Kemenkomarves, BRIN, and Universitas Andalas Conduct OceanX URLT Program on Marine Science in Padang, Advancing SDG 14 and SDG 17

Padang, June 24, 2024 — As part of its contribution to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenkomarves) and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), in collaboration with Universitas Andalas through its Institute for Research and Community Service (LP2M), organized the OceanX University Research and Lecture Tours (URLT) with the theme “Biodiversity and Oceanography” at the Convention Hall, Limau Manis Campus.

The event is part of Indonesia’s broader collaboration with OceanX in marine exploration, covering key areas such as marine research and technology, public awareness, and capacity development.

The URLT OceanX event featured four main speakers: Dr. Mattie Rodrigue, Science Program Director of OceanX; Dr. Ofri Johan, M.Si from the Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Research Group at BRIN; Taufan Wiguna, M.T from the Research Center for Climate and Atmosphere at BRIN; and Dr. Elle Wibisono, Fishery Scientist from Konservasi Indonesia. The speakers presented recent findings and developments in deep-sea exploration, marine biodiversity, and scientific approaches to understanding Indonesia’s marine ecosystems.

This activity is part of the larger “Indonesia Mission 2024,” a marine exploration initiative involving collaboration between the Indonesian government and OceanX. As part of the series, an Open Ship event was held on June 23, 2024, at Teluk Bayur Port, coinciding with the docking of the OceanX research vessel. The Open Ship activity provided academics and the public with the opportunity to explore advanced marine research technologies used in the expedition.

Acting Secretary of the Deputy for Maritime Resources Coordination at Kemenkomarves, Aniza Suspita, S.Pi., M.Fsc., stated that collaboration with OceanX serves as a key catalyst in optimizing Indonesia’s marine potential. She emphasized that the partnership extends beyond research to include strengthening education and enhancing human resource capacity in the maritime sector.

The joint Indonesia–OceanX expedition focuses on five key research areas: marine biodiversity, carbon potential, fish stock assessment, seismic mapping, and innovation of marine-based products. The outcomes of this research are expected to contribute significantly to the sustainable management of Indonesia’s marine resources.

Vice Rector IV of Universitas Andalas, Henmaidi, Ph.D., expressed hope that the event would further encourage the development of marine research within the university. He also highlighted that discussions and knowledge exchange through the URLT OceanX program could open new collaboration opportunities and strengthen Universitas Andalas’ role in advancing marine science for societal benefit.