Rural students dominate first-ever applied science Olympiad

Students from Central Java's vocational schools dominated the first Applied Science Olympiad (OSTN) here Sunday by sweeping five out the of six titles.

Each winner pocketed Rp 7 million (US$570) in cash and a certificate.

The event was participated by over 560 students from 33 provinces.

The OSTN was hosted by the 10 November Surabaya Institute of Technology (ITS). ITS rector Priyo Suprobo said all test materials were prepared by experts at the institute, covering applied mathematics, biology, chemistry and IT programming.

Organizing committee head Syafsir Akhlus called on vocational schools to improve their quality and make better preparations to contest at the next event.

"This olympiad was expected to encourage all vocational schools to be more prepared for upcoming events and to make Indonesian students more prepared for international olympiads."

The OSTN was welcomed by the Education Ministry Director General for Elementary and Secondary Education Management, Suyanto, said the event was a prestigious arena for vocational schools to show off their students' competence.

"This olympiad is the first ever contest for vocational school students to prove their competence in applying their knowledge. In the arena, students demonstrate innovation and academic superiority, which makes them superior human resources," he said.

With the country's education budget to increase to 20 percent of the total budget in 2009, the government will build more vocational schools to produce middle-level technicians to meet global challenges at present and in the future.