Press Release

Cirebon, August 5, 2025 — The Korea-Indonesia Marine Technology Cooperation Research Center (MTCRC) continues to expand its strategic partnerships, this time with one of South Korea’s leading universities, the BK21 School of Earth and Environmental System, Pusan National University (PNU). This collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 5, 2025, at the MTCRC Cirebon Center, between PNU and MTCRC. The MoU was signed by Dr. PARK Hansan and Dr. Ivonne M. Radjawane, M.Si., Ph.D., as Directors of MTCRC, and Prof. Boo Keun KHIM, representing the Department of Geological Oceanography, Pusan National University.

In his remarks, Dr. PARK Hansan emphasized the importance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges in the marine and fisheries sector. He stated that the partnership with PNU is a strategic step to enrich MTCRC’s research ecosystem through strengthened academic connections and the advancement of marine technology.

Prof. Boo Keun KHIM expressed his appreciation for MTCRC’s warm welcome and shared his hopes that this collaboration would proceed smoothly in the long term and result in significant findings in marine research for both institutions.

Ivonne M. Radjawane, M.Si., Ph.D. also expressed her appreciation for the realization of this MoU and conveyed her optimism that the collaboration would continue successfully. She highlighted that through this partnership, both institutions have the opportunity to share knowledge, broaden scientific perspectives, and enhance their contributions to the development of marine science and technology.

To enrich the agenda of this collaborative meeting, a series of activities were held to strengthen the relationship between both parties. The program began with a visit to MTCRC’s research vessel, ARA Boat, docked at Cirebon Port. This was followed by field practices guided by MTCRC researchers, where PNU students engaged in mangrove species identification, habitat mapping surveys, and estimation of carbon content in mangrove biomass and sediment, as part of the “PNU Meets the World Program.” As a closing activity, participants were introduced to various MTCRC research facilities, followed by practical sessions on water and sediment sample processing.