Dr. PARK Hansan had the opportunity to speak as an invited speaker at the ICTCRED 2024, organized by Diponegoro University. This year's conference was themed 'Integrating Aquatic Science and Climate Change Mitigation for Sustainable Coastal Development' and took place at Hotel Aruss Semarang on September 24, 2024.

Dr. PARK presented on the topic “Integrating Aquatic Science and Climate Change Mitigation for Sustainable Coastal Development through Practical International Cooperative Research Activities,” providing an overview of key aspects of sustainable coastal development, MTCRC's study and survey cases, and the center's efforts and support in climate change mitigation. His presentation highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing these critical issues

On September 18th, the 5th Annual Meeting of the MTCRC Advisory Board took place in Best Western Hotel, Bandung, with all Advisory Board members, the MTCRC Director, and staff in attendance. The meeting served as a platform for reviewing the previous year’s achievements and planning upcoming activities. MTCRC Directors presented key updates, followed by discussions with the Advisory Board.

During the meeting, several important points were raised and discussed by the Advisory Board members, including the need to enhance joint research initiatives, expand university cooperation, and many more. These insights and recommendations play a crucial role in shaping MTCRC’s future direction and initiatives.

On September 17, 2024, Dr. Park Hansan, Director of MTCRC, visited the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) at Universitas Padjadjaran in Jatinangor. Welcomed by the Dean, Dr. sc. agr. Yudi Nurul Ihsan, S.Pi., M.Si., the visit included a meeting to discuss potential future collaborations and a proposed MoU for academic and research cooperation. MTCRC also had the opportunity to tour the FPIK UNPAD facilities. The visit underscored the strong commitment of both institutions to advancing marine science and fostering meaningful collaborations in the field.

Dr. PARK Hansan, Korean Director of MTCRC, spoke at the 3rd International Seminar on Earth Science and Technology at ITB, presenting "Advancing Earth Science & Technology through Korea-Indonesia Collaboration which was organized by the Faculty of Earth Science and Technology at Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) on September 17, 2024. He highlighted MTCRC's role in Indonesian research and called for continued global cooperation in this field. Dr. PARK concluded by expressing his hope for continued collaboration in advancing earth science and technology for the benefit of both nations and the global community.

Today, on the 11th of Septh 2024, MTCRC had the honor of meeting with Coordinating Minister Luhut in Kemenkomarves Building, Jakarta.

Korean Director Dr. Park Hansan and Deputy Firman showcased MTCRC achievements, including field surveys, awards, training sessions, and MTCRC's innovative seaweed mapping project.

The Minister praised our capacity-building program and encouraged us to boost our role in the seaweed industry. A significant step forward for MTCRC with strong support for future impact! 🙌

On September 5, 2024, the Korea-Indonesia MTCRC, led by Dr. PARK Hansan and accompanied by representatives from the Deputy for Research and Innovation Infrastructure, visited the BRIN Research Center on Pari Island, Seribu Islands, Jakarta. The group toured the entire facility, including classrooms, dormitories, and the surrounding area, and discussed potential collaborations and partnerships under the ODA KIOTEC project, focusing on conducting training and research activities.

Dr. PARK Hansan, the Director of MTCRC, was invited as a speaker at the "2nd Indonesia Seas: Catalyst for Ocean Sustainability (ISCO) 2024," organized by the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science at Padjadjaran University (UNPAD) on September 3, 2024.

In his presentation, Dr. PARK highlighted the advancement of Indonesia's marine science and technology, particularly in relation to climate change actions. He shared insights on MTCRC's activities under the Ocean Development Assistant (ODA) projects, which include the Indonesia Coral Reef Garden (ICRG), mapping of seaweed cultivation areas, and smart aquaculture as well as discussed other initiatives and efforts such as blue carbon projects and capacity building through the KIOTEC ODA program.

The event brought together environmental professionals from various sectors, contributing to a rich exchange of knowledge and ideas.

MTCRC has successfully held the Korean Class Program four times. Due to the strong interest from CMMAI and other stakeholders, MTCRC has relaunched the Korean Culture Class in 2024. This marks the 5th class organized by MTCRC, now in collaboration with the King Sejong Institute Center (KSIC) Indonesia. The 2024 Korean Culture Class is conducted in a hybrid format, with in-person participants from Kemenkomarves, BPPSDMKP, and BRIN, while online participants include Master's degree capacity development program awardees.

On August 30th, 2024, the class kicked off with an Opening Ceremony at the CMMAI Building (4th Floor) and via Zoom. The ceremony featured MTCRC Directors, representatives from BRIN, BPPSDMKP, CMMAI, KSIC, ITB, and all Korean class participants.

On August 27th, MTCRC participated in the "Coordination Meeting on Monitoring and Evaluation of Foreign and Domestic Cooperation Agreements within the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment in 2024" organized by the Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment of Indonesia.

The meeting focused on monitoring ongoing collaborations under CMMAI, both foreign and domestic, and included comprehensive progress reports on international partnerships. As a key contributor in the Korea-Indonesia cooperation under the Deputy for Maritime Resources Coordination, MTCRC showcased an updated progress report and results for the ongoing ODA Project to participants, including representatives from CMMAI, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of State Secretariat, and other key stakeholders.

