RI student wins physics contest

DENPASAR, Bali: Made Agus Wirawan, a Bangli state senior high school student, has won an international physics award and the possibility of a scholarship at one of America's top universities.

An official at the local education and culture office, Ida Bagus Anom, told Antara on Monday that Indonesia's representative Agus beat 170 students from 24 countries in the "First Step to Nobel Prize" physics contest held recently in Poland.

Agus presented his research titled "Analysis of Cubic Infinite Network of Resistors" in the annual event. His work is set to be published by organizers of the contest.

Anom met Governor Dewa Made Beratha on Monday to report Agus' achievement. Beratha promised to provide a Rp 5 million (US$745) bonus for Agus, plus allowances, if he attends an overseas university.

"The jury panel recommended Agus to notable universities in the world, particularly Berkeley in the United States," Anom said.

Agus is now preparing for the 30th International Physics Olympics in Padua, Italy, between July 18 and July 27. (amd)