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Indonesia and Singapore to Perform First Deep-Sea Expedition in Java Sea Featured
Written by Ani Hasanah
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Indonesia and Singapore to Perform First Deep-Sea Expedition in Java Sea
VOI-REZHA
Indonesia through the Indonesian Institute of Sciences-LIPI with Singapore through the National University of Singapore -NUS will perform deep-sea expeditions in the southern part of Java to uncover the potential of deep- sea biodiversity on which there is no data yet. A total of 31 people consisting of researchers and technicians will hold the expedition from March 23 to April 5, 2018 in the southern part of Java Sea. This first deep- sea expedition also marks the 50th anniversary of Indonesia-Singapore diplomatic relations. This was stated by Deputy of Earth Science of LIPI, Zainal Arifin in his speech at the launch event of the expedition in Jakarta on Friday (March 23rd, 2018).
“Today, we will launch first joint expedition on deep sea biodiversity; this occasion also marks 50-year diplomatic cooperation between the government of Indonesia and Singapore. Around 30 researchers will participate in the expedition, the study area at the Java Sea, or Java Trench which is very deep I think 200 to 7000 meters deep. Our marine scientists are aware that the water condition in Southern part of Java is relatively rough with high waves which sometimes can reach to five meters high,” Zainal Arifin said.
Zainal Arifin also disclosed that the expedition in the next two years can be known whether new species are found. In addition, he expressed that this expedition is a special one because all parties involved comes from ASEAN countries. Previous deep-sea expeditions conducted in the world are dominated by western countries. Basically, this expedition will be divided into two major activities. The first one is on board activities which include sampling and handling of samples which then proceed with data compilation. The second one is post-expedition activities that include follow-up sampling, preparation of interim reports, and workshops. The results of the expedition are planned to be shared and discussed at a special workshop to be held in Indonesia in 2020. (VOI/Rezha/Rhm)