On August 17th, 2024, the Indonesian Director of MTCRC, Mrs. Ivonne Milichristi Radjawane, Ph.D, was honored with the prestigious "Satyalancana Karya Satya" award by the President of the Republic of Indonesia. This distinguished recognition celebrates Mrs. Ivonne's outstanding dedication and service spanning over the past 30 years.

Congratulations on this remarkable achievement!

The Korea-Indonesia MTCRC conducted the "Marine Chemical Equipment Training 2024" from 21-23 August at the MTCRC Cirebon Center. The training, led by three BRIN experts, involved 10 participants from BPPSDMKP, BRIN, and partner universities. Over three days, participants learned about nutrients in aquatic ecosystems, microplastics, and blue carbon estimation in Indonesia, while gaining hands-on experience with equipment like the Nutrient Autoanalyzer, FTIR, and CN Analyzer. This initiative highlights our commitment to advancing marine research and fostering collaboration for sustainable marine resource management.

On August 23, 2024, Korea-Indonesia MTCRC visited ARA-2 docking area candidates located in Benoa Port, Bali. Welcomed by Udayana University (UNUD) representative, Bapak Wija Negara, UNUD and MTCRC checked the location and its supporting facilities for docking the ARA-2 and conducting activities in the area.

On August 23, 2024, Korea-Indonesia MTCRC visited Loka Riset Perikanan Tuna (LRPT) in Bali. Led by Dr. Park Hansan, and LRPT's Head Ibu Ni Nyoman Siti Mardiani Satria, potential collaborations was discussed and future partnerships under ODA KIOTEC Project. The visit began with LRPT's facilities tour which currently is under renovation. The LRPT is set to be one of the international training centers located in Bali owned by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. The Agenda continues with presentation and discussion regarding potential activities collaboration.

Korea-Indonesia MTCRC collaborated with ITB to survey Cirebon waters on August 21-22, 2024. The survey was led by Bu Lamona I Bernawis from ITB’s Oceanography department. It involved two of her students, along with ITB's School of Life Sciences (SITH) lecturers Pak Husna Nugrahapraja, Ph.D., Pak Intan Taufik, Ph.D., and Dr.rer.nat. Mutiara Rachmat Putri from FITB.

Over the two days, the team focused on collecting data using CTD and ADCP instruments, and gathering water and sediment samples. The students measured turbidity with mini Secchi disks for their studies, while SITH concentrated on sampling.

On August 22, 2024, Korea-Indonesia MTCRC in Cirebon hosted a distinguished delegation from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science (FPIK) of Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD). The delegation, consisting of ten members, was led by Mrs. Ivonne Radjawane, Director of the MTCRC, and Bu Mega Laksmini Syamsudin, Vice Dean of FPIK.

During the visit, both parties explored potential collaborations and future partnerships, focusing on shared interests to advance marine and fisheries science as well as marking the start of a partnership between Korea-Indonesia MTCRC and UNPAD’s Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science.

The first-year Final Report and the second Steering Committee Meeting for the Korean OCEANAID ODA project titled "Establishment of the Integrated Ocean Fisheries Technology Training Center and Enhancing Capacity Building in Indonesia" (ODA KIOTEC) took place at The Westin, Jakarta, on August 20th. The event was attended by representatives from key stakeholders including CMMAI, BPPSDMKP, MoFA, Bappenas, IPB, UNHAS, UNDIP, UNPATTI, and UGM.

Dr. PARK Hansan (ODA Project Manager and Korean Director of MTCRC) presented the final report for the project's first year, covering updates on scholarships, various training activities, the Korea Visit Program, and the progress of the KIOTEC building at KKP Ancol, Emphasized the essential support provided by all stakeholders involved in the KIOTEC project. The event proceeded with the second steering committee meeting, where several topics related to the project's 2024-2025 plan were discussed. The meeting served as a platform for stakeholders to exchange insights and feedback on the project. We look forward to continued collaboration and success in the upcoming phases of the project.

On 15th August 2024, Korea-Indonesia MTCRC held a seminar where the top Master’s and Doctoral scholars showcased their research. The event provided a platform for academic exchange, expert feedback, and recognition of outstanding achievements, celebrating the continued success of the ODA KIOTEC Scholarship programs and fostering future collaborations.

Korea-Indonesia MTCRC conducted KEVA Drone Training in Cirebon from August 8-10, 2024. This comprehensive training, which included both theory and practice, was expertly delivered by Mr. Kim Byungsan and Mr. Park Seongyeol (Raphael Park) from Daeyoung M&S. The entire Remote Sensing Staff of MTCRC, including Director Mr. Hansan Park, attended the training. The session also covered necessary repairs and maintenance for the KEVA drone.

On August 6, 2024, MTCRC hosted a stakeholder meeting to introduce ODA KIOTEC to key partners in Lombok, including BRIN Lombok, UNRAM, and Sea6. The meeting focused on exploring opportunities for further cooperation and collaboration on research activities involving Lombok stakeholders through ODA KIOTEC. Additionally, discussions were held regarding the continuation of the seaweed survey in Awang.