IMSO-23 Brings 404 Young Mathematics and Science Talents to Indonesia

RRI.CO.ID, Depok - Indonesia hosts the 23rd International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO-23), bringing together 404 elementary school students from 23 countries to compete and exchange experiences in mathematics and science. The international competition, held from October 2 to 7, 2026, was officially opened by Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti in Depok, West Java, on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

Organized by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in collaboration with the Mathematics Education Clinic (KPM) and the Central Executive Board of Muhammadiyah’s Council for Primary, Secondary and Non-Formal Education, IMSO-23 aims to develop mathematics and science talent from an early age. The event also provides young participants with opportunities to compete internationally while building connections with peers from different countries.

Abdul Mu’ti said IMSO is designed to strengthen young students’ abilities in mathematics and science while providing a platform for outstanding students from around the world to meet. “We hope IMSO will not only be a competition arena, but also a means of building togetherness, sharing experiences, and expanding networks among talented young people from different parts of the world,” he said.

The minister said the continued organization of IMSO and growing participation demonstrate the competition’s increasing popularity and its potential to inspire young learners. “This gathering is an opportunity for participants to get to know one another and draw inspiration from each other,” Mu’ti said, expressing hope that the program would continue to be hosted by different countries and contribute to the development of young people in mathematics and science.

IMSO-23 also carries historical significance for Indonesia, as the country was where the international olympiad was first conceived and held in 2004. IMSO Chair Raden Ridwan Hasan Saputra said the return of the competition to Indonesia represents a homecoming for an event that has since expanded its international reach.

Since its first edition in Jakarta in 2004, Indonesia has hosted IMSO several times, including in Mataram, Yogyakarta, Denpasar, and Tangerang, as well as online from 2020 to 2023. Following IMSO-22 in Kedah, Malaysia, in 2025, the competition returned to Indonesia this year with the participation of 63 Indonesian students, comprising 32 mathematics participants and 31 science participants.

The Indonesian team was selected through two main pathways: students who won medals at the National Science Olympiad (OSN) and participants selected through a three-stage independent selection process conducted by KPM. Their preparation included academic training as well as character and personal development, with a training and quarantine program held from September 25 to 30, 2026.

The main IMSO-23 competition will take place on October 4 and 5 in three categories: Theory I, Theory II, and Exploration and Experimentation. Beyond academic competition, participants will take part in STEM presentations and cultural activities, including traditional Indonesian games, a Cultural Night, and a city tour to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, before the closing ceremony on October 6, 2026.