Hiroshima University lecture Prof. LEE Hansoo, Vinayak Bhanage, and Mr. Faiz Rohman Fajary visited the MTCRC Cirebon Center. The MTCRC directors accompany the activities to provide in-depth explanations about the office facility as well as the progress and plans of the MTCRC. It was certainly a pleasure to show around and discuss MTCRC's latest projects. Their interest and enthusiasm were truly appreciated. Thank you for visiting; it was certainly a compliment for MTCRC

MTCRC, in partnership with KIOST and Green Blue Co., Ltd., conducted a field survey in Makassar as part of the Ocean ODA project titled "Establishment of Application System for Managing Indonesian Waters using the Korean Geostationary Satellite." In 2022, we did a survey for the same project, studying seawater quality in a lab and measuring sea surface reflectance directly. This year, we focus on measuring sea surface reflectance or photometric surveys by measuring the water leaving radiance, sky radiance, and downward irradiance using a hyperspectral radiometer sensor.

Dr. PARK Hansan, the Director of MTCRC, was honored to participate as an Invited Speaker in the 'International Workshop on Small Island Research and Development.' This event was jointly organized by BRIN, IOC-UNESCO, and ITI (Indonesia Institute of Technology) from the 29th to the 30th of August 2023. On the second day of the event, which took place at Mercure Hotel Jakarta, Dr. PARK had the opportunity to deliver a presentation titled "Seaweed Aquaculture Area Survey: A Case Study in Small Island Research and Development for Marine Spatial Planning." During his presentation, Dr. PARK emphasized that Marine Spatial Planning is critical in promoting economic, social, and environmental sustainability in coastal and marine regions.

The Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (CMMAI) and the Korea-Indonesia MTCRC marked the successful conclusion of a four-year ODA project, 'Ocean and Coastal Basic Survey and Capacity Enhancement in Cirebon, Indonesia.' Symbolizing the handover of research equipment and grants from the Korean Government to Indonesia. It also served as the official launch of the next ODA Project ''Establishment of Integrated Ocean Fisheries Technology Training Center and Enhancing Capability Building in Indonesia,' initiated through a Joint Declaration involving key institutions and university representatives.

Dr. PARK Hansan participated in the 8th Geoinformation Science Symposium hosted by the Faculty of Geography at Universitas Gadjah Mada. The symposium encompasses various related topics such as the advancement of  Remote Sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS), Cartography, Geovisualization, and Geospatial Education. On this occasion, Dr. PARK Hansan presented a topic entitled “Remote Sensing Utilization case on Korea-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation Activities”.  He also had a chance to mention MTCRC general status, activities, equipment, and survey activities. 

MTCRC participated in the preliminary survey for seaweed areas in Awang Bay, east Lombok, collaborating with CMMAI and Sea Six Energy Indonesia. This survey aims to check the condition of the proposed area before expanding existing seaweed in Awang bay. MTCRC researcher took ocean parameters through CTD Midas+, collecting water samples and drone mapping using a DJI drone enterprise and DJI P4 multispectral drone in Awang Bay. The water sample will be analyzed further in the MTCRC Chemical laboratory utilizing Nutrient Auto Analyzer to evaluate its nutrients.

On the 14th of August, MTCRC Directors had a meeting with RTRC-MarBEST (Regional Training and Research Center on Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health) in BRIN Gatot Subroto building. This meeting served as a platform for MTCRC Director and RTRC-MarBEST to introduce each party's activities and plan. The primary objective of this meeting was to facilitate the exchange of information regarding the activities achievement of both parties. Through this meeting, it's hoped to develop collaboration between MTCRC and RTRC-MarBEST in marine science and technology.

To support the project Korea Ocean ODA project entitled "Smart Technological Support to Improve Aquaculture Productivity in Indonesia" by NIFS (National Institute of Fisheries Science) on behalf of the MOF, Korea and the CMMAI, Indonesia with Hyundai Asan as the official conducting agency assigned by NIFS and MTCRC has conducted a site survey in Batam and Kei Island as discussed in the previous kick-off meeting. Together with CMMAI, MTCRC cooperates with the local governments of Batam and South East Maluku to organize it. Hopefully, this cooperation and project will increase Indonesia's innovation and marine technology. It is exciting to see such a partnership working towards improving aquaculture productivity in Indonesia.