Expedition for marine research launched

Expedition for marine research launched

JAKARTA (JP): The Baruna Jaya 1 vessel set sail from the
Tanjung Priok here yesterday to mark the start of a month-long
expedition to study the climatic changes and natural marine
resources in eastern Indonesia.

Some 26 scientists from Australia, Indonesia and other
Southeast Asian countries are taking part in the expedition
aboard the 700-ton vessel equipped with a modern oceanographic
laboratory.

The Rp 200 million (US$95,000) research project is being
jointly sponsored by the Australian International Development and
Aid Agency (AIDAB) and the National Agency for Assessment and
Application of Technology (BPPT).

BPPT Deputy Chairman Prof. M.T. Zen. was on hand at Tanjung
Priok port to see off the scientists.

Dr. A.G. Ilahude, who is heading the expedition, said the
scientists will experiment on current metering of the waters, and
therefore enhance their understanding of the El Nino Southern
Oscillation, which influences the climate not only in Southeast
Asia but also the rest of the Pacific Sea.

That is why this project is beneficial to Southeast Asian
countries, Australia and the rest of the world, he said.

The expedition will also take inventory of natural marine
resources in eastern Indonesia, he said.

Zen said the expedition reflects the increasing cooperation
between Southeast Asian countries and Australia in the field of
marine research and maritime technology.

The marine expedition is the first that Indonesia has
conducted with its neighboring countries. A similar expedition
was held last year involving Indonesia, France and the United
States. (rms)