Indonesia Seeks Stronger Maritime Education Cooperation with South Korea
- 15 Sep 2026 02:35 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Poin Utama
- DPD RI Chairman Sultan Baktiar Najamudin called for deeper Indonesia–South Korea cooperation in maritime education.
- KMO University President Ryoo Dong Keun offered fully funded scholarships and internships for Indonesian students.
- Sultan Najamudin encouraged the establishment of specialized ocean-focused universities in Indonesia.
RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is looking to deepen cooperation with South Korea in maritime education as the country seeks to develop a larger pool of skilled professionals to support its growing blue economy and maritime industries.
Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) Speaker Sultan Baktiar Najamudin said Indonesia's vast maritime potential requires stronger educational institutions and more qualified human resources in the maritime and ocean sectors.
Speaking during a meeting with the president of Ryoo Dong Keun, head of Korea Maritime and Ocean (KMO) University, on Monday, September 14, 2026, Sultan said Indonesia must strengthen its capacity to produce maritime experts to support future economic growth.
"As an archipelagic nation, Indonesia needs a large number of highly skilled human resources in maritime and ocean affairs," he said in a statement, on Monday, as quoted by Antara.
Sultan noted that Indonesia possesses significant blue economy potential, ranging from fisheries and salt production to carbon storage opportunities, making investment in maritime education increasingly important.
"Indonesia's oceans are rich in natural resources, including fisheries, salt industries, and carbon storage potential," he added.
To help meet those needs, Sultan encouraged the government and relevant institutions to develop specialized maritime and ocean-focused higher education institutions similar to KMO University.
While Indonesia already has several maritime academies and shipping colleges, he said the country needs more comprehensive and internationally competitive institutions dedicated to maritime and ocean sciences.
He also called on local administrations to support young Indonesians pursuing education in maritime-related fields, including at internationally recognized institutions such as KMO University.
"Preparing highly skilled human resources in maritime and ocean affairs is both important and urgent to support the government's priorities, particularly in advancing the fisheries, shipping, and maritime security sectors," Sultan emphasized.
During the meeting, Sultan, who is also a KMO University alumnus, welcomed the South Korean delegation and emphasized the importance of learning from institutions with expertise in maritime and ocean studies.
"As a KMO alumnus, I welcome you to the DPD RI. Indonesia has a strong interest in learning from and collaborating with specialized maritime and ocean institutions such as KMO University," he said.
Meanwhile, KMO University President Ryoo Dong Keun said the institution is offering Indonesian students opportunities to pursue higher education at the university through fully funded programs.
"We also provide internship opportunities for Indonesian talent to develop their skills and gain work experience in the shipping sector through various Korean shipping companies," Ryoo noted.
According to him, Indonesia has a large workforce potential, but relatively few young people choose careers in the maritime and ocean sectors. Ryoo added that KMO University is open to establishing partnerships with Indonesian universities to strengthen academic development and research in maritime and ocean studies.
"We need the support of the DPD chairman in encouraging the Indonesian government to place greater focus on the future of the blue economy. KMO University would be pleased to work with Indonesia in preparing high-quality human resources for both Indonesia and Korea," he concluded. ***
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