Depok, West Java — The 23rd International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO) officially opened in Indonesia. A total of 404 students from 23 countries are participating in the IMSO-23, which is being held from October 2–7, 2026.

The IMSO-23 Opening Ceremony was held at the Ministry of Education and Culture’s PPSDM in Depok, West Java, and attended by delegates, country coordinators, team leaders, tutors, observers, accompanying persons, the IMSO Executive Board, and the organizing committee. The Ceremony 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 of events.

IMSO-23 was jointly organized by the Klinik Pendidikan MIPA (KPM), the Council for Basic, Secondary, and Non-Formal Education of the Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board, and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) through the Directorate of Elementary Schools. The collaboration aims to nurture mathematics and science talent from the elementary school level while providing young students with valuable experience in international competitions.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Raden Ridwan Hasan Saputra, M.Si., Chairman of IMSO, Member of the Council for Primary, Secondary, and Non-Formal Education of the Muhammadiyah Central Leadership, and President Director of KPM, stated that hosting IMSO-23 in Indonesia holds historical significance. Indonesia is the country where IMSO was first conceived and held in 2004.

“This year’s competition holds a profoundly historical and emotional significance, as we bring IMSO ‘back home’ to Indonesia—the very country where this international olympiad was first conceived and born,” Dr. Ridwan Said.

Since its inaugural edition in Jakarta in 2004, Indonesia has hosted the competition on several occasions. After being held in Jakarta from 2004 to 2007, the event moved to Mataram in 2008, Yogyakarta in 2009, Denpasar in 2010 and 2014, and Tangerang in 2016, before being held online from 2020 to 2023. Following the 2025 edition in Kedah, Malaysia, IMSO returns to Indonesia for its 23rd edition.

Bringing IMSO back to Indonesia marks a new chapter in carrying forward the event’s original spirit as a platform for elementary school students to develop their talents, critical thinking skills, and interest in and passion for mathematics and science.

Prof. Dr. Abdul Mu’ti, M.Ed., Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, also delivered remarks at the IMSO-23 Opening Ceremony.

“IMSO, as it has been organized for many years, has become one of the very important events where the number of participants also always increases from time to time, and this indicates how IMSO has become one of the very popular and very inspiring events.”

Mr. Abdul Mu’ti also expressed his hope for IMSO would continue to expand its global and make a significant contribution to the development of the younger generation’s skills in mathematics and science.

The best wishes and support have been extended to the entire Indonesian National Team for IMSO 23 2026. Various preparatory efforts have been undertaken to ensure optimal results. The Indonesian National Team’s pre-competition training camp was conducted by the MIPA Education Clinic, held from September 25–30, 2026, at the PPSDM of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology.

For Indonesia, hosting IMSO-23 further reinforces the focus on talent development starting from elementary school. International events such as IMSO provide students with the opportunity to gain experience competing at the global level while showcasing the potential of Indonesia’s young talent to the world.

Following the Opening Ceremony, the IMSO-23 program continued with the STEM Presentation. IMSO is not only a platform for Mathematics and Science competitions but also a space to foster creativity, deepen knowledge, and apply Mathematics and Science in real life. The STEM Presentation is one of the academic activities outside the main competition, providing participants with the opportunity to present projects that integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Following the Opening Ceremony, participants will take part in a series of academic and cultural activities. The main IMSO-23 competition will take place on October 4–5, 2026, in three categories: Theory I, Theory II, and Exploration and Experimentation. Participants will also take part in the STEM Presentation as well as 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 the Awarding & Closing Ceremony on October 6, 2026. The return of IMSO to Indonesia marks an important milestone in the journey of an event that was first established in Indonesia, as well as a key opportunity to strengthen the development of talent in mathematics and science and to build international educational networks.