Yogya to host science Olympiad

YOGYAKARTA: Nineteen countries have confirmed their participation in the second International Junior Science Olympiad for junior high school students, which will be held in Yogyakarta.

The event, scheduled to run from Dec. 4 to Dec. 13 at Gadjah Mada University, is expected to be opened by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Yogyakarta Education Office head Sugito said on Tuesday that of the 74 countries invited, 19, including Indonesia, had confirmed their participation. They include Britain, China, India, Ireland, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe

"Each country is entitled to send a team of eight members, including two officials. Indonesia, as the host, is entitled to two teams," Sugito said.

Out of Indonesia's 12 participants, he said, two came from Yogyakarta. They are Josua Michael M. from SMP Stella Duce I Yogyakarta and Yessy Martha Sari from SMPN 8 Yogyakarta. -- JP