Indonesian IChO Team, the Best in South East Asia
Tangerang -- In Thursday (21/07) around 19.00 WIB Indonesian Chemistry Olympiad Team arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. This team finished their job at 43rd International Chemistry Olympiad that was held in Ankara, Turkey from 9-18 July 2011. In this year, for the 15th times Indonesia sent their delegation and they were:- Stephen Haniel Yuwono (SMAN 1 Purwokerto)
- Alimatun Nashira (SMAN 1 Yogyakarta)
- Andhika Tangguh Pradana (SMA Kharisma Bangsa)
- Joses Grady Nathanael (SMAK BPK Penabur Gading Serpong)
The excitement of their friends was high. It could be seen by the airport fulfilled by their friends at arrival terminal 2E Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Mostly, They came 30 minutes earlier than the arrival schedule, 17.25 WIB. One of their friends, Wahyudi, came to the airport at 15.30 or 2 hours earlier than the schedule. The terminal 2E was dominated by friends of Joses from SMAK BPK Penabur Gading Serpong accompanied by the headmaster and friends of Andhika from SMA Kharisma Bangsa.
This year was the best result of Indonesia could achieve in 15 years participated in this event. With 2 gold medals (Stephen and Joses) and 2 silver medals (Andhika and Alimatun), Indonesia took 4th place in this event. The closest rival of Indonesia, Thailand, took 6th place below United States. With this result, Indonesia was the best team in South East Asia.
Domination of China in this event still unbreakable. China locked the tittle as the best chemistry team in the world by 4 gold medals. South Korea followed China at the second place and Russia locked the third place of medals standing.
From an interview with the gold medal-winner, Stephen, he said the difficulty of this year's problem was in practical exam consisted with titration of purity of metal, rate of gas formation, dan purification of sample. Stephen also shared his success tips: ora et labora (pray and work), keep the spirit, and parent's prayer. Stephen hoped Indonesia can get better achievement in next IChO. According to him, the chance of Indonesia become the host country of IChO is very difficult. The difficulties is caused by research in chemistry is very rare in Indonesia, and lack of funds in research sector and to held this event.
In the other sides, the participant from Yogyakarta, Alimatun Nashira felt a little bit disappointed because she hoped to get better or get gold medal in this year. As an additional note, Stephen and Ira also followed this event last year. She also felt proud because she could be a part of successful journey of Indonesian team this year and got the best result in 15th Indonesia participated in this event.
International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) is the event where the chemistry student of high school represent their own country to show their best ability in chemistry subject. IChO mainly has two session, theoretical examination and practical examination. Since they first appearance in 1997, Indonesia has collected 4 golds, 12 silvers, and 21 bronzes. The 44th IChO 2012, will be held at Washington D.C., United States.
Top Ten Result Medal's Standing (Country)
| No. | Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Honourable Mention | Score (Total)* | Medal (Total) |
| 1 | China | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 378.02 | 4 |
| 2 | Korea | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 373.47 | 4 |
| 3 | Russia | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 360.42 | 4 |
| 4 | Indonesia | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 352.32 | 4 |
| 5 | United States | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 350.52 | 4 |
| 6 | Thailand | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 350.34 | 4 |
| 7 | Iran | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 342.51 | 4 |
| 8 | India | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 338.33 | 4 |
| 9 | Czech Republic | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 337.11 | 4 |
| 10 | France | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 335.52 | 4 |
*Score (Total) is the sum of medal-winner's scores
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