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MoECRT opens 19th International Geography Olympiad in Bandung
Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiem Anwar Makarim opened the 19th International Geography Olympiad (iGeo) at the Merdeka Building in Bandung, West Java, on Tuesday, Aug. 8.
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inister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiem Anwar Makarim opened the 19th International Geography Olympiad (iGeo) at the Merdeka Building in Bandung, West Java, on Tuesday, Aug. 8. He was accompanied by West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil, Expert Staff to the Minister for Talent Management Tatang Muttaqin and International Geography Union (IGU) cochairs Susan Lomas and Su Min Shen.
The minister expressed his excitement at another prestigious international event taking place in Indonesia.
"Today, Indonesia has become a preferred host country for international events. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology [MoECRT] appreciates the collaboration with the West Java provincial government and the iGeo Task Force that has led to the successful organization of the 19th iGeo," he said during the opening ceremony.
His remarks were directed at the Indonesian team as well as all participants of the 19th iGeo, encouraging them to take pride in and appreciate their courage to compete in one of the world's esteemed scientific competitions.
"Whether you win or lose, enjoy the journey. The memories of being in a country you have never seen before will be beautiful memories for a lifetime," Nadiem told participants.
"This competition will bring you into contact with people you have never met before, potentially fostering lifelong friendships. These relationships will last longer than any medal," the minister added.
IGU Olympiad Task Force Co-Chair Susan Lomas emphasized that studying geography helped us learn about our world, society and environment.
"This will enable you to take your place as adults in a more complex society, with understanding and confidence to challenge things you believe should be different," she said.
Meanwhile, expert staff Tatang Muttaqin explained that iGeo 2023 brought together 177 high school students from 46 countries. He added that this year's iGeo was the first competition to be held in person after three years of being online due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Aside from nurturing young scientists, iGeo also serves as a platform for exchanging ideas, collaborative learning and intercultural understanding. The event underscores the importance of creative industry development, inclusiveness and harmony in urban environments.
The prestigious annual competition for geography students aged 16 to 19, themed "Creative City for Inclusive Urban Community" this year, runs from Aug. 8 to 14 in Bandung. Now in its 19th edition, iGeo 2023 is a collaborative effort between the MoECRT, the West Java provincial administration and the Alumni Association of Indonesian Geography Olympiad Teams (IA TOGI).
"This theme also invites participants to explore the geographical potential in creating an inclusive, innovative and sustainable city for all residents," Tatang explained.
West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil expressed appreciation for Bandung’s appointment as the host city of the 19th iGeo.
"We are delighted to welcome participants from around the world to explore the geographical diversity and cultural wonders of West Java. Furthermore, welcome to Bandung, designated a City of Design under the UNESCO Creative City Network since 2015," the governor said.
"May the 19th iGeo in 2023 serve as a beacon of inspiration for us all, motivating us to strive for the best, to embrace cultural diversity and to work together toward a better world," he said.
For your information, the implementation of the 19th iGeo in Indonesia this year differs from its organization in other countries. While the usual iGeo consists of a single point, in Indonesia, it is expanded into three components: the International Expo iGeo 2023 with the theme "Creative Community for Inclusive Economy Development," teacher workshops to enhance teaching quality, and the Night at the Museum event.
In addition to the competition and meetings, all participants will also be invited to visit various tourist destinations and cultural attractions around Bandung, including visits to the Geological Museum, Tangkuban Perahu volcano, and the NuArt Sculpture Park.
Each iGeo event introduces a mascot created by each participating country. This year, Indonesia introduced the mascot Marcapada as the mascot for iGeo 2023. Marcapada means 'earth' in Sundanese language. The mascot is developed from Bandung and West Java's distinctive icon, the Maung Lodaya, a unique local fauna. Since Bandung/West Java is hosting iGeo 2023, Maung Bandung plays the role of a friendly, young, and energetic host, wearing the typical black Sundanese attire. The mascot holds a globe, symbolizing geography.
