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.