MTCRC collaborated with CMMAI, Sea Six Energy Indonesia, BRIN, Mataram University, and Indonesian Conservation (KI) on a following seaweed farming survey in Awang Bay, Lombok. The aim was to collect ocean parameter data, environmental conditions, and habitat distribution in the proposed seaweed farming area after a previous preliminary survey. MTCRC researchers used CTD Midas+ to collect ocean data and took seawater samples for analysis in a lab. On this occasion, Dr. Hansan Park, MTCRC's director, had an opportunity to meet the Sea6 team, visit their seaweed farming site, and survey coral reefs, seagrass, and mangroves. After these activities, MTCRC and Sea6 attended a meeting by Sea6 Indonesia President Mr. Agus. This shows MTCRC's commitment to protecting marine resources, encouraging future infrastructure development, and supporting marine conservation.

The kick-off meeting for the ODA Project was conducted by MTCRC and took place on the 4th floor of the CMMAI Building and was simultaneously held via Zoom. In attendance were key stakeholders, including CMMAI, BPPSDM-KP, BRIN, Bappenas, MoFA, and representatives from several universities: ITB, IPB, UNDIP, UNUD UGM, UNHAS, and UNPATTI. Dr. PARK Hansan, as the ODA Project Manager, as well as the Korean Director of MTCRC, delivered a comprehensive presentation during the meeting, outlining the project's details, progress, plans, and schedules. Following the presentation, a productive discussion ensued with all attendees. All parties involved expressed their keen interest and readiness to actively contribute to the successful implementation of this ODA Project.

As part of the ODA Project titled "Establishment of Application System for Managing Indonesia’s Water Using Korea’s Geostationary Satellite," invitational training occurred in Busan and Seoul, South Korea. The training emphasized the utilization of Korean Geostationary Satellites for Indonesia's National Ocean Management. It was facilitated by KHOA on behalf of MOF, with support from the Korea-Indonesia Marine Technology Research Center (MTCRC). Participants, including government officials from CMMAI and representatives from MTCRC, had the opportunity to visit key institutions and companies involved in satellite technology for the marine sector, such as KHOA, KIOST, and GreenBlue. The training aims to equip participants with knowledge that can be applied within the framework of bilateral cooperation between Korea and Indonesia.

On November 19, 2023 at the MTCRC Cirebon Center, 48 students from ITB visited MTCRC chemical laboratory as part of the ITB River Excursion OS4071 Sea Water Quality Course. The visit activities included an online classroom given from MTCRC researchers about an overview of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and sample handling. Alternately, Korea-Indonesia MTCRC researchers also demonstrated the instrument’s operation at the MTCRC chemical laboratory.

MTCRC participated in the Blue Food Forum at Pullman Hotel Lombok, organized by Bappenas. As an intergovernmental agency in marine science and technology between Korea and Indonesia, MTCRC contributed a research perspective to achieve the goals of the blue food pillars. The first day featured VIP remarks, including Mr. Firman Hidayat, Deputy Coordinating Minister for Maritime Resources, who highlighted MTCRC's role in supporting a seaweed pilot project in Awang Bay, Lombok. After the forum, participants visited the BRIN Bio-Industry Research Center to explore its facilities. The second day focused on on-site visits to aquaculture activities, including Seaweed Farming in Sereweh Village, Large Scale Seaweed Farming in Ekas Bay, and a Lobster Estate in Telong Elong.

A Mini Workshop on seawater quality analysis using ICP-MS and NAA was held and took place at the MTCRC Cirebon Center. The workshop included classroom theory sessions and hands-on laboratory training. Dr. Sulung Nomosatyro, S.Si, M.Si, provided an introductory class on the principles and lab preparation for NAA, ICP-MS, and FTIR. 

Korea-Indonesia MTCRC researchers supported the demonstration for water sample collection using a plankton net near Pier ARA. ICP-MS and NAA techniques were demonstrated at the MTCRC chemical lab. Approximately 13 ITB students and ITB Lecturer Ibu Mutiara enthusiastically participated in these activities.

MTCRC received an invitation to join a meeting at BRIN Cibinong. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the ongoing preparations for the workshop between PRKSDLPD (Research Center for Conservation of Marine and Inland Water Resources) - BRIN, and MTCRC.

During the visit, MTCRC had the chance to explore facilities in the BRIN Cibinong area. One of them was the genomics lab, a special place with advanced equipment. This lab has four floors and is used for genomics, life science, health, and agriculture research. Besides that, MTCRC also went to Animalium, Indonesia's First Animal Research, Education, and Science Center, introduced by BRIN.

Korea-Indonesia MTCRC conducted a Carbon and Nitrogen Analyzer (CN Analyzer) installation and training. This training was led by technician Mr. Lee Juseong from LASKOREA. This advanced technology is designed to accurately determine the carbon and nitrogen content in both vegetation and sediment samples. 

Through this opportunity, MTCRC researchers have gained material and hands-on practicals on the CN Analyzer's technical operation, instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, and detail configuration. We hope this instrument will yield the best analysis results in the MTCRC chemical laboratory.