Depok, West Java, October 3, 2026 — The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) through the Directorate of Elementary Schools, in collaboration with the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education Clinic (KPM) and the Council for Primary, Secondary, and Non-Formal Education (Dikdasmen and PNF) of the Muhammadiyah Central Leadership, held the 23rd International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO). IMSO-23 was officially opened by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), Abdul Mu'ti, at the Human Resources Training Center of Kemendikdasmen, Depok, West Java, Saturday (3/10).
A total of 404 students from 23 countries participated in IMSO-23, which took place on October 2–7, 2026. The event was held as part of an effort to support the development of mathematics and science talents from elementary school level while providing experience competing at the international level.
In his remarks, the Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education stated that the IMSO-23 event was held to hone the skills of the younger generation in mathematics and science. More than just a competition, IMSO serves as a gathering place for the best students from 23 countries.
"In line with the theme " Where Young Minds Meet, Discover, Compete, and Inspire !", we hope that IMSO will not only be a competition arena, but also a means of building a sense of togetherness, sharing experiences, and expanding networks among high-achieving young generations from various parts of the world," he said.
Furthermore, Minister Mu'ti stated that the consistent implementation of IMSO-23 over the years, with increasing participation, demonstrates its growing popularity and inspiring success. "This meeting provides an opportunity for participants to get to know each other and gain inspiration. I hope this program continues in various countries and makes a significant contribution to improving the quality of the younger generation, particularly in mathematics and science," she said.
On the same occasion, IMSO Chairman Raden Ridwan Hasan Saputra stated that the holding of IMSO-23 in Indonesia holds historical significance. Indonesia is the country where IMSO was first conceived and held in 2004.
"This year's competition has deep historical and emotional significance as IMSO returns home to Indonesia, the country where this international Olympiad was first conceived and born," Ridwan said.
Since its inaugural event in Jakarta in 2004, Indonesia has hosted IMSO several times, including in Mataram, Yogyakarta, Denpasar, and Tangerang. Indonesia also hosted IMSO online from 2020–2023. Following IMSO-22's 2025 in Kedah, Malaysia, IMSO will return to Indonesia for IMSO-23 in 2026.
The return of IMSO to Indonesia is a momentum to continue the initial spirit of this event as a space for elementary school students to develop their talents, thinking skills, as well as their interest and love for mathematics and science.
This year, Indonesia fielded 63 participants in IMSO-23, consisting of 32 in Mathematics and 31 in Science. They were selected through two main channels: medalists from the National Science Olympiad (OSN) and an independent selection process conducted by the Student Council (KPM) in three stages.
The coaching process focuses not only on logical and problem-solving skills in mathematics and science, but also on the participants' character and morals. As part of their preparation, Indonesian participants participated in a briefing and quarantine program held by the KPM from September 25–30, 2026, at the Ministry of Education and Culture's Human Resources Development Center (PPSDM).
The IMSO-23 opening ceremony was attended by delegates, country coordinators , team leaders , tutors, observers , accompanying persons , the IMSO Executive Board , and the organizing committee. The event began with a Parade of Nations featuring representatives from the 23 participating countries, followed by the striking of a gong to mark the start of the IMSO-23 series.
The main IMSO-23 competition will take place on October 4–5, 2026, in three categories: Theory I, Theory II, and Exploration and Experimentation. In addition to the academic competition, participants will take part in STEM Presentations and various cultural activities, such as traditional Indonesian games, Cultural Night , and a city tour to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII).
The IMSO-23 series will conclude with a closing ceremony on October 6, 2026. IMSO's return to Indonesia marks a significant milestone in the journey of the event, which was first established in Indonesia, and provides momentum to strengthen the development of mathematics and science talent and build international educational networks. (Author: Rayhan/Editor: Denty/Photographer: Laily)
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