"For Indonesia, this event is not only an occasion to (showcase) achievements but also a means to develop literacy and numeracy skills for Indonesian kids under (the) Freedom to Learn (concept)," Secretary General of the Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Ministry Suharti noted in a press release as quoted here on Monday.
Some 536 people from Indonesia and overseas participated in the 34th edition of IOI in 2022. Of the figure, 414 participated in person, while the other 122 participants partook in the competition through the online medium.
In general, 30 gold medals, 59 silver medals, and 91 bronze medals were bestowed on the competition's winners during the event. Moreover, Honorable Mention awards were granted to 36 participants and Distinguished Awards to two people.
The IOI participants could undertake cultural excursions to cultural tourism destinations around Yogyakarta and participate in a cultural night at the Borobudur Temple complex on August 13, 2022.
They were also given the opportunity to enjoy cultural performances at the Ramayana Ballet Dance Open Air event at Prambanan Temple.
They could also enjoy colossal dance performances coupled with presentations on technological developments since prehistoric times and technological innovations that have contributed to improving the quality of human life.
"We hope that participants would (experience) a different ambience. From what is usually close-spaced, now, it is open space, and the performance is (replete) with a combination of dance choreography and multimedia visuals," Acting Head of the National Achievement Center Asep Sukmayadi remarked.
A Peruvian participant, Bryan Mauricio, stated that he enjoyed being witness to IOI's closing ceremony at the Prambanan Temple complex, which he said had a beautiful view and was steeped in history.
"This is one of the most beautiful places in Yogyakarta," he affirmed.
General Assembly Chairwoman of IOI 2022 Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Hayu expects delegates to continue to remember the experience in Yogyakarta.
Hayu stated that the extensive diversity in Yogyakarta could serve as an inspiration for the competition's participants, who would be future leaders.
The ministry hosted the IOI 2022 in collaboration with the Alumni Association of the Indonesian Computer Olympiad Team (TOKI), the Yogyakarta Institute of the Arts, the Jakarta Provincial Government, and the Yogyakarta Government, state-owned enterprises, and other partners.
IOI was conducted to identify, encourage, challenge, and recognize young people with notable talent in informatics; build international friendships among computer scientists and educators; introduce a sense of discipline of informatics among young people; and promote informatics competitions to high school students.
IOI 2022 Chairman Brian Marshal stated that Indonesia was expected to become one of Asia's supporters in the digital sector in accordance with "Digital Energy of Asia" as their theme.
"The IOI alumni in Indonesia are now IT leaders, who have become CEOs. It shows that alumni can support the country's economic development," he stated.
The 35th IOI in 2023 will be hosted in Hungary.
"Congratulations to Hungary, as the next IOI organizer. Hopefully, this year's (event) would be a good example and lesson for the next IOI (event)," Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Muhadjir Effendy, concluded.
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Translator: Indriani, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
