A joint scientific expedition by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency has set Indonesia’s deepest dive record, reaching 7,178 meters into the Java Trench in the Indian Ocean.
The expedition, which took place from February 23 to March 23, utilized the manned deep-sea submersible “Fendouzhe” from the CAS Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering. “Fendouzhe” is renowned as the world’s deepest-reaching manned submersible and is the first capable of bringing humans to depths of 10,000 meters underwater.
At a welcome ceremony held on Friday, Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Lu Kang highlighted the growing collaboration between China and Indonesia in marine sciences. “China and Indonesia have been deepening research collaboration in marine sciences in recent years,” he said. “I hope scientists from our two countries can achieve more high-quality research results in the future and contribute to the blue economy and sustainable development.”
Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, expressed optimism about the strengthened maritime cooperation. “The joint expedition has opened a new chapter for our two countries to enhance maritime cooperation,” he stated. “I hope we will further expand scientific cooperation and cultivate more scientists and engineers for Indonesia.”
The successful deep-sea dive not only marks a significant milestone in Indonesia’s maritime exploration but also symbolizes the strengthening ties between China and Indonesia in scientific research and development. The collaboration is expected to foster advancements in marine sciences and contribute to the sustainable development of the blue economy in the region.
