In her capacity as chair of the steering committee of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP), she discussed the study with an SPBU delegation led by Rector Nikolay Kropachev during a meeting at St. Petersburg University, Russia, on Monday.
"We have found five active underwater volcanoes in Indonesia. Can Russian universities assist us in predicting the possible eruption? We need knowledge on that," she asked at the meeting.
In response, Kropachev asked his staff to find experts on the subject. Meanwhile, Russia is also focusing research on underwater volcanoes.
Megawati said that Indonesia would be delighted to cooperate with Russia in underwater research.
"If Russia can send Yuri Gagarin into space, it is not impossible they can deep dive into the ocean. Therefore, I offer my cooperation for further discussion. If possible, I will sign it," she remarked.
According to her, such research is necessary. In the 1800s, when Mount Krakatau erupted, the resultant ash darkened the skies for three months.
Kropachev said he understood Megawati's concern. He added that his country also has an underwater volcano located along the border with Japan.
"We are ready to form a team from this campus and other Russian regions to research underwater volcanoes in Indonesia," he informed.
Megawati began her working visit to Russia by holding a meeting and a friendly gathering with Kropachev.
During the visit, she was accompanied by the Minister for Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, Bintang Puspayoga, and a professor at the Faculty of International Relations at St. Petersburg University, Connie Rahakundini Bakrie.
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Translator: Narda Margaretha S, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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