Indonesia, Hiroshima University Expand Maritime Research Partnership

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and Japan's Hiroshima University are moving to deepen cooperation in maritime and coastal research, with both institutions seeking to expand joint projects, researcher exchanges, and technological innovation initiatives.

The collaboration is expected to strengthen research quality, broaden international scientific networks, and support the development of practical solutions for maritime and coastal challenges.

Head of BRIN's Research Center for Hydrodynamics Technology (PRTH), Teguh Muttaqie, welcomed the opportunity to enhance cooperation with Hiroshima University.

He said an existing memorandum of understanding between the two institutions provides a strong foundation for more concrete programs.

"We are very pleased that Hiroshima University and BRIN already have an MoU as the basis for cooperation,"Teguh said during a meeting on June 9, 2026, as quoted on BRIN official website.

"We hope this collaboration can be realized through various research activities that benefit both parties," he added.

According to Teguh, PRTH's expertise in hydrodynamics, maritime technology, coastal engineering, and coastal zone management offers significant opportunities for joint research with international partners.

He added that funding schemes from Indonesia's LPDP scholarship fund, as well as international and postdoctoral research programs, could help support future collaboration.

"We hope this partnership can begin with measurable activities such as joint research, researcher exchanges, and scientific publications before expanding into broader cooperation," he said.

During the meeting, PRTH engineer Erwandi presented several ongoing research programs, including studies on hydrodynamics and coastal infrastructure.

He emphasized that opportunities for collaboration range from consultancy and engineering design to technology development and applied research.

"International collaboration is essential to strengthen research quality and accelerate the development of technological solutions that can address challenges in the maritime and coastal sectors," Erwandi said.

Representing Hiroshima University, Hidemi Mutusuda introduced the university's research capabilities, highlighting its eight research laboratories specializing in marine, maritime, and shipbuilding technologies.

"We have eight laboratories with strong expertise in marine, maritime, and shipbuilding research. We hope to develop closer collaboration with BRIN through various joint research activities," Mutusuda said.

Hiroshima University also offered a range of academic cooperation opportunities, including scholarships, researcher exchange programs, and visiting research schemes for Indonesian scientists.

Mutusuda noted that several available funding programs could further support international research partnerships.

"We have many opportunities to build strong cooperation, including opportunities for researchers to conduct visiting research in Japan and participate in joint research projects," he added.

Following the meeting, BRIN and Hiroshima University agreed to explore more concrete areas of collaboration, including researcher exchanges, joint studies, scientific publications, and strategic maritime and coastal research projects.

Both institutions also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening international partnerships to support sustainable scientific and technological development. ***