Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Hosts IMSO-23 to Support Primary School Talent Development
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, alongside Klinik Pendidikan MIPA and the Council of Primary, Secondary, and Non-formal Education of the Central Leadership of Muhammadiyah, is organising the 23rd International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO) to support the development of mathematical talent starting from primary school.
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, stated that the IMSO-23 event is being attended by 4able 404 students from 23 countries, competing to sharpen their skills in mathematics and science while gaining international competition experience.
“In line with the theme ‘Where Young Minds Meet, Discover, Compete, and Inspire!’, we hope that IMSO will not only serve as an arena for competition but also as a means to build a sense of togetherness, share experiences, and expand networks among high-achieving young generations from various parts of the world,” said Minister Mu’ti during the opening of IMSO-23 at the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Human Resources Development Training Centre in Depok, West Java, on Saturday.
Furthermore, Mu’ti noted that the consistent organisation of IMSO-23 over many years, with steadily increasing participation, proves that the event is becoming increasingly popular and inspiring.
“This meeting serves as a momentum for participants to get to know one another and draw inspiration. I hope this programme continues in various countries and contributes significantly to improving the quality of the younger generation, particularly in the fields of mathematics and science,” he added.
On the same occasion, the Chairman of IMSO, Raden Ridwan Hasan Saputra, stated that hosting IMSO-23 in Indonesia holds historical significance, as Indonesia is the country where IMSO was first conceived and held in 2004.
“This year’s competition carries deep historical and emotional meaning as IMSO returns home to Indonesia, the nation where this international olympiad was first conceived and born,” said Ridwan.
Since its first organised event in Jakarta in 2004, Indonesia has hosted IMSO several times, including in Mataram, Yogyakarta, Denpasar, and Tangerang. Ridwan added that Indonesia also hosted IMSO virtually from 2020 to 2023.
Following IMSO-22, which was held in Kedah, Malaysia, IMSO returns to Indonesia via IMSO-23 in 2026.
He stated that the return of IMSO to Indonesia serves as a momentum to continue the original spirit of the event as a space for primary school students to develop talent, thinking skills, and an interest and love for mathematics and science.
For this year, Ridwan reported that Indonesia has sent 63 participants to IMSO-23, consisting of 32 participants in Mathematics and 31 in Science. They were selected through two main pathways: winners of the National Science Olympiad (OSN) and an independent selection process conducted by KPM in three stages.
The coaching process focuses not only on logic and problem-solving skills in mathematics and science but also considers the character and ethics of the participants.
As part of the preparation, Indonesian participants attended briefing and quarantine sessions conducted by KPM from 25–30 September 2026 at the Ministry’s Human Resources Development Training Centre.
The main IMSO-23 competition takes place on 4–5 October 2026 across three categories: Theory I, Theory II, and Exploration and Experimentation.
In addition to the academic competition, participants will engage in STEM Presentations and various cultural activities, such as traditional Indonesian games, a Cultural Night, and a city tour to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII).