Yohanes Surya makes science fun

Yohanes Surya makes science fun

Rita A.Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali

When five Indonesian high school students triumphed at the
33rd World Physics Olympiad, nobody felt happier than Yohanes
Surya, the team's physics trainer.

"This is the first time Indonesia has achieved such a high
accolade since the country took part at the International Physics
Olympiad in l996," smiled Yohanes, who could not hide his
happiness.

The Indonesian team, comprising five high school students --
Agustinus Peter Sahanggamu, Widagdo Setiawan, Fajar Ardian, who
won three gold medals, Christopher Hendriks received a silver
medal while Evelyn Mintarno got the bronze.

"I feel extremely happy to see their hard work bearing sweet
fruit. Their achievements have proven to the world that
Indonesian students are as intelligent and skillful as their
counterparts from developed countries," Yohanes.

These students have done their very best, assisted by Yohanes
and his team of trainers who had contributed a lot to their
success.

"We spent almost a year training these five students to
prepare for the Asian and International Physics Olympiad," said
the chairman of the Indonesian team.

It was Yohanes who first opened the door for Indonesian
students to take part in the International Physics Olympiad. He
was a Phd candidate at the College of William Mary in Virginia,
the United States in l993 when the College held the World
Physics Competition.

"I asked my professor whether I could invite Indonesian
students to take part in that event, and he nodded," Yohanes
recalled.

Thanks to his efforts, Indonesian students have since carved
their names at every international physics competition.

Earlier, when he got his Phd degree, Yohanes was accepted as a
scientist at the World's Largest Nuclear Physics Center in
Virginia. "I worked there for only six months. It was a boring
life," Yohanes recalled.

He later decided to return to Indonesia and set up a team to
train Indonesian students who would compete at various physics
competitions, including the International Physics Olympiad.

"Many people, including my family and close friends, thought I
was crazy, leaving my secure job in the United States only to
become a trainer for these students," Yohanes said.

But for this man, there are more important things in life than
just gaining financial security and fame.

"Since I was a child, I wanted to do something good for
Indonesia. This is probably my small contribution to the country,
helping these talented students thrive on the international
stage," he said.

Since l994, Yohanes and his colleagues have been assigned by
the National Committee to give physics training to the 10
brightest students selected through a annual national physics
competition.

"The first thing we had to do was convince both students and
teachers that science, especially physics, is not a terrifying
and difficult subject," he said.

During 10 months of training, these students were encouraged
to carry out various scientific experiments and went through
plenty of exams at graduate level.

"Although the materials were quite difficult, we tried to
present them in fascinating and attractive ways so they would
become curious to learn and explore more," he said.

The present education system in Indonesian does not give much
space for students or teachers to give inspiring science lessons
in classes.

"Science is about everyday things and the revelation of the
universe's many natural secrets. It is important not to make it
too complicated, especially to young students," Yohanes said.

And the man, who loves to read during his leisure time, has
made it his obsession to make science a fascinating subject a
reality by writing interesting science books. So far, he has
written 68 science books like Fisika Itu Asik (Physics is Fun)
and Fisika Itu Mudah (Physics in Easy).

"By the end of this year, I will publish a stimulating science
book for elementary school students. I am glad that many local
schools have ordered this upcoming book," Yohanes said.

Born into a modest family in a slum area in East Jakarta 39
years ago, little Yohanes was always known as a kind, diligent
and bright kid.

"I was just like the other village children playing soccer in
a dirty field and helping my mother make traditional cookies at 3
a.m. before going to school," he recalled.

Still, he was already fond of reading and learning science
during his childhood.

"I had a good and smart teacher who aroused my interest in
science. But I fell in love with physics when I was a student at
the University of Indonesia," said the father of two.

Teachers, he said, play very crucial roles in arousing
children's interest in science. "I have trained thousands of
junior and high school students across the country on how to
teach physics in an enjoyable learning atmosphere."

Hopefully, gone are the days when teachers tightened their
faces and wrinkled their eyebrows when teaching science.

The five students' achievement at the International Physics
Olympiad, which ended on Monday at the Nusa Dua resort complex in
Bali, will inspire their fellow students here.

"Our country has ample clever and talented students. We will
be wasting our great potential if they are not properly trained
and taken care of," Yohanes said.

The event, he said, is a window to the world for Indonesian
students. Winning this prestigious competition will help improve
the country's pride and image of poor human resources.

"It is satisfying for me to see how Indonesian students will
be recognized worldwide," Yohanes said.