RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia inaugurated the Ocean Institute of Indonesia to strengthen maritime human resources on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. The inauguration took place in Jakarta during the Ocean Institute of Indonesia launching ceremony.

The Ocean Institute of Indonesia represents a strengthened institutional identity by integrating 11 vocational higher education institutions under Indonesia's Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP). The initiative also promotes stronger collaboration in marine and fisheries higher education.

Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, said Indonesia's ambition to become a global maritime axis depends on the quality of its human resources. He stressed that science, research, and innovation are essential to managing the country's vast marine potential.

He also said the Ocean Institute of Indonesia is expected to become a hub for maritime talent, research, and innovation. He believes science and technology will unlock Indonesia's vast marine potential.

"The Ocean Institute of Indonesia is expected to become a center for producing human resources, research, and innovation in Indonesia's maritime sector. The ocean is a treasure that must be unlocked by people with knowledge. The Ocean Institute of Indonesia will become one of the backbones for generating innovations and major achievements in the maritime field," Brian said.

Brian also expressed hope that the institute would establish centers of excellence focusing on priority fields. He said the initiative could produce marine innovations and technology-based startups.

"We hope centers of excellence can be established in several locations, focusing on priority fields, producing marine innovations, and even creating new startups that will make this sector one of Indonesia's major industries," he added.

Meanwhile, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, said the institutional transformation requires partnerships with leading universities. He said cooperation with reputable universities would strengthen vocational education and academic capacity.

The inauguration also marked cooperation agreements between the Ocean Institute of Indonesia and 17 strategic partners. They include universities, defense institutions, businesses, and industries supporting education, applied research, technology development, and maritime human resource capacity.