Welcome Speech

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

First of all, I would like to express my sincere welcome to all participants of the 13^th Workshop of OMISAR (Ocean Models and Information System for the APEC Region) 2004. It is indeed a great honor of ours to host this distinguished Workshop as a platform for marine scientists and ocean remote sensing scientists, as well as marine engineers - to share precious ideas and experiences in validation and application of satellite data for marine resources conservation.

To be able to comprehend the ocean – from its scientific basis - four basic subject areas of physics, chemistry, biology and geology/ geophysics should be considered. Thus principal applications such as marine pollution, water quality monitoring, ENSO impact on fisheries, ocean modeling and marine remote sensing applications are important subjects to be discussed in this workshop.

The ocean observation through the application of satellite remote sensing is one of national priorities of our government, considering the wide sea-territory of Indonesia. More than forty years the remote sensing technology has given a great contribution to the Earth’s science and has considerably enhanced our capacity of bringing a truly global perspective to the oceans. Today, with a new generation of ocean observation satellites, we have more opportunity to better understand the world oceans, in terms of geographical scale and its continuity over time. Through this workshop, personally I do hope that Indonesian institutions enable to access the scientific information and technologies, especially in regional settings. We will support any effort to improve regional science collaboration and coordination in perspective to develop and facilitate ocean observations, assessment and forecasting systems. It is then with a great expectation that through and related to this workshop we can generate further research partnerships in the near future.

Distinguished participants,

As a member of APEC, Indonesia continuously supports regional action to strengthen cooperation for building capacity, sharing of data information and expertise, particularly for marine science and technology, responsible fisheries and sustainable aquaculture, and of course coastal and marine management, respectively.

Therefore in this rare occasion, I would like to officially invite your active participation in developing the Southeast Asia Center for Ocean Research and Monitoring – SEACORM. This center, through our mutual efforts, will be able to ensure The Marine Research, Observing, and Analysis System contributes its maximal role on the global sustainable development program. SEACORM is certainly designed for universal benefits. West coast of Bali is the location of SEACORM site. Easy access, hi-speed fiber-optics connection and other good research facilities & infrastructure - combined with the natural atmosphere for marine scientists are some of main reasons for us to begin something. SEACORM is currently supported by sixteen Indonesian institution mainly related with marine policy and research activities. Other institutions are to come. These institutions give their commitment to submit their contribution. We believe that the establishment of the center will not only benefit the ASEAN and APEC members; but it will contribute multiplier effects toward sustainable management of fishery and marine resources, as well as marine environmental conservation to all countries in the World.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

As a closing, I would like to thank the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) for the excellent arrangements made for this Workshop, by joint-organize with The Research Center for Marine Technology - The Agency of Marine and Fisheries Research, Republic of Indonesia. I would like also to extend my sincere gratitude to the APEC – Marine Resources Conservation Working Group, especially to DR. Gwo Dong ROAM of Environmental Protection Administration of Chinese Taipei, and Prof. Cho Teng LIU for his efforts and gave us an opportunity to host this workshop with a notable support.

Finally, all the participants are welcome to join the WOM – the 13^th, and enjoy Bali. Thank you.

Hartanta TARIGAN PhD.

Director of Research Center for Marine Technology
The Agency for Marine and Fisheries Research

Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries

Republic of Indonesia