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)