Korea-Indonesia MTCRC organized a "Capacity Development for Benthic Mapping Training" from September 28 to October 2, 2024, at Pulau Pari and the KIOTEC Office, BPPSDMKP Ancol. The training, led by experts from Pusan National University (PNU), focused on the use of multispectral sensors and hyperspectral radiometers for benthic habitat mapping.

Participants learned techniques such as orthophoto creation, atmospheric correction, and benthic classification using the SAMBUCA method, with the aim of supporting marine conservation and blue carbon resource management.

This training strengthens MTCRC’s research capacity and is expected to contribute to future ODA KIOTEC projects, enhancing Indonesia's maritime sector through sustainable practices.

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.