In a significant advancement for marine science, Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has teamed up with OceanX to embark on a deep-sea expedition exploring the seamount chain in northern Sulawesi. This area is among the least researched maritime regions in the Indo-Pacific, and the expedition aims to enhance Indonesia’s capabilities in marine research, which is increasingly essential in the context of global competition.
BRIN Head Arif Satria emphasized the importance of Indonesia’s role as an archipelagic nation and a biodiversity hotspot, asserting that the country should lead in marine science initiatives within the region. The expedition not only seeks to expand scientific knowledge but also to build national capacity to autonomously map and manage deep-sea environments. Satria highlighted that developing strong maritime research capabilities is crucial for Indonesia to tap into its blue economy potential effectively.
The expedition kicked off on December 2, with the OceanXplorer research vessel departing from Bitung Port in North Sulawesi. It is set to run until December 22 and involves a collaboration between 17 Indonesian researchers, a member from the Indonesian Navy’s Hydro-Oceanography Center, and officials from the Ministry of Defense.
The initial phase focuses on geological and hydrothermal studies through high-resolution mapping, visual surveys, and seabed profiling. This approach will enhance understanding of the volcanic and tectonic characteristics of the region. To facilitate this research, BRIN and OceanX will employ various specialized tools, including remotely operated vehicles and submarines, aiming to study biodiversity and ecological dynamics throughout the seamount chain.
This expedition is expected to yield valuable datasets, including bathymetric information, biodiversity samples, and environmental DNA, along with AI-annotated imagery. The findings will contribute to marine spatial planning, geological risk assessments, and baseline biodiversity studies in northern Sulawesi.
In summary, this collaborative endeavor marks an important step for Indonesia in enhancing its marine research capabilities while contributing to the global understanding of marine environments. With a focus on seamounts—known for their role in shaping underwater currents and hosting diverse species—the expedition aims to uncover previously unexplored aspects of Indonesia’s underwater ecosystems, paving the way for future research and conservation efforts.
