Yogyakarta, 26 July 2024 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada received a visit from Dr. Agus Salim, S.Ag., M.Sc. from the State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta regarding consultations and hearings at the Center for Research and Development of Bio Maritime Border Territory and 3T Region of RI (CRDB2T3). Taking place in the KPTU Meeting Room, Faculty of Biology UGM, the visit was received by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Abdul Razaq Chasani, Ph.D. as Head of the Department of Tropical Biology, Sukirno, M.Sc., Ph.D. as Head of the Undergraduate Study Program, Emi Dwi Suryanti, S.Si., M.Sc. as Coordinator of Academic and Student Affairs, as well as lecturers at the Faculty of Biology including Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, M.S., Ph.D. and Dra. Mulyati, M.Sc.
Dr. Agus said the visit was for consultations and hearings on the establishment of the Center for Research and Development of Bio Maritime Border Territory and 3T Region of RI (CRDB2T3). The study center which focuses on maritime management research will involve the collaboration of researchers from various higher education institutions, research bodies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and so on, including lecturers at the Faculty of Biology UGM, Abdul Razaq Chasani, Ph.D. which has a research focus related to macroalgae.
Dr. Agus said that the establishment of the research center had taken place through hearings and sending collaboration proposals to various institutions and institutions. He revealed that his current focus is related to the supporting facilities that will stand as the main office of the research center. Dr. Agus also added plans to establish this facility in the Laboi area, Bintan Island, as well as collaboration with Raja Ali Haji Maritime University, Riau Islands.
Prof. Budi warmly welcomed the plan to establish the research center. The Dean of the UGM Faculty of Biology also conveyed the urgency of studies related to maritime and marine affairs, especially since the Indonesian Biology Consortium (KOBI) itself has so far focused on collecting data on terrestrial species.
Prof. Budi together with colleagues from the Faculty of Biology UGM supported the inauguration of the maritime study center institution first, including improving academic articulation, preparing AD ART and registering legal status, especially as the research center is planned to be independent and not managed under an institution directly. It is hoped that this will support the acceleration of the establishment of research centers.
CRDB2T3 will focus on the maritime domain which includes humans, ecosystems and marine resources in Indonesia. It is possible for the reseach center to include educational support in Indonesia, especially its focus on developing underdeveloped, outermost and frontier areas (3T) in addition to support for other higher education tri dharma, namely research and community service. It is hoped that this study center will catalyze marine research development programs in Indonesia while supporting sustainable development.