PELAKITA.ID – The recent sale of Indonesia’s research vessel, previously operated by the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT), highlights the country’s ongoing challenges in advancing marine research and exploration.
This, raises concerns about Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening its maritime research capabilities, which are crucial for sustainable marine resource management and scientific discovery.
Marine challenges
Indonesia faces significant challenges in advancing marine research due to environmental, technological, economic, and governance-related constraints.
A major hurdle is the lack of sufficient funding and infrastructure, as research in this field demands substantial investment in vessels, equipment, and field studies.
However, financial support remains largely dependent on government or donor funding.
Many research institutions also lack access to advanced laboratories, deep-sea exploration tools, and satellite monitoring systems, which are crucial for studying marine ecosystems and oceanography.
Fragmented data and restricted access to information further complicate research efforts. Marine biodiversity, fisheries, ocean currents, and climate change data are often scattered across various institutions, hindering coordination and comprehensive analysis.
Moreover, the remoteness of many Indonesian islands makes field research and data collection more challenging.
Environmental and climate issues exacerbate these difficulties. Rising sea levels and ocean acidification threaten marine biodiversity and coastal communities, while research on mitigation and adaptation strategies remains insufficient.
Marine pollution, particularly from plastic waste and industrial contaminants, continues to harm ecosystems, with research on waste management solutions still in its infancy. Coral reef degradation, driven by increasing sea temperatures and destructive fishing practices, further stresses the marine environment.
Overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing also pose significant concerns. Despite government regulations, these practices persist, depleting fish stocks and disturbing marine ecosystems.
The absence of comprehensive scientific data complicates the development of sustainable aquaculture and fisheries management policies.
Weak policy implementation and coordination hinder effective governance. Although Indonesia has established maritime policies, enforcement is often inadequate due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and poor inter-agency coordination.
Additionally, gaps between researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders prevent the practical application of research findings.
The shortage of skilled professionals in marine sciences is another critical challenge.
More experts in marine biology, oceanography, and maritime engineering are needed to advance research and technological innovation. However, limited research facilities and funding drive many Indonesian researchers to seek opportunities abroad, contributing to a brain drain that weakens national capabilities.
Technological limitations further restrict research progress. The underutilization of artificial intelligence, drones, and satellite monitoring reduces efficiency, while deep-sea exploration remains largely uncharted due to the high costs of submersibles and specialized research vessels.
Socioeconomic and cultural barriers add another layer of complexity. Some research initiatives face resistance from local communities due to limited awareness or conflicts over resource use.
Many coastal populations depend on traditional fishing and resource extraction for their livelihoods, which can sometimes clash with conservation and sustainability efforts.
To address these challenges, Indonesia must prioritize investment in research infrastructure, improve data integration, and strengthen policy enforcement.
Enhancing collaboration between institutions and adopting advanced technologies will be essential in advancing marine and maritime research.
Overcoming these obstacles will help Indonesia achieve its vision of becoming a global maritime power while ensuring the sustainable management of its marine resources.
