BRIN Researchers Conduct Expedition to Explore Deep Sea Biodiversity in Java Trench

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Researchers from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) have embarked on an expedition to examine biodiversity in the vicinity of the Java Trench, aiming to unravel the mysteries of deep sea life in Indonesian waters.

Yustian Rovi Alfiansah, a BRIN researcher, announced in a press release on Sunday that the expedition, conducted from February 28 to March 22, 2024, involved a collaborative effort between Indonesian and Chinese researchers. Four Indonesian researchers, alongside counterparts from China, delved into the depths of the Central Java Trench, covering a vast expanse of 3,200 kilometers from southern Sumatra to Nusa Tenggara.

The Directorate of Research Ship Fleet Management and BRIN, in partnership with the Institute for Deep Sea Research and Engineering (IDSSE) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), orchestrated the expedition. The research utilized the Tan Suo Yi Hao research vessel and the Fendouzhe research submarine to navigate the challenging depths of the Java Trench.

Alfiansah emphasized the expedition’s objectives, stating, “This research aims to explore the richness of deep sea biodiversity that benefits Indonesia and to obtain new information regarding the unique geology, biology, and environment of the Sunda subduction zone, as well as its potential impact on the Hadal ecosystem in the Java Trench.”

Throughout the expedition, researchers collected various samples, including three sea cucumbers, six sediment cores, and six boulders, unveiling a glimpse of the diverse marine life and geological formations dwelling in the depths of the Java Trench.

Alfiansah acknowledged the daunting task ahead, highlighting the need for further analysis, storage, and dissemination of the acquired data. “The next more challenging task is to carry out further analysis of the samples, store and maintain them, process the data, and disseminate them to the public,” he remarked.

The findings from this pioneering expedition are poised to deepen our understanding of Indonesia’s marine ecosystems, paving the way for enhanced conservation efforts and scientific exploration of the vast and enigmatic depths of the Java Trench.