Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has partnered with the Korea-Indonesia Marine Technology Research and Cooperation Center.
The signing of the academic and research cooperation was conducted by the Vice-Rector for Research, Development, and Cooperation, Ignatius Susatyo Wijoyo, and the Director of MTCRC, Dr. Park Hansan, along with Dr. Ivonne Milichristi Radjawane.
The Dean of the Faculty of Geography, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, and the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. Jaka Widada, witnessed the event.
The two institutions agreed to explore cooperation in geospatial information, remote sensing, coastal management, blue carbon, and marine and fisheries sciences.
They also agreed to engage in joint activities, including staff/faculty, researcher, student exchanges, collaborative research and field surveys, joint conferences, seminars, courses, lectures, symposiums, and capacity-building programs, including scholarships and training.
Vice-Rector for Research, Development, and Cooperation, Ignatius Susatyo Wijoyo, welcomed this collaboration. He believes that this partnership will enhance scientific knowledge and unlock the potential of both institutions.
The synergy between UGM and MTCRC in education, research, and innovation is expected to impact development positively. UGM has long-standing research experience, and with MTCRC, they will conduct joint research on marine resources such as offshore coal potential and other aquatic resources.
“Together, we can research and publish studies on blue carbon, mapping, biodiversity, and others, particularly in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This cooperation can potentially contribute significantly to the SDGs,” said the vice-rector on Monday (25/7).
Dr. Park expressed his admiration for Yogyakarta, which is rich in resources. It has access to the Indian Ocean, which holds potential for research, exploration, and support for sustainable development.
He also acknowledged that UGM consistently ranks among the top three universities in Indonesia and has a large population of educators and researchers, fostering innovation.
“I am very grateful for this collaboration. We can do anything, workshops on blue carbon, geospatial and remote sensing technology, or others that hopefully can contribute to achieving the SDGs,” he added.
Dr. Hadmoko further explained that his faculty focuses on research on blue carbon and marine issues. Indonesia has a vast territory, with 30% land and 70% rivers and seas.
However, there is still a lack of robust data and a system to provide information regarding blue carbon stock in the ocean. Fortunately, the idea of this collaboration emerged with a focus on marine issues.
He offered a joint study on marine issues from the perspective of remote sensing technology, which the Faculty of Geography possesses. The Master’s program in Coastal and River Basin Management can also play a part in this cooperation.
“We hope this collaboration with MTCRC can help address maritime issues, particularly blue carbon. I believe this is just the beginning of the cooperation between UGM and MTCRC,” he added.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Photographer: Firsto