KIOTEC Scholarship Recipients Present Research Findings Supporting the SDGs

Jakarta, 30 July 2025 — The Korea–Indonesia Ocean Technology Capacity Enhancement Actions (KIOTEC-CEA) project, part of an endorsed Decade Action under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), continues to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening Indonesia's marine human resources through the organization of the Master's Thesis Awardee Seminar. Managed by the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) through the Korea–Indonesia MTCRC, the project aims to enhance the technical and academic capabilities of the younger generation through training programs, collaborative research, young researcher exchanges (ECOPs), and the provision of master's scholarships in marine-related fields. 40 scholarship recipients are currently pursuing their studies at six partner universities: ITB, UNDIP, UNHAS, UGM, UNPATTI, and IPB.

This seminar serves as an important platform for students to present the progress and findings of their thesis research in the presence of an expert panelist. A total of 12 selected students from various universities presented innovative topics covering areas such as coastal ecology, fisheries technology, and applied oceanography.

The event also featured panelists from academia, national partners such as BRIN and various universities, as well as international guests from Pukyong National University (PKNU), South Korea. The panelists evaluated awardee’s presentations based on the quality of content, methodological accuracy, and the relevance of the research to global marine challenges.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Park Hansan, Director of MTCRC and ODA Project Manager, emphasized the importance of sustained international collaboration in building shared scientific capacity: 

“This event reflects our commitment to sustained international collaboration and capacity development, supporting Indonesian master’s students while aligning with global sustainability frameworks under the UN Ocean Decade Actions.” said Dr. Park.

Mr. Alan F. Koropitan representing Dr. I Nyoman Radiarta, Head of BPPSDMKP at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, also expressed his appreciation to the Korean Government for this initiative.

“We sincerely thank the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea, KIOST, and MTCRC for their continued support, which makes the KIOTEC Scholarship a symbol of trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to sustainable marine and fisheries development.” said Mr. Alan.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mawardi, representing Mr. Dandy Satrya Iswara, Deputy for Maritime Resources Coordination at the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs, expressed appreciation to Korean Government and highlighted the crucial role of research in policy-making:

“This scholarship reflects our shared commitment to tackling ocean challenges and developing future leaders. I hope that they will drive meaningful change in sustainable marine resource management.” said Mr. Mawardi.

“This event reflects our commitment to sustained international collaboration and capacity development, supporting Indonesian master’s students while aligning with global sustainability frameworks under the UN Ocean Decade Actions.” said Dr. Park.

Mr. Alan F. Koropitan representing Dr. I Nyoman Radiarta, Head of BPPSDMKP at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, also expressed his appreciation to the Korean Government for this initiative.

“We sincerely thank the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea, KIOST, and MTCRC for their continued support, which makes the KIOTEC Scholarship a symbol of trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to sustainable marine and fisheries development.” said Mr. Alan.

Through this event, KIOTEC and its strategic partners continue to strengthen scientific collaboration between Indonesia and South Korea, while contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting inclusive, productive, and resilient ocean management.