Indonesia
World Math Champ from Surabaya
Another Indonesian kid with world class achievements. Aaron Alvarado Kristanto Julistiono, a student of grade 6 Kristen Petra 9 Elementary School, Surabaya, success in snatching gold medal at 2014 International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO). There was 234 participants from 14 countries took part in the prestigious event. Aaron shared his experience with Superkids Indonesia at his home in Tenggilis area, Surabaya.
Hi Aaron. So this is victory number what?
Well, i’m not sure. Never have counted how many event i took. Overall it’s should be quite a number. For the international level, this one is number four. IMSO competes at two fields, science and math. I was at math.
How long have you loved math?
At first it was Kumon. I took math class there since Kindergarten A and done at third grade. After that, i always felt something was missing. It’s because after being with Kumon for four years and had homework every day, it became sort of a habit. So i started to hunt for math competition. Now i compete almost everyday, both in and out of town.
Not taking more class?
Eventually i am. But it’s a math class specified for Olympic. The task are different with that of in the school. It’s far more difficult.
Do you enjoy it?
A lot!
You realize that many children are allergic to math, and you love it?
Hmm…I am allergic at memorizing instead. That’s why i like math, not many things to memorize. As long as we have the formula, it’s in the bag.
Oke, clearly math is your thing. What subject do you hate most?
Anything that require a lot or memorizing, like social disciplines or IPS. It makes us remember names of river and stuffs. A slight of mistake is a mistake. One letter can decide the answer.
Ever get red score for IPS?
Fortunately not. The lowest is 70.
Math?
The lowest is 95. Mostly I got 100, 99 or 98. If i got lower than 100, it’s not because my answer is wrong. It was careless. I often skip questions, so missing the answers…hehehe.
What is your friends impression?
At math class? Gosh, they keep on asking questions! Teachers keep warn them, ‘If you have any difficulties, ask the teacher.’ But still they go like, ‘Psstt…Aaron…Aaron..’. Eventually the teachers warned me too, ‘Don’t give the answers away! But you can still show them how to answer’.
Hahaha….so it’s like that. Any interesting story about IMSO the other day?
It was a long way. I joined IMSO via Olimpiade Sains Nasional (OSN). It was started in March 2014, the OSN initial selection at sub district level, then cities and provincial level. The best three of every province were sent for the phase in selection in Jakarta. But only 15 of us managed to represent Indonesia or IMSO in Bali, October 5-11, 2014.
Any difficulties with questions at IMSO?
Not really. It requires more focus, though. There were 15-10 questions and they were all in English.
The prize?
Medal.
That’s it? What about money?
Only medal. I was rewarded with money by Kemendikbud (Ministry of Education and Culture). As winner of gold medal at 2014 OSN, i was also have scholarship of free registration to middle school and free tuition for three years.
Nice. Anyone in particular helping you carved the achievents?
Mom, Dad, teachers and my uncle. Mom always tries to go with me when sent away. It’s good to have mom. I can order yohsinoya and other meal from room service, hahaha. The thing is, i really like culinary, especially yohsinoya. Dad is the first i would ask for any difficulties when working on exercises. He also won math Olympic in high school. In case he’s busy, i’d call his brother who also excels at math. If that didn’t work, then i consult to school and private teachers.
BIOFACT
Name : Aaron Alvarado Kristanto Julistiono
Birth: Surabaya, December 12, 2002
School: Grade 6 Kristen Petra 9 Elementary School, Surabaya
Parents: Irwan Kristanto Julistiono and Winety Kristiana Dewi
Aspuration: IT Constulant (like daddy)
Achievements:
- Gold Medal at International Mathematics Assesment for School (IMAS) 2013
- Gold Medal at Asian Science and Mathematics Olympiad for Primary School (ASMOPS) 2013
- Gold Medal and The Best Theory Olimpiade Sains Nasional (OSN) 2014
- Silver Medal at International Mathematics Contest (IMC) Singapore 2014
- Gold Medal at International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO) 2014
HAFIDA INDRAWATI
PHOTOS: HAFIDA INDRAWATI
