12 COUNTRIES TAKING PART IN IMSO

Mataram, W Nusa Tenggara, Nov 9 (ANTARA) - Elementary school students from 12 countries are taking part in the International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO) which opened here on Sunday.
Secretary of the Directorate General of Elementary and Secondary Education Management of the National Education Ministry Bambang Indrianto representing National Education Minister Bambang Sudibyo opened the event at the Mataram public square.
Before the opening ceremony, IMSO participants conducted a parade with local girls clad in traditional attire accompanying each of the contingents.
A traditional art performance called Gendang Beleq highlighted the opening ceremony also attended by West Nusa Tenggara Governor KH. M. Zainul Majdi, Mataram Mayor H. Moh Rusland and his deputy H. Ahyar Abduh.
The olympiad brings together about 200 elementary sechool students from 12 countries, including Sri Lanka, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, and Indonesia, Ahyar Abduh, who is also one of the event's organizers, said.
The contest will later be held at the Senggigi tourist resort, West Lombok, on Monday and Tuesday, he said.
As the host of the olympiad, the city administration will do its best and benefit from the event to promote its tourism industry, he said.