Profile of the Research Group (KBK) in Remote Sensing and Marine Geographic Information Systems

Vision

To develop an integrated and sustainable framework for the management of Indonesia’s marine and coastal resources, balancing ecological health, socio-economic needs, and climate resilience through the use of advanced geospatial technologies.

Overview

The Research Group (KBK) in Remote Sensing and Marine Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is strategically located in Bali—positioned between the Indian Ocean and the pathway of the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF). The group focuses on applying remote sensing and GIS technologies to address complex marine challenges, ranging from fundamental physical processes to evidence-based spatial management and policy support.

Research Themes and Expertise

1) Physical Oceanography & Dynamics
Leveraging multi-sensor satellite data (optical, SAR, altimetry) to map ocean circulation patterns and hydrodynamics. Key topics include ocean color analysis to understand nutrient dynamics, monitoring internal waves and ocean fronts, and detecting eddies and their interactions with regional currents to support navigation safety and disaster risk mitigation.

2) Coastal Ecosystems & Blue Carbon
Conducting remote sensing– and GIS-based mapping of shallow-water habitats and critical marine habitats, with a strong emphasis on developing methods to inventory blue carbon stocks in mangrove and seagrass ecosystems, as well as monitoring their responses to climate change and ocean acidification.

3) Marine Technology Development & Big Data Analytics
Developing big data platforms and machine learning algorithms to process complex marine datasets, including IoT-based ecosystem monitoring systems and automated AI-driven spatial modeling.

4) Marine Debris Identification and Monitoring
Advancing methods to identify and monitor marine debris using satellite remote sensing and drone technologies, enabling distribution mapping and spatiotemporal tracking to support mitigation actions.

5) Applications for Sustainable Resource Management
Translating scientific data into actionable management strategies, including:

• Precision Fisheries: mapping spawning grounds and fishing grounds based on eddy and thermal front detection.

• Conservation & Spatial Planning: designing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and coastal zoning to reduce overfishing and enhance ecosystem resilience to sea-level rise.

Strategic Advantage

The group positions itself as “an eye from space” for Indonesian waters, delivering critical spatial intelligence to support local and national decision-making in the context of global climate change and to strengthen the blue economy in Bali and surrounding regions.