RI to host 2002 Physics Olympics

JAKARTA: Indonesia will host the 33rd International Physics Olympics (IPhO) in 2002, the Ministry of National Education's director general of elementary and high school education, Indradjati, said.

Bandung in West Java and Denpasar in Bali will be considered to host the annual event, he said on Wednesday.

"Bandung had actually been chosen as the host, with the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) acting as its organizing institution, but due to unfavorable security concerns lately, IPhO president Waldemar Gorzkowski suggested that the venue be changed to Bali," Indradjati said.

The 33rd IPhO will be held from July 14 to 23 next year, while the International Mathematics Olympics will be held in Britain, the International Chemistry Olympics in the Netherlands, the International Biology Olympics in Latvia, and the International Information Olympics in South Korea. All events will be held between July and August next year.

The 33rd IPhO is expected to be attended by 70 to 75 countries, with each of them sending a delegation consisting of five contestants accompanied by two leaders.

Indonesia has participated in physics competition since 1993, with several students receiving awards for outstanding achievement, Indradjati said. --JP