The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), continues to strengthen its role in producing highly qualified human resources in the field of marine science through its Master’s Program in Marine Science. During the Open House titled “Tips and Tricks for Pursuing a Master’s Degree in the Marine Science Master’s Program through the BRIN Degree by Research (DbR) Scheme”, held online on May 23, 2026, the Head of the Master’s Program in Marine Science at UI, Dr. rer.nat. Yasman, M.Sc., presented various study and research opportunities that prospective students can take advantage of to develop their academic and professional careers in the field of marine science.
In his presentation, Dr. rer.nat. Yasman, M.Sc. emphasized that the Master’s Program in Marine Science at UI holds a unique position compared to similar programs in Indonesia, as it is housed within the Department of Biology, FMIPA UI. This position provides a strong foundation in basic sciences, enabling students not only to study marine resource management but also to develop advanced scientific analysis and research skills to investigate a wide range of marine phenomena in depth.
This advantage is also reflected in the program’s accreditation achievements. The Master’s Program in Marine Science at UI became the first study program to undergo accreditation by the Lembaga Akreditasi Mandiri Sains Alam dan Ilmu Formal (LAMSAMA) in 2022 and successfully earned the highest accreditation status, Excellent (Unggul). This achievement underscores the quality of education, research, and academic governance maintained by the program.
“As part of FMIPA UI, the Master’s Program in Marine Science has a strong foundation in science and a robust research culture. Students not only gain conceptual understanding but are also equipped with the skills to conduct relevant research aimed at addressing various marine challenges in Indonesia,” said Dr. rer.nat. Yasman, M.Sc..
According to Dr. rer.nat. Yasman, M.Sc., one of FMIPA UI’s key strengths lies in its academic ecosystem, which supports interdisciplinary research collaboration. Students have the opportunity to engage with various scientific disciplines within FMIPA UI, including biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, geology, geophysics, and computational science. This interdisciplinary environment fosters the development of more comprehensive and impactful innovations in marine research.
On that occasion, Dr. rer.nat. Yasman, M.Sc. also explained the study opportunities available through the Degree by Research (DbR) scheme organized by the Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN). Through this scheme, participants can pursue a master’s degree at a university while conducting research directly within BRIN’s research environment. In addition to receiving support for tuition and research expenses, participants also have the opportunity to work as research assistants, allowing them to gain professional research experience from the beginning of their studies.
Interestingly, opportunities for marine research at BRIN are not limited to the Earth and Maritime Research Organization. Dr. Yasman explained that various other research organizations within BRIN are also closely connected to marine issues and resources, including research on seaweed, biomass, bioproducts, advanced materials, and industrial technologies based on marine resources.
“Many prospective students assume that marine research is only conducted within the Earth and Maritime Research Organization. In fact, marine-related issues are inherently multidisciplinary and span across various research organizations within BRIN. Therefore, it is important for prospective participants to actively identify research groups that align with their interests and begin establishing communication with researchers at an early stage,” explained Dr. rer.nat. Yasman, M.Sc.
In addition to outlining various research opportunities, Dr. rer.nat. Yasman, M.Sc. also shared several tips to increase the chances of being admitted to the Master’s Program in Marine Science at UI and to enhance applicants’ competitiveness in the BRIN Degree by Research (DbR) selection process.
First, prospective students are encouraged to develop a clear research plan that aligns with the research interests of faculty members and research groups at BRIN. Second, gaining research experience during undergraduate studies—through a thesis project, internship, or participation in research projects—can provide a significant advantage. Third, applicants should actively seek information about research groups that match their interests and begin establishing academic communication with researchers and potential supervisors at an early stage.
Dr. rer.nat. Yasman, M.Sc. also emphasized the importance of obtaining a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from the intended study program. Although an LoA is not a mandatory requirement in the BRIN Degree by Research (DbR) selection process, possessing one demonstrates an applicant’s academic readiness and can serve as a supporting factor that strengthens their overall profile.
As part of its commitment to supporting the development of Indonesia’s research talent, the Master’s Program in Marine Science at UI also helps facilitate communication between prospective students and BRIN research centers or research groups that align with their research interests. This support is strengthened by various collaborations that have been established between the study program and several research centers within the Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN).
Through the combination of FMIPA UI’s academic excellence, its Excellent (Unggul) accreditation status, extensive research networks, and strong connections with national research partners, the Master’s Program in Marine Science at UI continues to be one of the most strategic choices for bachelor’s degree graduates aspiring to pursue careers as researchers, academics, or professionals in the marine sector. With the second wave of SIMAK UI admissions remaining open until the end of May 2026, the opportunity to join the Master’s Program in Marine Science at UI and advance a research career through its academic and research ecosystem remains widely available to prospective students from across Indonesia.
