Vice President Jusuf Kalla officially opened the 2008 National Science Olympiad on Saturday with a call to all the stakeholders to work harder to keep up with rapid developments in science and technology around the world.

Speaking at the opening ceremony here at the South Sulawesi governor's official residence, Kalla said science and technology were developing at a rate which doubled every two years.

"Until we catch up, we will continually be left behind by half (of the developments) each year," Kalla said.

Kalla went on to point out the strategic role of education in the development of science and technology in Indonesia, which all stakeholders must prioritize, he said.

Kalla said, "Mastery of science and technology is very important for the future of the nation".

Over 1,200 students from 33 provinces are taking part in the competition which will run through to Thursday. Among them, 198 are elementary school students, 330 are junior high students and 750 are high school students.

Elementary school students are competing in mathematics and natural sciences; Junior high students in mathematics, physics, biology and astronomy; while Senior high students are competing in mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, computer science, astronomy, economics and earth sciences.

Five medals are up for grabs in each subject. High school winners will be invited to join a special team to train for the International Science Olympiad.

Also at the opening were Education Minister Bambang Sudibyo, Agriculture Minister Anton Apriyantono, State Minister for State Enterprises Sofyan Djalil, Forestry Minister Malam Sambat Kaban and South Sulawesi Governor Syahrul Yasin Limpo.

Speaking at the ceremony Bambang Sudibyo said Indonesian students are highly intelligent. Their gold medal achievements in international science Olympiads were proof of this, Bambang added.

"Only in mathematics have they yet to win gold. This is homework for all of us," he said.

Bambang also reminded students of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's offer: Those winning gold medals in international science Olympiads would be granted scholarships (up to doctorate degree level) at a university of their choice, anywhere in the world.

"Silver and bronze medal winners will also get scholarships," Bambang added, "but only up to masters and undergraduate levels respectively".

The government is drafting a regulation on scholarships for students who reach the height in international scientific events and athletes who win gold medals in international competitions.

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