Teenage scientists awarded

JAKARTA (JP): The National Institute of Sciences (LIPI) awarded eight school children with prizes on Wednesday at the annual Scientific Contest for Teenagers (LKIR) in a ceremony televised on state television station TVRI.

Agung Pranowo, chairman of the jury, read out the winners' names, witnessed by LIPI chairman Taufik Abdullah.

The contest, of which there were 15 finalists, was divided into three categories, namely technology, pure science and social science.

In technology, the jury decided not to award any first prizes.

However, two budding scientists were each awarded second prize -- Daniel Kurniadi of Dharma Mulya Christian Senior High School in Surabaya, East Java, and Pungky Lestari of YPJ Kuala Kencana Junior High School in Timika regency, Irian Jaya. The third prize went to Rahajeng Naweswari Tanjungputri of YPVDP High School in Bontang, East Kalimantan.

In pure science, Ni Nyoman Mestri Agustini of SMUN 1 High School in Singaraja regency, Bali, took the first prize; Erlin Trihartanti of SMUN 1 High School in Merauke regency, Irian Jaya, came second; and Gatot Widiharto of SMUN 1 High School in Jombang regency, East Java, won the third prize.

In social science, Fita Mahardiwi of SMUN 1 High School in Ponorogo, East Java, won the first prize; Yosefin Mariana Kaize of SMUN 1 High School in Merauke, Irian Jaya, took second; while Hari Nurcahyo of YPVDP High School in Bontang, East Kalimantan, came third.

Each winner received Rp 3.5 million (US$412) and a letter of recommendation from LIPI to enter the state university of their choice.

Second place was awarded Rp 2.5 million, while those finishing third got Rp 1.5 million each.

In addition to the prize money, each winner also received trophies, certificates, souvenirs and books on technology from LIPI. (01)