Delegation Led by Deputy Director General WEI Zexun Visits Indonesia

From March 13 to 15, 2024, FIO delegation led by WEI Zexun, Deputy Director General of the First Institute of Oceanography (FIO), visited the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia and Jenderal Soedirman University. The delegation had in-depth discussions on the establishment and operation of the Indonesia-China Center for Ocean and Climate, joint research projects and the implementation of joint cruises and signed relevant cooperative agreements with Indonesian partners.

The National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), formed in 2021 after restructuring, stands as the main part of national research agencies of Indonesia. The Research Organization for Earth Sciences and Maritime (ROESM) is an important state-level research institute for marine science affiliated to BRIN. In 2023, FIO and ROESM signed an agreement on scientific and technological cooperation, reaching cooperative consensus on multiple fields including ocean observation and prediction, marine geology and ecological protection and restoration. In addition, the two sides will jointly operate the Indonesia-China Center for Ocean and Climate (hereinafter referred to as “the Indonesia-China Center”).

Prof. Ocky K. Radjasa, Chairman of ROESM delivered a warm welcome to FIO delegation led by Deputy Director General WEI Zexun and expressed expectations in conducting comprehensive cooperation with FIO after signing cooperative agreements. Both sides had in-depth discussions on the establishment and operation of the Indonesia-China Center and approved joint research projects including the establishment of the ocean forecast and prediction system, the ecological smart observation system, the coral reef early warning system and the microplastic database. The two sides also discussed about the preparations for the technical training course on ocean observation, several community activities and the 8th China-Southeast Asian Countries Marine Cooperation Forum to be held this year.  

Jenderal Soedirman University (UNSOED), established in September 1963, stands as a top-ranked comprehensive university in Indonesia. It boasts strong scientific research strength in the research of upwelling ocean dynamics processes, coral reef monitoring and restoration, and marine biodiversity research with its affiliated Institute of Research and Community Services and Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science. FIO signed a cooperation agreement with UNSOED in 2023, and reached consensus on cooperation in the construction of marine observation stations, cooperative research and capacity building.

Prof. Akhmad Sodiq, Rector of UNSOED, expressed a warm welcome to and held a bilateral meeting with FIO delegation led by Deputy Director General WEI Zexun. Vice Rector of UNSOED, Director of Institute of Research and Community Services and Head of Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science attended the meeting. Through discussions and reports, FIO delegation and representatives of UNSOED reached consensus on cooperation in various aspects, such as community activities, cooperative research, the establishment of observation system, joint scientific research, etc., and signed an agreement on the implementation of the “MarExplore” project, which will carry out cooperative research and capacity building in various aspects including ocean observation, ocean technology and ocean application. The two sides will carry out the first joint cruise this year. Meanwhile, FIO welcome UNSOED to engage in the joint establishment of the Indonesia-China Center, and UNSOED expressed its willingness to join in the the Indonesia-China Center and carry out collaborations under the framework of this platform. At the end of this year, FIO, BRIN and UNSOED will jointly host the 8th China-Southeast Asian Countries Marine Cooperation Forum in Indonesia.  

FIO has conducted cooperation in marine science and technology with Indonesia since 2006. In 2010, the Indonesia-China Center for Ocean and Climate was established. With this cooperative platform, FIO and Indonesia partners have carried out a series of cooperative projects and jointly organized eight workshops and training courses. This visit was essential to promoting the joint establishment of Indonesia-China Center, conducting cooperative measures and preparing relevant activities and stood out as a concrete measure for facilitating China-Indonesia marine cooperation. FIO will continue to strengthen and deepen China-Indonesia cooperation and communication on marine science and technology, contributing to the blue partnership between China and ASEAN.

 

FIO delegation visits the Research Organization for Earth Sciences and Maritime

FIO delegation visits Jenderal Soedirman University

WEI Zexun, Deputy Director General of FIO and Akhmad Sodiq, Rector of UNSOED sign an agreement on “MarExplore” Project