LIPI 2009 SCIENCE COMPETITION WINNERS MEET TECHNOLOGY MINISTER

Jakarta, April 9 (ANTARA) - Five high school students who have won a science competition organized by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) in 2009 met with Research and Technology Minister Suharna Surapranata here on Friday.

Accompanied by LIPI chief Umar Anggara Jenie and their mentors, the winning students met with the technology minister to ask for his support and prayers before leaving for San Jose, California, in the United States to participate in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) from May 9-14, 2010.

"Indonesia really needs young innovators like you for the country's development in the years to come," the minister told the students.

Minister Suharna said he was confident that having mastered science and scientific research skills under guidance from LIPI, the students would perform well in the global-level science competition in San Jose.

Meanwhile, LIPI chief Umar Anggara Jenie said it was the very first time for Indonesian students to participate in Intel ISEF which was an opportunity to prove that they were able to compete with peers from other countries.

The winning students are Afrizal, Wafiakmal Miftah, and Lutfi Fachry Muhammad of state SMAN Plus-17 in Palembang, Mohammad Pandi Alam of SMAN-2 in Jombang, and Jayu Pramudya of SMAN-1 Surakarta.

According to Anggara, the students from Indonesia would participate in the Intel ISEF which was the world's largest international pre-college science competition, an annual forum for more than 1,500 high school students from over 50 countries, regions, and territories.

Anggara said the science competition to be participated in by the Indonesian students in San Jose was expected to answer various problems or global challenges such as climate change, cancer, alternative fuel oil, drivers' safety, and pestilence.

Meanwhile, Intel Indonesia country manager Budi Wahyu Jati said the event has been held since 1950, and each year millions of students worldwide compete in local and school-sponsored science fairs.

"In Indonesia we have a cooperation with LIPI to select the students through a science competition at national level," Budi Wahyu Jati said.

The Intel ISEF unites the top young scientific minds, showcasing their talent on an international stage, enabling them to submit their work to judging by doctoral level scientists and providing the opportunity to compete for nearly US$4 million in prizes and scholarships.