OceanX Concludes Groundbreaking “Indonesia Mission 2024”

19 September 2024, Jakarta, Indonesia – OceanX, in collaboration with Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenkomarves) and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), has successfully concluded the first-of-its-kind mission in Indonesian waters, wrapping up all five legs on 25th August 2024 in Bitung, Sulawesi. The Indonesia Mission 2024 marks a significant milestone in marine exploration and research in Indonesian waters, contributing to both science and conservation efforts. 

The mission revolved around biodiversity research in support of Marine Protected Area designation, understanding the ecosystem’s climate and paleoclimate, microplastics and water quality testing, and mapping seafloor bathymytry such as Megathrust zones—which have significant implications for future earthquake and tsunami risks and mitigation. 

Co-CEO and Chief Science Officer of OceanX, Vincent Pieribone, underlined the importance of effective collaboration with Indonesian partners and scientists throughout the mission “We are thrilled to have completed our first research exploration in Indonesian waters. Our collaboration with Indonesian researchers has been a tremendous success, and we are excited about the long-term implications this data will have for science and conservation.” 

Deputy for Coordination of Maritime Resources, Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Firman Hidayat echoed Pieribone’s sentiments, and emphasized the broader significance of the mission, "This mission has contributed to the ministry’s commitment to fostering deep-sea research, which is integral not only to our understanding of Indonesia’s vast marine resources but also to our economic development and disaster mitigation efforts.  The findings from this mission will have far-reaching impacts on both the scientific community and Indonesia's economic development." 

Deputy for Development Policy at BRIN, Mego Pinandito highlighted the significance of this collaboration for Indonesian researchers, "This collaboration is an excellent opportunity to explore our waters by utilizing comprehensive cutting-edge technology to deepen the knowledge and expertise of our researchers in various marine disciplines, especially those related to the deep sea. This mission is an important milestone and a step forward in the development of marine science for the sustainable management and conservation of marine resources in Indonesia.” 

While mapping 2,833 sq km of seafloor during the final leg of the mission, researchers discovered five previously uncharted underwater mountains. These newly mapped seamounts will be named by Indonesian scientists and naval hydrographers. This discovery shows us how much more there is left to discover and understand about the Indonesia marine environment. 

Post-mission, the science continues. Data and samples gathered during the expedition will be analyzed by Indonesian scientists, with results shared through scientific publications, conferences, and outreach activities aimed at both the scientific community and the general public. This open-access approach ensures transparency and fosters continued collaboration between researchers and institutions. 

The mission, which began on 8th May in Batam (Kepulauan Riau), covered the waters around Batam, Aceh, Padang, and Jakarta during its first three legs. In the waters of Western Sumatra, OceanX spotted Omura whales and deep-sea corals, while preliminary findings also suggested habitat degradation and declining numbers of commercial fish—key insights for Indonesia’s Endangered, Threatened, Protected (ETP) for species distribution for whales and dolphins, as well as sustainable fisheries management plan. 

Beyond its scientific objectives, OceanX Education organized a series of educational programs, student tours, and lectures to local universities.  The Young Explorers Program, an OceanX program designed to provide students first-hand experience with ocean science, storytelling, and operations, included 19 Indonesian participants from universities such as the Universitas Indonesia, Institut Pertanian Bogor, and Universitas Gadjah Mada, as well as 11 students from the United States, Singapore, and the Philippines to engage directly with ocean science aboard a state-of-the-art research vessel, joining the OceanXplorer crews in two expeditions from Jakarta to Bali, and Bali to Bitung. 

Education tours took place in Jakarta and Bali aboard the OceanXplorer, reaching over 450 students and educators and were conducted in partnership with Tanoto Foundation. OceanX Education aims to inspire and cultivate leadership in ocean science by giving students and educators hands-on learning experiences in the field of marine research. 

University Lecture Tours in collaboration with the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and the Indonesian Ministry of Education were delivered at the University of Indonesia, Bandung Institute of Technology, Udayana University, and Sam Ratulangi University, reaching hundreds of students throughout July and August. 

Mission Indonesia 2024 proved a strong start for OceanX’s multi-year commitment to explore the seas of Southeast Asia, with upcoming expeditions planned for Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. This continuing effort will further advance scientific understanding of one of the most biodiverse oceanic regions in the world.