"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.

Exploring the hidden dynamics of coastal ecosystems, Korea-Indonesia MTCRC  together with BRIN, conducted a joint research activity on Gili Ketapang Island to uncover the structure of the coastal ecosystem and assess seawater quality as part of efforts to support sustainable small island management.

Through field observations and seawater sampling, this collaboration contributes valuable scientific data for understanding and protecting Indonesia’s marine environment.

Korea-Indonesia MTCRC continues to support the multi-year cirebon water water quality monitoring led by Dr Lamona I Bernawis through the ITB regular survey program. This year's survey activity was conducted on last January and continued on 27–28 April 2026. Field data collection was carried out through CTD measurements, water sampling, and phytoplankton sampling.

Korea-Indonesia MTCRC conducted a training on “The Importance of Water Quality Measurement for Blue Food Security” in Cirebon.

The training aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of water quality and provide hands-on experience in field measurement and data collection. This initiative reflects MTCRC’s commitment to strengthening capacity in marine and environmental monitoring.

Korea-Indonesia MTCRC successfully organized the International Joint Seminar on Marine Robotics (ROVs and UAVs) to support the implementation of Indonesia’s Blue Economy and Blue Food in Jakarta.

The seminar brought together experts, researchers, and stakeholders to explore the role of marine robotics in advancing sustainable ocean-based development from Korea and Indonesia.

Korea-Indonesia MTCRC supported a joint research on Blue Carbon entitled “Analyzing the Correlation Between Primary Productivity and Mangrove Coverage” conducted at Tidung Island on 10–12 April 2026.

The activity focused on field data collection and the utilization of laboratory instruments to support research analysis. This initiative reflects MTCRC’s commitment to advancing marine research and sustainable blue economy practices

As part of its commitment to supporting sustainable marine development, Korea-Indonesia MTCRC attended a Focus Group Discussion on "Safeguarding Indonesia’s Aquatic Food Security: Adaptation Strategies to Address the Threat of El Niño “Godzilla”" in Jakarta.

This forum brought together stakeholders to discuss climate impacts and strategic approaches to ensure resilience in Indonesia’s fisheries sector.

On 6-7 of April 2026, Korea-Indonesia supports the investigation of signal interference during simultaneous ADCP and MBES measurements, conducted as a continuation of the joint research on ocean energy with Prof. Dwi (Research Scientist at the University of Maryland) and Ivonne M. Radjawane, Ph.D. (Bandung Institute of Technology).

On 26 February 2026, MTCRC conducted a stakeholder visit to Universitas Udayana and met with the Dean of Faculty of Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries (FKP) Universitas Udayana. The meeting introduced MTCRC’s new organizational structure and functions, while also providing an opportunity to exchange perspectives on strengthening collaboration in marine science and research.

This visit reflects MTCRC’s commitment to building stronger partnerships with academic institutions in Indonesia.

Korea–Indonesia Marine Technology Cooperation Research Center (MTCRC) held an online coordination meeting to discuss Marine Spatial Planning and the development of the Regional Ocean Health Index for West Java, together with the West Java Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. This meeting marks an important step toward strengthening collaboration in supporting sustainable marine management and regional development.

MTCRC continues to play an active role in strengthening the research capacity of marine scientists in Indonesia. One of the supported activities is a regular seawater quality survey in the waters of Cirebon, conducted consistently since 2022. Led by Dr. Lamona Bernawis (ITB), this study aims to reveal the ecological dynamics of a marine area that holds significant importance for Indonesia’s maritime sector.