The Importance of Basic Science for Sustainable Marine Development in Indonesia

Indonesia is very well known as one tropical state in the faunistic centre according to Ekman’s concept (Ekman, 1953). This circumstance has attracted scientists and naturalists from all over the world to conduct expeditions and observations on marine fauna and flora in these waters, long before the Indonesian state was declared, such as Rumphius (1627-1702), Bleeker (1819-1878), Challenger (1872-1876), Siboga (1899-1900), and Snellius I (1921-1930). Therefore, the Indonesian archipelago has long been recognized as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. In addition, marine resources also play a significant role for Indonesia’s economic growth. Besides their utilization as a national food supply, several/many Indonesian exports are marine products, like fishes, prawns, seaweeds, and sea cucumbers. Moreover, Indonesia has exploited off-shore oil and natural gas since the 1970’s. Thus, exploitation of marine resources in Indonesia is in high demand for domestic and international markets. To sustain the marine resources and development, we need data and information taken from marine research, especially deep sea research. For the coming years, Indonesia will have to do more deep sea research to understand the marine biology, physics, chemistry, and geology aspects. Other issues of concerning marine research include climate change. Proceedings 1st International Seminar of Basic Science, FMIPA Unpatti-Ambon, June, 3rd-4th 2015.