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Entering junior high school, academic challenges are no longer just about grades on report cards. For students who want to build a portfolio of achievements and aim for scholarships, participating in junior high school competitions is a strategic step. However, not all competitions carry the same weight. Here is a review from Algobash for the 4 most prestigious junior high school competitions you must participate in to hone your skills in science, logic, and modern technology.
1. National Science Olympiad (OSN)
The National Science Olympiad, formerly known as KSN, is the most prestigious annual science competition in Indonesia, organized by the Indonesian Talent Development Center (BPTI) under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. This event covers the fields of Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences, with a very strict and tiered selection system starting from the district level, provincial level, to the national level. Participation in the OSN provides a significant competitive advantage for students, as the winner’s certificate is officially recognized by the state as a golden ticket in the achievement pathway (PPDB) to enter leading high schools throughout Indonesia.
2. International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO)
For students who want to break into the world stage, the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) is the most coveted event. This international competition is unique because it does not separate specific scientific disciplines, but rather tests the integration of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology simultaneously. Participants are challenged to master in-depth theoretical tests and experimental skills in the laboratory, which are carried out in groups. Usually, the Indonesian delegation for the IJSO is selected through intensive training from the best medalists at the OSN event, making it an elite competition for the world’s best young scientists.
3. IKMC & IKSC (International Kangaroo Contest)
The International Kangaroo Mathematics Contest (IKMC) and International Kangaroo Science Contest (IKSC) offer a more modern and enjoyable approach compared to conventional Olympiads. These competitions are widely known for their focus on logical reasoning and creativity in problem solving, rather than simply memorizing complex formulas. With questions that often resemble logic puzzles, these contests have been participated in by millions of students in more than 90 countries simultaneously. Participation in the Kangaroo competitions provides junior high school students with the experience of competing on a global scale with internationally recognized assessment standards.
4. Junior Science and Technology Olympiad (JSTO)
The Junior Science and Technology Olympiad (JSTO) is an innovative national competition that bridges pure science with current developments in digital technology. Organized in collaboration between Rushd High School and the Algobash technology assessment platform, JSTO is one of the pioneers in introducing the field of Informatics to junior high school students, alongside Mathematics and Science. This competition uses an artificial intelligence (AI)-based scoring system to ensure transparency and the quality of questions that require computational thinking skills. In addition to testing theory, JSTO encourages participants to have a critical understanding of the application of technology in the real world and offers scholarship opportunities for winners who wish to continue their education at leading high schools.
Participating in an Olympiad is not just about chasing medals, but also about training your champion mentality, critical thinking skills, and expanding your network of friendships with other talented students. Whether it’s prestigious government programs like OSN, global challenges at IJSO and Kangaroo, or technological innovations at JSTO, each competition offers different added value to your academic journey.