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International Joint Seminar on Sustainable Marine Ecosystem Development to Enhance The Blue Food Security
🗓️ 22 September 2026 👤Korea-Indonesia MTCRCÂ
Group photo with all participants
Lombok, Indonesia  — September 17, 2026 — More than 100 participants gathered in Lombok for the International Seminar on Sustainable Marine Ecosystem Development through Science, Policy, and International Collaboration to Enhance Blue Food Security, organized by the Korea–Indonesia Marine Technology Cooperation Research Center (MTCRC) and its partners on 17 September 2026.
The seminar brought together representatives from government, academia, research institutions, industry, NGOs, and students to exchange knowledge and perspectives on marine ecosystem conservation, sustainable resource development, environmental monitoring, marine spatial planning, and blue food security.
The seminar formed the final part of the three-day International Training and Seminar program held from 15–17 September 2026 and was registered as part of the KICOEST UN Ocean Decade agenda.
In his opening remarks, the Deputy Coordinating Minister for Marine Resources highlighted the importance of connecting science, technology, policy, and practical action in addressing marine ecosystem challenges and strengthening blue food security.
He emphasized that for Indonesia, the ocean is not only an environmental asset, but also a source of food, livelihoods, innovation, and economic opportunities. Protecting marine ecosystems and strengthening blue food security, therefore, need to go hand in hand, particularly in addressing challenges such as climate change, pollution, sustainable aquaculture, and coastal management.
“Healthy ecosystems support fisheries and aquaculture. Science helps us understand how to manage them better. Technology allows us to produce more efficiently and sustainably,” he said, emphasizing that these efforts must ultimately lead to practical solutions for coastal communities and society.
He also highlighting the importance of Indonesia–Korea cooperation through MTCRC, he expressed hope that the partnership would continue to develop from knowledge exchange toward joint research, technology application, capacity building, and practical solutions that benefit both countries.
Mr. Lee Hee-seung, President of the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), highlighted MTCRC’s achievements since its establishment in 2018 in strengthening marine science and technology cooperation between Korea and Indonesia through research, technology development, and capacity building.
He emphasized that sustainable marine development requires both ecosystem conservation and responsible utilization of marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, so that present resource use does not compromise ocean productivity for future generations.
Mr. Kim Namhoon, Director of MTCRC, reaffirmed the Center’s mission to strengthen friendship and cooperation between Korea and Indonesia. He noted that the program brought together experts from Korea, Germany, and Indonesia, as well as participants from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore, providing an opportunity to exchange knowledge and explore collaborative approaches for the future of marine ecosystems in the region.
From Coastal Ecosystems to Marine Spatial Planning
The first session, moderated by Soraya Gigantika, focused on coastal ecosystems, regional cooperation, and marine spatial planning.
Prof. Dr. Ir. Sitti Hilyana, M.Si. presented “The Current Situation, Changes and Future of Coastal Ecosystems in Indonesia and Lombok: From Degradation to Resilience.” The presentation examined changes in coastal ecosystems, including the trend of mangrove coverage in West Nusa Tenggara from 1993 to 2024, as well as challenges such as coastal erosion and other coastal hazards. The discussion highlighted the importance of integrated, participatory, and inclusive coastal management involving multiple stakeholders.
The session continued with Prof. Dr. Ir. Zainal Arifin, M.Sc., who presented “Role of IOC-Westpac SIRaD for Small Island Marine Ecosystem Protection and Development,”* highlighting the role of regional cooperation and scientific initiatives in supporting marine ecosystem protection and sustainable development in small island environments.
Muslim, S.T., M.Si. then presented “Marine Spatial Planning of Lombok Coastal Area for Sustainable Economy and Ecosystem Development,” discussing the role of marine spatial planning in supporting sustainable economic activities while maintaining the protection and sustainability of coastal ecosystems.
Strengthening Capacity Through Learning and Practice
By combining scientific presentations, collaborative planning, and hands-on field practice, the training provided participants with a learning experience that connected knowledge of coral reef ecosystems with practical restoration efforts.
The program highlighted that effective ecosystem restoration requires not only scientific knowledge and technical skills, but also collaboration, long-term monitoring, and continuous capacity building.
The two-day training was part of the International Training and Seminar organized by MTCRC and its partners from September 15–17, 2026, followed by the International Seminar on Sustainable Marine Ecosystem Development through Science, Policy, and International Collaboration to Enhance Blue Food Security on September 17.
Through the program, MTCRC and its partners contributed to knowledge exchange, capacity building, and collaboration to support sustainable marine ecosystem development in Indonesia and across the ASEAN region.
Advancing Marine Monitoring, Bioindustry, and Future Ocean Industries
The second session, moderated by Dr. Ir. Yulianto Suteja, S.Kel., M.Si., expanded the discussion toward marine environmental monitoring, marine bioindustry, and future ocean-based industries.
Ivonne M. Radjawane, Ph.D. from ITB introduced participants to “Introduction to Basic and Advanced Marine Environment Monitoring Technology,” highlighting the role of marine monitoring technologies in understanding environmental conditions and supporting research and decision-making.
Dr. Wahyu Purbiantoro from BRIN presented “Development of Marine Bioindustry Products for Blue Food Security,” exploring the potential of marine bioindustry innovation and the sustainable utilization of marine biological resources to support blue food security.
The seminar concluded with a presentation by Dr. Heung-Sik Park, “Tropical Ocean and the Environments: Transitioning to Future Industries,” which explored tropical ocean environments and opportunities for future industries connected to marine resources and sustainable ocean development.
Building Collaboration for Sustainable Oceans
Across the sessions, the seminar highlighted the interconnected roles of scientific research, environmental management, policy, technology, and sustainable economic activities in supporting healthy and productive marine ecosystems.
The discussions also emphasized the importance of connecting scientific knowledge with policy and practical implementation, while ensuring that the development of marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, is accompanied by responsible environmental management.
By bringing together more than 100 participants from different countries and sectors, the seminar provided a platform for knowledge exchange and strengthened networks for future collaboration in marine science, technology, policy, and sustainable development.
The seminar also took place during MTCRC’s 8th anniversary period, marking another milestone in the Center’s continued efforts to strengthen Korea–Indonesia cooperation in marine science and technology.
Through the International Seminar, MTCRC and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration that connects science, policy, and practical action toward sustainable marine ecosystems and blue food security for present and future generations.
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