The Oceanography Study Program of Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) and the Marine Science Study Program of the University of Bengkulu (UNIB) initiated discussions on potential academic and research collaboration during a visit to the University of Bengkulu. The meeting was held in collaboration with the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu, as part of efforts to strengthen inter-university cooperation in marine science and oceanographic research.

The Marine Science Study Program of UNIB was represented by Ir. Zamdial, M.Si., Head of the Marine Science Study Program, along with two lecturers who are alumni of the Oceanography Study Program at ITB, Mukti Dono Wilopo, S.Pi., M.Si. and Syarifudin Nur, S.Kel., M.Si. Their participation highlighted the existing academic connection between the two institutions and provided a strong foundation for developing future collaboration.

Representing the Oceanography Study Program of ITB was Dr. Ivonne M. Radjawane, a lecturer in the Oceanography Study Program and the Indonesian Director of the Korea-Indonesia Marine Technology Cooperation Research Center (MTCRC). She was accompanied by fellow Oceanography lecturers Dr. Iwan Pramesti Anwar, S.Si., M.Si. and Dr. Faruq Khadami, S.Si., M.Si.

The visit served as an opportunity for both study programs to explore potential areas of cooperation, particularly in marine and oceanographic research, academic activities, field-based learning, community engagement, and the development of joint research initiatives. The discussion also emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional networks and utilizing the unique marine and coastal environment of Bengkulu as a field for collaborative research.

In addition to the academic visit, the ITB Oceanography team traveled to Enggano Island to conduct research and community service activities. The activities were supported by lecturers and students from the Marine Science Study Program of UNIB, creating an opportunity for researchers and students from both institutions to work together directly in the field.

Enggano Island, located off the southwestern coast of Bengkulu, provides an important natural laboratory for studying marine and coastal ecosystems. Through collaborative field activities, lecturers and students from ITB and UNIB were able to exchange knowledge, research expertise, and practical experience while contributing to community-oriented activities on the island.

The involvement of lecturers and students from the Marine Science Study Program of UNIB in the Enggano activities also reflects the Study Program’s commitment to providing students with practical, field-based learning experiences while strengthening its research network with leading institutions in Indonesia.

The collaboration between ITB Oceanography and UNIB Marine Science is expected to open opportunities for further cooperation, including joint research, publications, student and lecturer activities, community service, field courses, and other academic programs. The initiative represents a positive step toward strengthening collaboration in marine science and oceanography, particularly in the Bengkulu and Enggano region.