Dean of Brawijaya University's Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Prof. Dr. Ir. Maftuch, M.Si., along with his team, visited the Korea-Indonesia MTCRC Cirebon Center on July 24, 2024. Accompanied by Dr. PARK Hansan, Director of MTCRC, Prof. Maftuch and his team toured the facilities and discussed future collaboration opportunities between the institutions. The visit focused on exploring potential partnerships and included an introduction to the marine equipment and laboratories at the Cirebon Center. Both parties expressed keen interest in fostering collaboration in the coming years.

The University of Mataram (UNRAM) hosted an International Mini Symposium on June 8, 2024, focused on the theme "Integration of Transdisciplinary Studies for the Promotion of Human and Environmental Health." Dr. PARK Hansan, the director of the Korea-Indonesia Marine Technology Cooperation Research Center (MTCRC), was invited as the keynote speaker. The event took place in the Senate Conference Room at the University of Mataram.

Dr. PARK presented on "Marine Potential Mapping: Case Studies of Kei Island, Awang Bay, and Batur Lake" drawing on previous MTCRC research findings. The symposium also featured presentations from experts representing prestigious institutions such as Keio University, Researh Center for Marine and Land Bioindustry (BRIN), and the University of Mataram, fostering a collaborative exchange of knowledge and ideas.

On the 3rd of July 2024, Pusan National University (PNU), also known as Busan National University, visited the Korea-Indonesia MTCRC Cirebon Center. Prof. KIM Boo-kyum from PNU and his colleague team aimed to see all the equipment and laboratories at the Cirebon Center. This visit was part of the ODA KIOTEC initiative, "Establishment of the Integrated Ocean Fisheries Technology Training Center and Enhancing Capacity Building in Indonesia."

Dr. PARK Hansan, the director of Korea-Indonesia MTCRC, personally explained the activities and equipment at the Cirebon Center and accompanied the office tour. During this visit, both parties discussed future research collaboration and the possibility of visiting PNU in the future. PNU was enthusiastic about the MTCRC facilities and is very grateful for this visit opportunity.

On July 2, 2024, a hybrid meeting was held via Zoom and in the CMMAI 15th Floor Meeting Room, attended by representatives from NIFS, CMMAI, MMAF, Hyundai Asan, and MTCRC. The primary focus was finalizing the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Smart Aquaculture ODA Project in Batam and Kei Island. Comprehensive discussions were held to optimize the ToR draft. The finalized ToR will soon be implemented, with BPBL Batam's remodeling scheduled for completion this year.

On July 1, 2024, MTCRC welcomed a delegation from Pukyong National University (PKNU) on the 21st floor of the CMMAI Building. The meeting featured Dr. PARK Hansan, Director of MTCRC, and JEON Chungkyun, Head of the Training and Survey Department, alongside PKNU representatives PARK Wonkyu, Dean, and Professors KIM Youngmok and KIM Dohyeong. The meeting focused on strengthening collaborative efforts in marine research and training initiatives, exploring opportunities for joint projects, and reinforcing ties between the two institutions.

On June 27, 2024, the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment held a meeting with the Korea-Indonesia MTCRC to collaborate on the Existing Seaweed Spatial Mapping survey. To support the seaweed downstreaming agenda, mapping the distribution of existing seaweed cultivation is essential as supporting data. The initial survey will begin in West Nusa Tenggara province. With its advanced drone technology and other resources, MTCRC's participation and support for this project are anticipated. This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing our understanding and management of seaweed cultivation.

Korea-Indonesia MTCRC and ITB was conducted a collaborative field survey on the 26th of June, 2024, in the Cirebon waters. Dr. Lamona I. Bernawis led this survey, accompanied by MTCRC researchers, focusing on obtaining oceanic parameters and sea current data. In addition to this survey activities, two ITB students utilized Hydrocolor Instruments and Secchi Disks to gather data for their thesis research to assess water transparency, crucial for understanding light penetration and its influence on marine ecosystems.

These efforts aim to enhance the understanding of the dynamics of Cirebon Seawaters, supporting both academic research and practical applications. The data will contribute to the students' theses and provide valuable insights into the oceanographic conditions of the region.

In alignment with the Blue Economy priority policy aimed at restoring ocean health and promoting sustainable marine economic growth, the Directorate of Ecosystem and Aquatic Biota Conservation (KKP) undertook activities to draft a narrative on the contribution of marine conservation areas for the 2nd Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and the Blue Carbon Mitigation Action Plan (DRAM) Document in the Region Conservation.

