Members of the Indonesian Oceans Caucus visited the research vessel OceanXplorer at Tanjung Priok Port. The OceanXplorer, owned by the U.S.-based non-profit organization OceanX, is globally recognized as the most advanced vessel for exploration, scientific research, and media production.
The tour was attended by Hon. Bobby Rizaldi, Hon. Christina Aryani, Hon. Dave Laksono, Hon. Putu Supadma Rudana, Hon. Gilang Dhiela Fararez, and marine expert Prof. Rokhmin Dahuri.
Hon. Bobby Rizaldi, Co-Chair of the Ocean Caucus and DPR RI Commission I member, expressed his enthusiasm for the OceanX tour, which is set to complete a six-phase mission from Sambu Island in Banda Aceh to Labuan Bajo-Bitung.
"OceanX can assist the Indonesian government in disaster mitigation, such as installing tsunami sensors and conducting research on megathrust discoveries. Since the 2004 Aceh tsunami disaster, Indonesia's marine knowledge has advanced significantly. We hope the government will soon realize its plan to purchase two ships similar to OceanX for 89 million Euros through a foreign loan scheme led by the Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)," Hon. Bobby stated.
Currently docked at Tanjung Priok Port after completing the third phase of its Indonesian ocean exploration mission, which covered the Padang-Jakarta waters, the OceanXplorer is designed for multidisciplinary research missions and can accommodate up to 72 people, including crew, scientists, and media teams. The vessel is equipped with two helicopters, four submersibles, three Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and advanced research and science laboratories.
Vincent Pieribone, Co-CEO and Chief Science Officer of OceanX, explained that the ship was initially used for oil and petrochemical surveys before being completely renovated for ocean exploration.
"OceanXplorer plays a crucial role in supporting OceanX's mission to explore the oceans and share its research findings through scientific research, media production, technological innovation, and educational efforts," Pieribone stated.
Marine expert Prof. Rokhmin Dahuri highlighted that the OceanX Research Vessel is the most advanced in its ability to assist marine researchers in studying various physical, chemical, biological, geological, and other marine variables.
The OceanXplorer is currently involved in the Indonesia Mission 2024, which includes 39 national researchers using the ship's research facilities. This mission is a cross-agency collaboration involving various ministries and research institutions, including the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, BRIN, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Ministry of Defense, as well as universities and organizations.
With support from OceanX, Indonesia aims to enhance marine research and protect its marine ecosystems for global benefit. This collaboration is expected to provide new insights into the wealth and challenges faced by Indonesia's seas and support the government's efforts to conserve valuable marine natural resources.
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