Journal History

MARINE RESEARCH IN INDONESIA (MRI) is a revamped journal that has arisen anew from 'Penjelidikan Laut di Indonesia,' the first marine science journal in Indonesia published by an Indonesian marine research institution called Penjelidikan Laut Djakarta (now Pusat Penelitian Oseanografi or Research Center for Oceanography of LIPI). Initially appearing in 1956, this journal written in English, was published irregularly and circulated mainly amongst academics by journal exchange. The first issues contained results of oceanographic research in Indonesia and adjacent waters written by several world-renowned Oceanographers, including Klaus Wyrtki who was the Director of Marine Research at that time. These initial works delivered basic concepts on current patterns of the Indo-West Pacific region. Rd. Engkoes Soeriaatmadja subsequently became the Director of the Institution from 1957 to 1960. Later on, one of the LIPI research vessels was named after him in his honor. Other important early contributors to the Journal were: A. Gordon, in collaboration with A. G. Ilahude, who established the Indonesian Throughflow concept (ARLINDO); Maxwell S. Doty from the University of Hawaii who collaborates with Indonesian institutions in marine science, and Sjarmilah Sjarif.

In 1963, Issue No 5, the name of the journal was changed to Penelitian Laut di Indonesia (Marine Research in Indonesia), as the institution's name altered to Lembaga Penelitian Laut Djakarta, Indonesia. At the time of Issue No. 6, 1963, the number of Indonesian oceanographers increased. They included Sujatno Birowo (who became the Director during 1969-1972), and A. G. Ilahude. Biosystematics studies also provided significant contributions to the Journal thereafter. Researchers who have been past contributors include Raoul Serene (one of the foremost carcinologists in the world), K. Romimohtarto (who replaced S. Birowo as the Director during 1986-1993), S. Soemodihardjo and M. K. Moosa. In 1975 (Issue No. 14), biological research content started to develop further and not long after the Institute's name was changed to Lembaga Oseanologi Nasional, one of the research centers of Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia (LIPI). Pioneers in Indonesian marine biological studies included S. B. Martosewojo and M. Hutomo. Two years later (Issue No. 17, 1977), the number of contributed manuscripts increased significantly, with more varied subjects. However, Issue No. 29, 1995 was the final publication of what we call phase one of MRI.

After 10 years of hibernating, MRI has re-emerged as phase two in a new format (Issue No 30, 2006). This revitalized journal now publishes twice per year. The journal maintains to be published in the English language  to make the research available to a much wider audience. MRI aims to make valuable contributions to documenting research on marine biodiversity and environmental studies in the Indonesian seas and neighboring waters, a region that harbors the highest diversity of marine life in the world.