The Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST, Acting President Lee Hyi Seung) announced on November 22, 2023, that it held a kick-off meeting for the “In donesia Green Smart Integrated Ocean Fisheries Technology Training Center Construction and Capacity-Building Project” in the main conference room (4F) of the Indonesian Coordinating Ministry of Maritime and Investment Affairs (CMMAI).

This is a follow-up project developed to expand the exceptional results of the Cirebon ODA project^* carried out by the Korea-Indonesia Marine Technology Cooperation Research Center (MTCRC) to the whole of Indonesia. With the aim of enhancing Indonesia’s human resources capacity through the establishment of the Integrated Ocean Fisheries Technology Training Center, fostering master’s and doctoral-level marine experts, and providing on-site technical training, the project will be implemented from 2023 to 2028 with KIOST as the lead agency along with other participating institutions, including Pukyong National University (PKNU).

* Ocean and Coastal Basic Survey and Capacity Enhancement in Cirebon, Indonesia, 2019 ？ August 2023; Total project cost: KRW 5 billion; Lead agency: KIOST; Local implementing agency: MTCRC

The kick-off meeting was attended by a total of 35 officials from Indonesian government agencies and universities, including CMMAI Deputy Minister Mochammad Firman Hidayat and Dr. Hansan Park, director of MTCRC (on behalf of Korea). At the ceremony, Deputy Minister Firman emphasized the significance of this project for strengthening human resources in Indonesia, attributing Korea’s successful development to its excellent human resources. He also noted the importance of the MTCRC’s role for the successful implementation of the project and pledged the continued support of the CMMAI.

Established in September 2018 to promote marine science and technology cooperation between Korea and Indonesia and celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, the MTCRC develops and implements ODA projects with practical local applications, such as blue carbon, smart aquaculture, and marine satellites. It has been selected as an exemplary model of bilateral cooperation in the marine field by the Indonesian government (September 19, 2022).

Notably, the MTCRC participated in search-and-rescue activities during the Indonesian Sriwijaya Air Flight 182 accident in 2021 and conducted 21 marine surveys in Jakarta, Cirebon, Lombok, and Bali. Additionally, it plays a significant role in various fields, operating marine survey boats and 30 different types of equipment, such as 3D bathymetry equipment, heavy metal analyzers, and hyperspectral sensors.

In the field of human resource development, the MTCRC has fostered around 70 master’s-level professionals and conducted 22 technical training programs involving more than some 600 participants. As for ODA, it has identified and carried out projects such as the Ocean and Coastal Basic Survey and Capacity Enhancement in Cirebon, Indonesia, and the Establishment of an Application System for Managing Indonesian Waters Using Korean Geostationary Satellites.

KIOST plans to conduct a variety of training courses in the future, including the development of maritime-related capacity-building programs in Indonesia. These initiatives aim to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of the Integrated Ocean Fisheries Technology Training Center.