Balikpapan, October 22–23, 2025 – As a maritime nation, Indonesia possesses a vast ocean rich in resources and with enormous economic potential. However, challenges in the marine sector, such as pollution, climate change, and over-exploitation, demand innovative solutions based on research and technology. Responding to these challenges, 2025 will be a significant moment for the Indonesian maritime world with the staging of The 3rd International Conference on Marine Research and Technology (ICOMAREST 2025), held concurrently with The International Conference on Ship and Offshore Technology (ICSOT 2025).

Both conferences be held on October 22–23, 2025, at the Kalimantan Institute of Technology (ITK), Balikpapan, in a hybrid format (online and offline). This prestigious event is organized by ITK in collaboration with Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) and supported by the Indonesian Academy of Sciences (AIPI).

Global Theme: Future Smart Coastal Cities

The grand theme of ICOMAREST 2025, “Integrating Innovative Marine Research and Technology in the Development of Future Smart Coastal Cities,” underscores the importance of integrating marine research and technology in building smart and sustainable coastal cities.

Coastal cities play a vital role in the global economy but also face serious threats due to sea-level rise, abrasion, and ecosystem degradation. Therefore, collaboration among researchers, academics, and industry is essential to create innovations that are not only efficient but also environmentally friendly.

Through ICOMAREST 2025, scientists from various countries will discuss and share research findings on maritime technology, offshore energy, data-driven ocean monitoring systems, and the development of sustainable ports and ships.

International Collaboration and World-Class Speakers

One of the main strengths of ICOMAREST 2025 is the presence of keynote speakers from various renowned universities and institutions worldwide, such as:

• Prof. Zhiqiang Hu from Newcastle University, UK
• Prof. Chung-Chieh Wang from National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan
• Dr. Kim Youngrong from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
• Prof. I Ketut Aria Pria Utama from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Indonesia
• Prof. Daeng Paroka from Hasanuddin University, Indonesia

The participation of these experts is proof that Indonesia is increasingly recognized within the international research community. They will present topics such as smart navigation technology, innovative marine structure design, and digital data-based coastal management.

From Balikpapan to the World: Indonesia's Maritime Research Hub

The choice of Balikpapan as the conference venue is not without reason. The city is one of the rapidly developing coastal areas in East Kalimantan and serves as a real example of the potential of modern coastal cities. ITK, as the host, aims to strengthen its position as a center for marine innovation in eastern Indonesia, while also serving as a bridge for collaboration among academics, industry, and government.

According to the organizing committee, the conference is expected not only to produce scientific publications but also to open concrete opportunities for cooperation in the fields of ship technology, ocean energy, and coastal conservation. Thus, ICOMAREST 2025 is more than just an academic forum; it is a strategic platform for sustainable maritime development.

Publication Opportunities and International Networking

One of the key advantages of ICOMAREST 2025 is the extensive opportunity for scientific publication. All accepted and presented papers will be published in the Scopus-Indexed RINA Conference Proceeding at no additional charge. Some of the best works will also be proposed for publication in reputable international journals such as TransTech Publications and Semarak Ilmu Publishing.

Furthermore, participants will have the chance to build international research networks. The discussions held at the conference are expected to generate new ideas to address global challenges, such as energy transition, green technology, and sustainable marine resource management.

Attractions and Supporting Activities

In addition to the scientific activities, the committee has also prepared networking sessions and a one-day trip to Derawan Island and Labuan Cermin for in-person participants. Through these activities, participants can enjoy the beauty of East Kalimantan's marine environment while forging collaborations with researchers and professionals from various countries.

This event not only introduces Indonesia's marine tourism potential but also serves as a tangible promotion of coastal ecotourism as part of the blue economy.