Indonesia, China Enhance Marine Research Cooperation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and China expand scientific cooperation through their eighth joint research meeting in Jakarta, Wednesday, August 19, 2026. In a press release, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) wrote that the marine research received such priority amid climate change and ecosystem degradation challenges.

The head of BRIN's Earth and Maritime Research Organization, Luki Subehi, affirmed that the sea has a strategic position in the relations between Indonesia and China. He said both countries share interests and visions as maritime nations.

“The ocean not only separates the two countries, but also connects them,” he said. The partnership includes a joint marine science laboratory with China’s Academy of Sciences.

The facility supports marine ecosystem protection, blue economy development, and stronger ocean governance. He said researchers could deepen practical cooperation across several marine research fields.

Chinese Vice Minister of Science and Technology, Long Teng, described the partnership as longstanding. He said cooperation has involved universities, research institutions, and researchers for over a decade.

He further said climate and ocean challenges require stronger cross-border scientific approaches. The partnership is then expected to move beyond individual researchers toward integrated scientific cooperation.

Potential research areas include ocean climate, biogeochemistry, geoscience, expeditions, instrumentation, and marine data management. Long said Indonesia’s location between two oceans creates an important natural laboratory.

BRIN also presented research infrastructure supporting collaboration with Chinese research institutions. The facilities include 17 laboratories covering marine genetics, biology, ecology, microbiology, and related research.