This year marks the 8th Anniversary of the Korea–Indonesia Marine Technology Cooperation Research Center (MTCRC).

Over the years, MTCRC has continued to strengthen collaboration in marine science, technology, and capacity building between Indonesia and Korea.

As part of this year’s anniversary, we took our commitment to sustainable marine ecosystems into the field through an International Training on Sustainable Marine Ecosystem Development to Enhance Blue Food Security in Lombok.

Together with participants from Indonesia and neighboring countries, we learned and took action through a hands-on coral reef restoration project at Kecinan Beach. From knowledge to action, and from local efforts to regional collaboration, we continue to grow together for healthier oceans and a more sustainable blue future. 

Happy 8th Anniversary, MTCRC! 8 years of collaboration, and many more to come

Held on 17 September 2026 in Lombok, the International Seminar brought together more than 100 participants from government institutions, academia, research institutions, and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge and perspectives on sustainable marine ecosystem development and blue food security.

The seminar highlighted the importance of strengthening the connection between science, policy, and international collaboration in addressing challenges facing coastal and marine ecosystems.

Through insightful presentations and discussions, speakers and participants explored topics ranging from coastal ecosystem changes and resilience to sustainable marine resource management, while sharing experiences and perspectives from Indonesia, Korea, and beyond.

The seminar also provided a valuable platform to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and encourage knowledge exchange towards more sustainable and resilient marine ecosystems.

A meaningful day of knowledge sharing, collaboration, and collective efforts for a sustainable blue future.

Held on 15–16 September 2026 in Lombok, the International Training brought participants together to explore sustainable marine ecosystem development through both classroom learning and hands-on experience.

As part of the training, participants took part in a coral reef restoration project at Kecinan Beach, gaining practical experience from preparing coral reef frames to planting corals in the field.

The training featured insightful sessions by Dr. Marieke Huhn (Luminocean) on coral reef restoration through sexual reproduction methodology, followed by hands-on activities supported by the Indonesia Biru Foundation (IBF).

Through learning by doing, participants gained new knowledge and practical experience in coral reef restoration while strengthening their understanding of sustainable marine ecosystem management and blue food security.

A meaningful two days of learning, collaboration, and hands-on experience for healthier marine ecosystems and a more sustainable blue future. 

From 20 to 26 August 2025, a joint technical training on methodologies for measuring and estimating organic carbon content in Seawater and Sediment Samples was conducted. The training was attended by students from ITB and PNU and hosted by MTCRC.

This activity reflects MTCRC’s continued commitment to providing a platform for marine researchers and students in Indonesia to enhance their technical capacity and scientific knowledge. Through collaboration and knowledge exchange between Indonesia and the Republic of Korea, MTCRC aims to foster stronger research networks and support the development of Indonesia’s marine science and technology capabilities.

"Over the past few weeks, MTCRC has had the pleasure of welcoming five dedicated interns, brought together two students from Diponegoro University (UNDIP) and three students from Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB).

Throughout the program, each intern worked on an individual project while gaining hands-on experience in laboratory activities, field surveys, and data processing. Guided by MTCRC researchers and staff, they strengthened their technical knowledge, research skills, and understanding of marine science and technology.

We hope this experience becomes a valuable stepping stone in their academic and professional journey.

Korea-Indonesia MTCRC continues to support the multi-year Cirebon water quality monitoring led by Dr. Lamona I. Bernawis through the ITB Regular Survey Program. The latest survey was conducted on 27–28 July 2026, with the participation of MTCRC interns alongside the survey team, providing them with hands-on field experience in marine environmental monitoring.

Field data collection included CTD measurements and phytoplankton sampling to support the long-term assessment of water quality in the Cirebon coastal waters.

Strengthening collaboration for marine science and technology, Korea-Indonesia MTCRC officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universitas Mataram (UNRAM) to foster collaboration in research, innovation, capacity building, and sustainable marine development on July 23rd 2026 at Universitas Mataram, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. This collaboration is conducted with Universitas Mataram (UNRAM), represented by its Faculty of Agriculture. Together, we move toward advancing Indonesia's marine science and technology.

Amid the growing need for accurate information on fisheries-supporting ecosystems to support government policy and decision-making, ecosystem mapping using remote sensing technology has become increasingly important. In response, the Korea-Indonesia Marine Technology Cooperation Research Center (MTCRC), in collaboration with Busan National University (PNU) and Blue Arc Global (BAG), organized a three-day internal training program on drone and satellite applications for coastal benthic ecosystem mapping in the southern Seribu Islands from 22 to 24 June.

The training included practical activities such as drone operation, underwater photogrammetry, water depth measurement, and benthic object hyperspectral signature measurement to strengthen marine mapping expertise and support sustainable coastal and marine resource management.

On Tuesday, 23 June 2026 at Karawang, Korea-Indonesia MTCRC participated as an invited guest in the program on enhancing water quality management capacity to improve seaweed cultivation productivity.

During the event, MTCRC shared findings from field surveys conducted in the area, providing insights that may support better cultivation practices and sustainable development efforts. The event was also attended by MTCRC’s Director and local fishpond farming communities, creating a space for discussion, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.

Together, through research and community engagement, we continue supporting sustainable coastal development and empowering local communities.