In terms of this collaboration, ITB received many tangible benefits in developing human resources to provide scholarships to 13 people in 2019 and 20 people in 2020 to continue the Master's Program at ITB.

In addition, several scholarships are intended for ITB lecturers to continue their Doctoral Program studies in South Korea. ITB sent a representative in this agreement, namely the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, Prof. Ir. I Gede Wenten M.Sc., Ph.D., at the Korea-Indonesia Ocean ODA Research Equipment Handover Ceremony at the Pullman Grand Century Hotel, Bandung, Thursday (3/6/2021).

This South Korea-Indonesia collaboration resulted in a new research center in ITB, namely the Marine Technology Cooperation Research Center (MTCRC) ITB at the Cirebon Campus, last August 2018.

In terms of the development of MTCRC facilities and operations in Cirebon, ITB received a grant in the form of procurement of ARA Survey Vessels for marine research and exploration activities equipped with Multibeam Echosounder, Single Beam Echosounder, Conductivity Temperature Depth, Grab Sampler, Tide Gauge, and Drone survey tools.

MTCRC is also involved in nationwide research, supporting the Indonesia Coral Reef Garden (ICRG) program in Bali. Also, The ARA Survey Ship, equipped with underwater detection equipment and operational experts, has participated in the evacuation process of SJ-182 aircraft that crashed in Kepulauan Seribu, Jakarta.

"Development of Marine Research and Technology through bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea needs to be improved. Also, it is hoped that it would promote several benefits, considering that Indonesia is a maritime country. The sea as the nation's future heritage has an important role in supporting national development and must be managed sustainably," said Prof. I Gede Wenten.

The Korea-Indonesia Ocean ODA Research Equipment Handover Ceremony was held in a hybrid model in Bandung and South Korea. The event contained remarks from Indonesian representatives (ITB, West Java Province, LBBP Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Republic of Korea, Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment) and Korean representatives (KIOST representatives, MTCRC representatives, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Indonesia) and representatives of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Korea). After the welcome ceremony, it was followed by a souvenir exchange session.

Reporter: Adi Permana (PR of ITB)
Translator: Billy Akbar Prabowo (Metallurgical Engineering 2020)