Ninety-four junior and high school students age 14-16 from Jakarta and surrounding areas took part in a water rocket competition at the Science Center in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah on October 2.

A participant aims at the target by combining the rocket weight, the laucher pressure and angle measurement. (Photo: Ani Susmantoro)

Sukro Muhab, the director of PP IPTEK opened the competition by launching three water rockets.

“We’re showing teenagers how to apply the laws of physics in entertaining ways. Launching rockets is great fun and a great way to learn,” said Sri Wahyu Cahyaningsih, the event coordinator.

The day before, participants attended a workshop where they made water rockets from plastic soda bottles to launch on Day 2.

Water in the bottle was used as a thrusting force for the rockets, not as fuel. Since no jet fuel was involved and no flames, spectators could watch the competition close up.

Arya Wiratmaji, a ninth grader from SMP 19 Jakarta, won first place by scoring 11.1 meters from target point. The water rocket should hit target 60 meters away from the launcher. Arya and nine other winners will compete at the national level with participants from Bandung, Jepara, Semarang, Yogyakarta and Palembang.

Ani Susmantoro/Jakarta