15th Annual US-Indonesia (NOAA-BMKG) Partnership Workshop a Virtual Success

The 15th Annual US-Indonesia Partnership Workshop was held from September 9-11, 2020. This annual workshop brings together NOAA and BMKG colleagues for a series of ocean observing capacity building workshops led by NOAA scientists. The workshop was originally planned to take place in Lake Toba, Indonesia. Instead, it was held virtually, despite a 12 hour time difference between participants. GOMO Program Manager Sidney Thurston said the workshop exceeded expectations and was able to include even more participants than if it were held in person. Thurston says a highlight was the ability of the partners to maintain momentum despite the pandemic and the 9pm start time on the East Coast. RDML Timothy Gallaudet delivered welcome remarks at the start of the workshop, and noted the value of this strategic partnership, calling it a “national treasure.”

In addition to annual workshops, the NOAA-BMKG partnership provides NOAA 30 days of free ship time from Indonesia to service RAMA buoys. Every year, NOAA also hosts scientists from BMKG at the Climate Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland. This partnership helps Indonesia build its observing capacity, resulting in improved forecasts.