Global ocean exploration nonprofit sets sail in Indonesia on a first-of-its-kind Southeast Asian mission that combines science, education, and media to support the advancement of ocean science and marine education in the region, contributing to the battle against climate change.

BALI / JAKARTA, INDONESIA- Media OutReach Newswire - 15 May 2024 - Global ocean exploration nonprofit OceanX, together with the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment (CMMAI) and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) of Indonesia announced the official commencement of its landmark exploration mission "Indonesia Mission 2024," part of a multi-year commitment to explore the waters of the Southeast Asia region and further global understanding of one of the most biodiverse and threatened oceanic regions in the world. OceanX will embark on a series of research expeditions in Indonesia aboard OceanXplorer – the world's most advanced exploration, scientific research, and media production vessel. Before Indonesia, OceanX launched a multi-year focus on Southeast Asia in Singapore on 8^th March 2024, establishing the city-state as a central meeting point for regional operations. After its Indonesian mission, OceanX will continue its work with expeditions in Malaysia and other countries in the region in the latter half of 2024. Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Indonesia, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, articulated his fervour for the ground-breaking discoveries that would emerge from this historic marine expedition in partnership with OceanX. "This partnership has been started since late 2022, and the CMMAI and BRIN have signed agreements with OceanX to ensure this partnership is carried out in accordance with the prevailing laws and regulations. We hope the research under this mission will support social welfare through finding potential innovations in products and solutions for fields such as medicine or bio-technology, and most importantly the opportunity to study the potential of earthquakes and tsunamis for the safety of mankind," said Luhut. The missionbegan 8^thMay in Batam (Kepulauan Riau) and will continue through 25^th August2024, ending in Bitung (North Sulawesi).Throughout the five legs of the mission,OceanX, CMMAI, and BRIN will leverage next-gen technology, fearless science, compelling storytelling, and immersive experiences to educate, inspire, and connect the world with the ocean. "We're incredibly excited to launch our mission in Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago. These waters are a kaleidoscope of marine life, teeming with undiscovered wonders," said Vincent Pieribone, co-CEO and chief science officer of OceanX. "Indonesia's ocean plays a central role in the country's economy, geopolitics, culture, and natural environment. With that in mind, OceanX is committed to providing valuable insights into this vital resource. By collecting comprehensive data, we aim to empower informed decision-making – for sustainable fishery management, effective conservation strategies, and proactive mitigation efforts to safeguard against future natural disasters." This mission also involves other Ministries and Agencies, such as the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, the Navy Hydro-Oceanography Center (Pushidrosal), the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), and the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), as well as researchers from universities and organisations such as Konservasi Indonesia. The mission team will conduct scientific research, educational programming, and develop inspiring content that will promote understanding and care for the ocean, while developing national capacity. Research will encompass a wide range of crucial areas, including megathrust zone investigations to refine earthquake and tsunami models, fisheries research in Western Sumatra to enhance understanding and guide management decisions and exploration of potential biodiversity alongside assessments of human impact. OceanX Education will also launch several new on-ship experiences and educational programmes in partnership with Indonesian universities and nonprofits to develop and nurture the next generation of marine scientists, engineers, and storytellers. The mission's education components build on several previous collaborative programs, including a deep-sea exploration mission aboard OceanXplorer with 15 Indonesian young explorers travelling from the Azores to Malta and capacity-building events for 800 students from the University of Indonesia, the Bandung Institute of Technology, and the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology, both in September 2023. Indonesian researchers also joined OceanX's mission in the UAE in December 2023. The Ministry of Education of Indonesia supports this Mission to educate the Indonesian young generation about the ocean and...