Joint Chinese-Indonesian Expedition Sets Record with Dive into Java Trench

Java, The Gulf Observer: In a groundbreaking scientific endeavor, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency have achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting a joint expedition that reached depths of 7,178 meters into the Java Trench in the Indian Ocean. The expedition team announced this remarkable feat on Saturday, marking it as the deepest dive ever recorded for Indonesia.

The ambitious expedition, which took place from February 23 to March 23, utilized the advanced capabilities of the manned deep-sea submersible “Fendouzhe,” belonging to the CAS Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering. Notably, the “Fendouzhe” is recognized as the world’s deepest-reaching manned submersible, uniquely capable of transporting humans to depths of up to 10,000 meters underwater.

At the welcome ceremony commemorating the joint expedition, held on Friday, Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Lu Kang emphasized the growing collaboration between China and Indonesia in marine sciences. Ambassador Lu expressed optimism for the future, envisioning further fruitful cooperation between scientists from both nations. He underscored the potential for such collaboration to drive advancements in the blue economy and sustainable development.

Indonesia’s coordinating minister for maritime affairs and investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, hailed the expedition as a pivotal moment in bilateral maritime cooperation. He emphasized its role in opening a new chapter for strengthened ties between the two countries. Minister Pandjaitan expressed aspirations for deepening scientific collaboration and nurturing a new generation of scientists and engineers in Indonesia.

The successful dive into the Java Trench not only represents a significant scientific achievement but also underscores the importance of international cooperation in exploring the mysteries of the deep sea. As China and Indonesia continue to deepen their partnership in marine research, the prospects for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in oceanic exploration appear increasingly promising.