Korea-Indonesia MTCRC provides internship opportunities for undergraduate students in support of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology's "Free Learning Policy: Independent Campus" (MBKM). This year, MTCRC hosted six interns from Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), specifically from the Oceanography Program Study, named Bintang, Rio Andrian, Ahdan Musyaffa, Ni Luh Putu Jiesta, Muhammad Izhar Muharam, and Joshua Yusianto. The internship took place from June to August at MTCRC Cirebon Center. The students get a chance to learn about Marine Geology, Remote Sensing, Marine Environment, Ocean Modeling and Hydrography, and Ocean Chemistry. In addition, students actively participate in diverse activities at MTCRC, such as hands-on training the survey equipment, direct training with a Korean trainer, and finished their respective projects supervised by MTCRC researchers.

Dr. PARK Hansan, The Director of Korea-Indonesia MTCRC, was invited to attend the AIS Startup Blue Business Summit on Conservation and Biodiversity "From Marine Protected Areas to Innovative Financing: Solutions to Long-term Sustainable Management of Oceans Resources," in Nusa Dua, Bali. This forum focuses on cooperation between island and archipelagic countries, addressing global issues such as climate change, blue economy, plastic waste management, and maritime governance. The AIS Startup Blue Business Summit's session on Conservation and Biodiversity focuses on preserving and restoring marine ecosystems, linking marine conservation to national prosperity. The discussion encompasses topics about Marine Protected areas to Innovative financing.

Korea-Indonesia MTCRC successfully conducted "Korea-Indonesia Satellite Utilization Expert Training 2023" located in Artotel Mangkuluhur Hotel, Jakarta. This training event was attended by 27 participants from universities and institutions in Indonesia. The training was officially opened with remarks by Korean Director Dr. Hansan Park from MTCRC, the Coordinating Agency of the Establishment of Application System for Managing Indonesia's Water Using Korea's Geostationary Satellite Project. The training was conducted for three days with 2 material sessions each day. The invited speakers were from UI, UGM, PKNU, KIGAM, and KIOST.

PT Chunsan Petani Jaya (CPJ), including its CEO Mr. Hyun LEE, Commissary Mr. Gi Chuel SHIN, Director Mrs. Arini LEE, and Syarif (ITB Assistant Lecturer & MTCRC awardee 1st batch), visited MTCRC Cirebon Center. During the visit, MTCRC introduced the center, shared marine equipment information, showcased the chemical laboratory, and familiarized CPJ with research activities. MTCRC researchers, Riam M. Badriana, Diyah Oktviani, and Prasetyo Abi, were present during the visit. This visit presented an exciting opportunity for mutual learning, and PT Chunsan Group expressed hope for future collaborations with MTCRC in a relevant field.

The Implementation Arrangement (IA) for the "Establishment of an Application System for Managing Indonesian Waters Using Korean Geostationary Satellites" ODA project was signed at the MTCRC Thamrin Office. Mr. Firman Hidayat, Deputy for Maritime Resources Coordination, CMMAI, signed the IA. The signing was witnessed by Dr. PARK Hansan, MTCRC Director, and Mr. Amalyos Chan, Assistant Deputy for Maritime Resources Downstream. Additionally, Mr. HEO Man-Wook, Director General of the International Cooperation Policy Bureau from the Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries (MOF), and Mr. LEE Cheol Jo, Director of Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency (KHOA), also signed the IA in Korea on September 19th. This signing marks the continuation of the ODA Project Ocean satellite for both countries, ensuring its smooth operation.

The Korea-Indonesia MTCRC marked its 5th anniversary with a successful celebration at the MTCRC Cirebon Center and Yogyakarta. The event was also held through online Zoom meeting, attended by MTCRC's advisory board, representatives from CMMAI, MOF, ITB, and the entire MTCRC staff.

Over the past five years, MTCRC has engaged in numerous collaborations with stakeholders, enhancing its capabilities in the field of marine science research. MTCRC remains committed to pursuing even greater achievements in the future.

Happy 5th Anniversary, MTCRC!

Dr. PARK Hansan, the Director of MTCRC, participated in the 4th Blue Carbon Think Tank workshop held in Nusa Dua, Bali. This event, organized by the CMMAI Deputy for Maritime Resources and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), focused on the theme "Nature-Based Solutions for Adaptation to Climate Risks in the Coastal Zone." Discussions covered various topics related to nature-based adaptation solutions in coastal ecosystems and blue carbon. Mr. Firman Hidayat, the Deputy for Maritime Resources CMMAI, chaired the event and emphasized the significance of blue carbon in nature-based adaptation solutions in his opening remarks.

The Korean Culture Class 2023, jointly organized by the Korea-Indonesia MTCRC and King Sejong Institute Center Indonesia, successfully concluded its seven-session program on September 12, 2023. The Closing Ceremony was attended by Mrs. Ivonne Radjawane, the Indonesian Director of MTCRC, and representatives from BRIN, CMMAI, BPPSDM-KP, and KSIC. The event featured speeches from representatives of each institution and a wrap-up session with the class winner announced by Teacher Kang from KSIC, with the first-place winner earning the chance to join the Korea Visit Program.