The Indonesian seas are rich in biodiversity and marine resources. They are home to megabiodiversity with 8.500 marine species. Indonesia's waters also hold a sustainable catch potential of 12,01 million tons per year and marine aquaculture production exceeding 50 million tons. The waters also have a 188 million tCO2eq potential for blue carbon and renewable energy.

Furthermore, 45% of global trade logistics pass through Indonesian waters. Additionally, a network of 115,000 kilometers (Km) of undersea cables supports national and global digitization operations.

With its archipelago consisting of 17.504 islands and 108,000 Km of coastline, Indonesia covers a water area of 6,4 million square kilometers. Moreover, 60% of Indonesia's population are coastal communities living along major shipping routes.

Recognizing the vast maritime resources of the Indonesian waters, the government continues exploring the underwater and coastal areas across the Indonesian territory. So far, only 19% of Indonesia's marine potential has been mapped.

To this end, the government seeks the best technology by partnering with world-class practitioners to explore Indonesia’s marine potential. Through the 2024 Indonesia Mission sea expedition, the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenkomarves) and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) of Indonesia are collaborating with OceanX, a global nonprofit organization in marine exploration.

This mission is part of a multiyear commitment to scientific exploration and research in Southeast Asian waters, aiming to expand global understanding of the ocean regions with high biodiversity and threats. This partnership has been in place since late 2022.

The OceanX, BRIN, and Kemenkomarves teams have been exploring Indonesian waters aboard the OceanXplorer vessel from May 8 to Aug. 24. Currently, they are in the second phase of the five-phase expedition. The ship docked at Bayur Bay Port, Padang, West Sumatra, on Sunday (Jun. 23), before continuing to Jakarta. From Jakarta, the expedition will proceed to Bali, then Labuan Bajo, and end in Bitung, North Sulawesi.

This vessel is one of the most advanced in the world. What makes this vessel so sophisticated? The OceanXplorer ship has three laboratories, one wet lab and two dry labs, and a control room serving as the ship's central nervous system. It also includes deep-sea vehicles: two submarines and the Argus remotely operated vehicle (ROV). This deep-sea specialist robot has a high-definition 360-degree VR camera and lighting system to capture rarely seen creatures in stunning visual quality.

Oscar-winning director James Cameron created the lighting design and camera quality of the submarines and ROV. He is behind the success of films like Titanic, the Avatar series, Ghosts of the Abyss, and Expedition: Bismarck. These films heavily feature water elements and underwater cameras.

The two Triton submarines, named Neptune and Nadir, are equipped with a range of scientific and media equipment. Neptune is configured to maximize scientific output with retractable trays for mounting scientific devices. Nadir also functions as a mobile sea studio, broadcasting its discoveries to the surface in real time.

The submarines, which can carry two passengers and a pilot, provide scientists with critical capabilities for observing ocean depths and collecting data on marine ecosystems and species.

OceanX Science Program Director Mattie Rodrigue explained that the OceanXplorer vessel is OceanX’s advanced research ship used for marine research. So far, they have mapped 15.000 m² of new data. This achievement is possible due to the highly advanced technology onboard the OceanXplorer.

"Using submersibles, we managed to dive to a depth of 4.800 meters and discovered deep-sea coral reefs," Rodrigue said.

Expedition Results

Throughout the five phases of the 2024 Indonesia Mission, the OceanX, BRIN, and Kemenkomarves utilize next-generation technology, science, and engaging storytelling to connect the world with the ocean.

The first phase of the expedition involved mapping more than 7.500 square kilometers of the Indonesian seabed. Activities included submarine dives for Indonesian scientists, ROV surveys, deep-sea coral observations, and the discovery of hydrothermal and thermogenic seeps on the seabed. Surveys were also conducted at the site of the 2004 tsunami.

The second phase of the 2024 Indonesia Mission continues oceanographic and geophysical research from the first phase while adding a crucial focus on biodiversity. This phase specifically focuses on fisheries management in the West Sumatra area. Various methods and technologies are utilized to understand fish species characteristics, megafauna, coral reef ecosystems, and deep-sea environments, aiming to study marine ecosystems and biodiversity in these waters. During megafauna aerial surveys, OceanX discovered hundreds of dolphins, Omura's whales, oceanic manta rays, and reef shark habitats.

Acquiring a New Research Vessel

This collaboration has prompted the government to acquire a new research vessel. Aniza Suspita, Secretary of the Deputy for Coordination of Maritime Resources at Kemenkomarves, explained that the arrival of this vessel is not just for research missions but also education, media, and capacity building for human resources in Indonesia. BRIN members, students, researchers, and other parties can utilize the experience and research results from OceanXplorer.

Meanwhile, Nugroho Dwi Hananto, Director of Research Vessel Fleet Management at BRIN, acknowledged that this collaboration is vital to provide Indonesian researchers with experience using advanced equipment. BRIN manages five research vessels, but these ships are between 24 and 40 years old. The research equipment onboard has gradually aged, and some are no longer functional.

To address this situation, BRIN is in the process of purchasing a new ocean-exploring research vessel with capacities and facilities equivalent to OceanX and a coastal research vessel for conducting research in coastal areas, river mouths, and continental shelves.

Writer: Kristantyo Wisnubroto

Editors: Ratna Nuraini / Elvira Inda Sari/Erik Limantara

Translator: Ratna Puspa Merdika