From June 22-26, 2024, the Korea Indonesia MTCRC, alongside KKP, UGM, and related partners, participated in a carbon stock calculation survey in the Sawu Sea National Park conservation area in East Nusa Tenggara Province. The main activities of this field survey data collection are seagrass biomass sampling and sediment core sampling. These efforts underscore the collaborative commitment to marine conservation and sustainable development.

Korea-Indonesia MTCRC recently hosted the Korea Visit Program as an Implementation for the Official Development Assistance (ODA) KIOTEC project and Early Career Ocean Professional (ECOP) program. This intensive five-day program took place in South Korea from 12-16 June. It featured several participants including representatives from CMMAI and ODA KIOTEC scholarship recipients from prestigious universities such as ITB, UGM, UNDIP, UNHAS, and UNPATTI.

The program itinerary included visits to several leading maritime institutions in South Korea, such as Busan Port, the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), the Korea Maritime Museum, and the National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS). Participants also toured the marine training vessel operated by Pukyong National University (PKNU). A comprehensive lecture on the ECOP initiative was also conducted on the PKNU campus, further enriching the participants' experience and understanding of the field.

The newly released KIOTEC ODA project was presented at the 4th Korea-Indonesia Bilateral Maritime Dialogue (BMD) on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, held in Busan, South Korea.

The presentation of the project was delivered by Mr. I Nyoman Radiarta, Chairman of the Agency for Marine and Fisheries Extension and Human Resource Development (BPPSDMKP). During his presentation, Mr. Nyoman highlighted the progress of the KIOTEC ODA project and outlined plans to establish a centralized training center focused on capacity building in marine and fisheries science and technology.

In this initiative, BPPSDMKP serves as an implementing agency, together with the Korea-Indonesia Marine Technology Cooperation Research Center (MTCRC) to implement a capacity-building program at KIOTEC soon.

The BMD event was attended by delegations from both Korea and Indonesia, who convened to discuss current maritime issues and their joint commitment to advancing maritime progress between the two nations.

The Korea-Indonesia 7th Joint Commission on Marine Science and Technology represents a mutual commitment to enhancing collaboration in marine science and technology. On June 12th, 2024, the 7th Joint Commission meeting convened in Busan, South Korea, with key representatives from both nations, including CMMAI, MOF, ITB, KIOST, PNU, JNU, Bappenas, and MMAF, fostering productive discussions. 

Initiated by remarks from Mr. Kim Sung Bum (Deputy Minister for Marine Policy, MOF) and Mr. Firman Hidayat (Deputy Coordinating Minister for Maritime Resources, CMMAI), the agenda provided an avenue for the MTCRC Director to present MTCRC's 2023 accomplishments and outline future plans. This agenda signifies a dedication to advancing marine science and technology collaboration between Korea and Indonesia.

The Indonesian and Korean governments have formalized an ODA project titled "Establishment of the Integrated Ocean Fisheries Training Center and Enhancing Capacity Building in Indonesia (ODA KIOTEC)", marked by the signing of the Implementation Arrangement (IA) on June 12, 2024, in Busan, South Korea, by key officials such as Mr. Firman Hidayat (CMMAI), Mr. I Nyoman Radiarta (BPPSDMKP), Dr. PARK Hansan (MOF & KIOST), and Ms. Ivonne M. Radjawane (Korea Indonesia MTCRC).

Executed by MTCRC, this initiative will establish a sustainable maritime education and training center in Jakarta, offering master's and doctoral scholarship programs, expert dispatch, short courses, and training with the aim of boosting human resource capacity in Indonesia's maritime sector.

As the first agenda item of the Korea visit, on 11th June 2024, CMMAI and MTCRC had the opportunity to hold a meeting with the Director General of the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency (KHOA) and the Director of the National Ocean Satellite Center (NOSC). The meeting took place at the KHOA and NOSC Office Complex in Busan, South Korea.

During the meeting, Mr. Firman Hidayat, Deputy for Maritime Resources Coordination at CMMAI, discussed potential collaboration with both Korean institutions, particularly in mapping seaweed potential areas. The meeting was also attended by Ms. Aniza, Acting Secretary of the Deputy Coordinating Minister for Maritime Resources, and Dr. PARK Hansan, Korean Director of MTCRC.