Riau to host Physics Olympiad

PEKANBARU, Riau: Some 116 participants from 20 countries will be coming to the Riau provincial capital of Pekanbaru for the 6th Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO) next month, official said on Saturday.

The event, according to the Olympiad committee's coordinator, Werkanis, will cost the provincial administration Rp 6.5 billion (US$684,000)

Local committee member, Sakti Oto, said the central government would provide the medals, certificates and uniforms for the participants.

The committee has sent invitations to 38 countries, but only 20 countries, including host country Indonesia, have expressed their wish to take part in the international event.

"At the moment, 20 countries will send 116 participants. But the number is still provisional," he said.

Among the foreign countries taking part in the event are China, Jordan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

Indonesia will send 21 teams, of which eight come from Riau. The event is expected to be opened by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and will run from April 25 to May 1. -- JP