Press Release

Jakarta, 7 July 2025 — As part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing human capacity in the fields of marine science and technology, the Government of the Republic of Korea continues to implement training programs through the Official Development Assistance (ODA) Project titled “Establishment of the Integrated Ocean Fisheries Technology Training Center and the Enhancement of Capacity Building in Indonesia”, also known as ODA KIOTEC.

This project was officially launched on 12 June 2024 in Busan, South Korea, through the signing of an Implementation Arrangement (IA) by the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs (formerly the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment), Agency for Marine and Fisheries Extension and Human Resources (BPPSDMKP)-Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) of Korea, the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), and Korea-Indonesia Marine Technology Cooperation Research Center (MTCRC). Funded by MOF Korea, and conducted by KIOST, ODA KIOTEC focuses on establishing and operating a marine training center in Indonesia, as well as developing capacity-building programs tailored to the needs and priorities of the country’s marine sector. 

In March 2025, ODA KIOTEC was officially endorsed as a Decade Action under the title Korea–Indonesia Ocean Technology Capacity Enhancement Actions (KIOTEC–CEA) within the framework of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). This endorsement marks a strategic step to align technical training programs, postgraduate education, collaborative research, and early-career ocean professionals (ECOPs) that promote the use of ocean science for policy-making and foster cross-sector collaboration for sustainable ocean management. Through this engagement, the KIOTEC–CEA project directly contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In line with this, a training session on Marine Survey Instruments was held once again on 7–10 July 2025 at the KIOTEC Office in Ancol, Jakarta. This activity follows a similar training previously conducted on 24–27 February 2025, which was attended by 40 participants. The second session also involved 40 participants, comprising master’s scholarship recipients under the ODA KIOTEC program from ITB, UGM, IPB, UNDIP, and UNPATTI, as well as eight representatives from BPPSDMKP. Their participation is expected to expand the impact of the training in supporting national marine capacity development

Building on the previous training, which focused on the theory and practical use of the Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) and Conductivity Temperature Depth (CTD), the current session shifted its focus to the operation of the Multibeam Echo Sounder (MBES). MBES is a seafloor mapping instrument capable of producing three-dimensional models and visualizing underwater topography. The training covered theoretical concepts, operational practice, data acquisition, and data processing using the MBES system.

Dr. PARK Hansan, KIOTEC ODA Project Manager and Korean Director of MTCRC, stated that this training reflects a shared commitment to building the capacity of young Indonesians in the marine sector, strengthening Indonesia-Korea cooperation, and supporting sustainable ocean development.

"The registration of the KIOTEC ODA project within the UN Ocean Decade initiative reflects international recognition of our contribution to advancing marine science and capacity building through technology-based training," said Dr. PARK.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rudi Alek, representing the Head of BPPSDMKP, appreciated the continuity of this training and emphasized the importance of mastering marine technology for the younger generation.

"This training is a crucial opportunity for postgraduate students to deepen their understanding of marine surveys, while also reflecting the commitment of South Korea and Indonesia to capacity building and knowledge transfer in this field," Dr. Rudi Alek stated.

In closing, Mr. Muhammad Mawardi S.Pt, MT, representing the Deputy for Maritime Resources, Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs, stated that this training covers topics of great importance for developing Indonesia's maritime sector.

"This training is important for the advancement of Indonesia's maritime sector and also the expansion of programs into other fields to encourage human resource development, technology, and innovation," Mr. Mawardi stated.