A memorandum of understanding was signed between Universitas Padjadjaran and Korea-Indonesia Marine Technology Cooperation Research Center (MTCRC), regarding Academic and Research Cooperation in the field of Marine and Fisheries, on November 21, 2024 at the Executive Lounge of Unpad Dipatiukur Campus.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Rector of Universitas Padjadjaran Prof. Arief Sjamsulaksan Kartasasmita, dr., SpM(K), M.Kes., PhD, Director of MTCRC-Korea Dr. PARK Hansan and Director of MTCRC-Indonesia Ivonne M. Radjawane, Ph.D., also attended Unpad Vice Rector for Resources and Governance Prof. Dr. R. Widya Setiabudi Sumadinata, S.Si., S.IP., MT., M.Han., Chairman adv board of MTCRC Dr. Safri Burhanuddin, and Dean of FPIK Unpad Prof. Dr. Sc. Agr. Yudi Nurul Ihsan, S.Pi., M.Si. and staff.

Dr. PARK Hansan, the Director of Korea-Indonesia MTCRC, was honored to be one of the keynote speakers at the 5th International Conference on Fisheries and Marine Research (ICoFMR), hosted by Brawijaya University in Malang on November 14th, 2024. This hybrid event brought together experts to discuss advancements in marine science. Dr. PARK’s keynote presentation, titled 'Enhancing the Aquaculture Sector with Effective Coastal Management through International Cooperative Research Initiatives,' emphasized sustainable coastal strategies and highlighted MTCRC’s role in supporting Indonesia's marine and fisheries sectors as well fostering global research collaborations.

On November 14th, 2024, Korea-Indonesia MTCRC and Brawijaya University (UB) officially signed an MoU, coinciding with the opening of the 5th International Conference Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Research (ICoFMR) Brawijaya University in Malang. The signing was carried out by the Rector of Brawijaya University who was represented by Dr. Sujarwo, S.P., M.P as the Director of Directorate of Student Affairs Brawijaya University alongside with Dr. Hansan Park and Mrs. Ivonne M. Radjawane, as Korea-Indonesia MTCRC Directors. Together, Korea-Indonesia MTCRC and Brawijaya University are committed to driving innovation, research, and meaningful initiatives for a brighter, shared future, especially in marine science and fisheries.

On November 13, MTCRC visited the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) at Universitas Brawijaya to introduce various activities conducted by the center. The visit was warmly welcomed by Prof. Dr. Ir. Maftuch, M.Si., the Dean of FPIK. This was followed by insightful discussions with the Vice Deans, Asep Awaludin Prihanto, S.Pi., M.P., and Dr. Eng. Abu Bakar Sambah, S.Pi., M.T., as well as faculty members and students.

Representing MTCRC, the delegation was led by the Directors, Dr. Hansan Park and Ivonne M. Radjwane, along with Pak Safri, the Chairman of the Advisory Board. The discussions explored potential future collaborations between MTCRC and FPIK, and concluded with a facility tour to identify further opportunities for joint programs and collaborative initiatives.

On 6th November 2024, a meeting was held at the MTCRC Gatot Subroto Office to discuss the monitoring and evaluation of the collaboration between Udayana University (UNUD) and MTCRC. UNUD representatives provided positive feedback on MTCRC and UNUD ongoing collaborations, particularly in training initiatives and joint research, and emphasized the importance of MTCRC’s role in helping prioritize equipment needs for ongoing training and the research vessel. UNUD also expressed a strong commitment to supporting KIOTEC activities. Additionally, MTCRC plans to include UNUD as one of the recipients of the Master’s Degree scholarships, as UNUD will launch its new Master’s in Marine Science program next year.

On October 30th - 31st, 2024, MTCRC, in partnership with ITB and BRIN, conducted a joint research survey focused on the Spatial distribution and Potential Source of Oceanic Methane in Cirebon Bay. This initiative, aimed to assess methane concentration and its potential environmental impacts.

This collaborative research as part of MTCRC Joint Research Initiative 2024 serves as a foundation for understanding methane dynamics in coastal waters, contributing to sustainable ocean management and environmental preservation.

The International Workshop on the Korea-Indonesia Ocean Satellite Project took place on Monday, October 21, 2024, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kemayoran, Jakarta. This event was part of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) Project titled "Establishment of an Application System for Managing Indonesia’s Water Using Korea’s Geostationary Satellite." The workshop included three sessions with presentations from 11 speakers representing various agencies from Korea and Indonesia, such as KIOST, Moonsoft, PKNU, KIGAM, UGM, BRIN, and BMKG. Approximately 100 participants from both countries attended the workshop. This successful event underscored the importance of international cooperation in advancing ocean satellite technology and its applications.

On October 16-17, 2024, the Korea-Indonesia MTCRC teamed up with ITB to carry out a survey of Cirebon seawaters. Led by ITB Oceanography lecturer Dr. Lamona I. Bernawis and five students, the team gathered field data for undergraduate research, collected CTD measurements, and monitored current speeds. The survey also included 16 current profiling points to aid in the analysis of oceanographic parameters.

On October 9, 2024, the Korea-Indonesia MTCRC visited the Faculty of Marine and Fisheries at Udayana University to discuss the utilization of a research & training boat. This initiative aims to enhance marine and fisheries research and educational opportunities in Bali The meeting included Prof. I Wayan Nuarsa, Dean of FKP UNUD, along with other faculty members who welcomed the initiative. Dr. PARK Hansan, Director of MTCRC, presented the boat utilization objectives, emphasizing its alignment with the KIOTEC framework. The Dean expressed enthusiasm for the project and optimism for its successful implementation.

The Remote Sensing-Based Seagrass Blue Carbon Assessment Training Course concluded successfully from September 23 to October 4, 2024. During this period, participants acquired essential skills in seagrass mapping, drone data collection, and carbon stock analysis, under the guidance of experts from the Korea-Indonesia Marine Technology Cooperation Research Center (MTCRC), UNESCO, BRIN Indonesia, and other distinguished institutions.

MTCRC have played a key role in the Remote Sensing-Based Seagrass Blue Carbon Assessment Training Course. Our team at the Korea-Indonesia Marine Technology Cooperation Research Center (MTCRC) led sessions on drone mapping, field data processing, and carbon stock analysis, helping participants gain critical skills for advancing seagrass conservation. 

MTCRC involvement is part of our ongoing commitment to advancing blue carbon research and supporting global climate action efforts.