As part of the preparation for the 10th WWF, Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (CMMAI) has partnered with Korea-Indonesia MTCRC to conduct a comprehensive study on Lake Batur's water quality in Kintamani, Bali.

The field survey, conducted from April 22-25, 2024, involved local stakeholders and included data collection on various water parameters using CTD, alongside water and sediment samples was also collected for further analysis at the MTCRC laboratory. For a more specific study around the floating net cage cultivation area, mapping in the southern part of the lake was conducted using a drone equipped with a LIDAR sensor.

The survey data were then combined to create an integrated profile of the water conditions of Lake Batur that can be displayed at the 10th WWF exhibition in Bali and later utilized by the local government to manage the Lake Batur area.

The collaborative survey between Korea-Indonesia MTCRC and ITB was conducted on April 19-20, 2024, in the Cirebon waters. Led by Dr. Lamona I Bernawis, the first day focused on obtaining oceanic parameters and sea current data. ITB students utilized Hydrocolor Instruments and Secchi Disks to collect data for their thesis research.

The following day, 28 ITB students delved into a study on fish nets and gained hands-on experience in their construction. The exposure to MTCRC equipment like ADCP, CTD WiMo for measurements, Niskin bottle for water sampling, and plankton net for plankton collection is invaluable for their Oceanography Fisheries course. This blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application is sure to enhance their understanding of marine science.

As the Ocean Satellite ODA Project continues, the Korea Indonesia MTCRC welcomed a visit from the Korea Ocean Satellite Team and conducted a meeting with CMMAI, BRIN, and BMKG. Led by Mrs. Aniza Suspita, Executive Secretary to Deputy Coordinating Minister for Maritime Resources, and Dr. PARK Hansan, the ODA Project Manager and Director of MTCRC, the meeting addressed the content and plan for the Ocean Satellite Project in 2024.

Two members of the Korea Ocean Satellite Team, Dr. CHOI Jongkuk from KIOST and PARK Woosung from Moonsoft, delivered presentations regarding the project. Dr. CHOI's presentation focused on the project outline and result estimation, while Mr. PARK's presentation focused on the technical aspects of the ocean satellite. All parties engaged in fruitful discussions on maximizing the potential of this ocean satellite.

The 4th Bilateral Maritime Dialogue (BMD) Preparation Initial Meeting was held on March 25th, 2024, at the CMMAI 2nd Floor North Meeting Room. Mr. Radian Nurcahyo, Assistant Deputy for Maritime Law and Treaties, led the meeting as the Indonesia representative, the meeting was also attended by representatives from various institutions, including Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries(MOF), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Korean Embassy in Indonesia, Indonesia Embassy in Korea and Dr. PARK Hansan, the director of MTCRC .

The primary focus of the meeting was to finalize key details for the upcoming 4th Bilateral Maritime Dialogue between Korea and Indonesia. Discussions revolved around deciding the date, venue, and areas of cooperation for the BMD. Ms. CHO Jin Hee, the Director of International Cooperation from the Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries provided insight that the 4th BMD is likely to be held in Busan in May. Both countries expressed optimism for the success of the 4th BMD and committed to thorough preparation to ensure its success.

The blue economy concept is very relevant in efforts to improve sustainable development in the marine and fisheries sector, recognizing the abundance of Indonesia's marine resources. In this regard, Korea-Indonesia MTCRC has a meeting with Bappenas to discuss the importance of development and cooperation between Korea and Indonesia in the field of Blue-Bio Economy Fisheries.

The meeting took place at Bappenas Taman Suropati on March 21st, 2024. This meeting marks the beginning of a collaborative project between Bappenas and MTCRC, setting the stage for future joint projects aimed at advancing sustainable development in the marine and fisheries sector.

Exploring Menjangan Besar Island: MTCRC and UGM Collaborate on Joint Field Survey in Karimunjawa Island from March 5th to March 10th, 2024. MTCRC researchers assisted UGM students in comprehensive data and sample collection, conducting drone and Lidar mapping alongside sediment collection utilizing a multisampler core that aimed to map blue carbon in the seagrass ecosystem.

As part of the Twinkle activity program between Chiba University Japan and ITB, Today, on 8 March 2024, Chiba University students visited MTCRC Cirebon Center with a total of 21 participants, including professors and students from the Faculty of Education and Global & Transdisciplinary Studies.

Led by Indonesia MTCRC Director Ivonne M. Radjawanne, we showcased our center's activities and facilities, including a tour of the equipment and marine chemistry laboratory.

MTCRC participated in a ministers’ working visit to showcase a large-scale seaweed cultivation pilot project in Ekas Bay, Lombok. Attended by Minister Luhut B. Pandjaitan Kementerian Koordinator Bidang Kemaritiman, Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono Kementerian Kelautan dan Perikanan Republik Indonesia, Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita Kementerian Perindustrian Republik Indonesia, as well as the Ambassadors of India and UAE to Indonesia. Additionally, representatives from the West Nusa Tenggara Local Government, Sea6 Energy Pvt Ltd., Prospera, FAO, UNIDO, Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional RI (BRIN RI), Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas Republic of Indonesia, and numerous others were present. The visit highlighted innovations in the national seaweed industry, including technology and potential products.

MTCRC also attended the Stakeholders Networking and Business Matching Forum for the Seaweed Industry Development in Indonesia, discussing strategies and partnerships to accelerate industry growth. Dr. PARK Hansan, MTCRC's Korean director, delivered the environmental survey results from November 21st to 24th, 2023.

A 4-days Special Training Course on Marine Chemical Analysis with UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Cary4000 took place at the MTCRC Cirebon Center from February 19 to 22, 2024. The participants included the experts from BRIN, ITB, UNDIP, and MTCRC’s Chemical laboratory team; they were led by Korean experts Dr. CHOI Jongkuk, Dr. HWANG Deukjae, and Mr. KIM Euihyun from KIOST.

In this training, participants were instructed on the procedures of preparing samples, instrument operation using the UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, and data analysis, especially to enhance skills and understanding in marine chemical analysis.