani, was ranked as among the best 50 individual debaters.

Students from 30 countries will take part in this year's championship. -- Antara.