Press Release

Yogyakarta, 24 July 2023 — Korea-Indonesia MTCRC has again expanded cooperation with Indonesian educational institutions related to academic and scientific programs in the field of marine science and technology.

This time, the cooperation was carried out with Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) which was realized through the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday, July 24, 2023 at the Central Building, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Yogyakarta by Ignatius Susatyo Wijoyo, M.M.as Vice Rector for Research, Business Development and Cooperation as a representative of the UGM Rector with MTCRC Director, Dr. PARK Hansan and Ivonne M. Radjawane, Ph.D. The signing of the MoU was also attended by several representatives from UGM, namely Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, S.Si., M.Sc. Dean of the Faculty of Geography, Subejo, S.P., M.Sc, Ph.D, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and also representatives of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, namely, Firman Trisasongko, Senior Policy Analyst at the Deputy for Maritime Resources.

Korea-Indonesia Marine Technology Cooperation Research Center (MTCRC) is an Intergovernmental Joint Research Center in the field of Marine Science and Technology between Korea and Indonesia based on Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Implementing Arrangement (IA) between the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF), Republic of Korea and the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenko Marves) of the Republic of Indonesia, was established on September 14, 2018 at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) Campus in Cirebon and is operated by Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) and ITB. MTCRC has the main functions including cooperation platform, joint research, and capacity building to strengthen and promote practical cooperation in marine science and technology between the two countries.

Starting the activity, Dean of the Faculty of Geography UGM Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, S.Si., M.Sc. said that previously UGM had held several meetings with MTCRC, so that a common ground and desire to work together were found in the development of marine science, especially in the perspective of remote sensing. Through the signing of the MoU today, he hopes that UGM together with MTCRC can utilize the potential of geospatial exploration, remote sensing, blue carbon, marine science and fisheries to open up broad maritime opportunities in Yogyakarta.

Korean Director MTCRC, Dr. PARK Hansan in his speech said that Universitas Gadjah Mada is one of the best universities in Indonesia. "In this MoU between MTCRC and UGM, we focus on the fields of geospatial, remote sensing, blue carbon, marine science and fisheries. Through this MoU we are committed to working together by involving stakeholders, local communities, and academics to build a maritime future for Yogyakarta. "said Dr. PARK.IvonneM. Radjawane, Ph.D. as Indonesian Director MTCRC added that the signing of the MoU marks a significant step in the UGM-MTCRC collaboration and partnership aimed at building mutual understanding and knowledge exchange. Understanding the role of marine ecosystems in mitigating climate change is crucial, and with this collaboration, UGM and MTCRC can take meaningful action for environmental sustainability.

Through his speech, Vice Rector for Research, Business Development and Cooperation Mr. Ignatius Susatyo Wijoyo, M.M. said that the signing of the MoU by both parties was carried out at the right time in the era of global change and will open the way for the development of sustainable science. "The research and publications that we will conduct in mapping blue carbon ecosystems and mapping coastal biodiversity are highly commendable because they are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals /Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This collaborative effort has enormous potential to contribute to the SDGs related to climate action, life below water, life on land, iklim, and more.” added Bapak Ignatius.