Indonesian Catholic Lecturers Association marks 5 years of service, love, and national commitment

The Indonesian Catholic Lecturers Association (ICLA) marked its 5th anniversary with a grand celebration themed “Serving with Love, Working for the Nation.” 

The event, held at the Satya Negara Indonesia University Auditorium in Jakarta on Saturday, November 23, 2024, brought together over 200 participants, including ICLA members, students, faculty, and distinguished guests, for a day of reflection, service, and inspiration.

The anniversary was a vibrant occasion featuring a wide range of activities, including blood donations, legal and psychological counseling for lecturers, enlightening seminars, and the much-anticipated launch of a collaborative book titled “Character Education to Build the Golden Generation,” authored by 18 ICLA member lecturers.

The celebration also included awards for outstanding educators and culminated in a solemn Holy Mass, presided over by Msgr. Antonius Bunjamin, President of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference.

In his keynote address, Prof. Dr. Ir. Agustinus Purna Irawan (popularly known as Prof. API), Chairman of ICLA, highlighted the association’s vital mission. “ICLA is not just a forum for Catholic lecturers; it is a driving force for fostering a more dignified and equitable education system,” he stated. “Through collaboration among lecturers, students, and various stakeholders, we aim to realize a vision of inclusive, high-quality, and love-based education.”

Adding to the celebration’s depth, Dr. Rustono Farady Marta, Chairman of ICLA Jakarta Region and Vice Rector III of Satya Negara Indonesia University, reiterated ICLA’s commitment to nurturing its members in diverse capacities.

“Our goal is to empower lecturers academically, spiritually, socially, and entrepreneurially. Beyond teaching excellence, we aim to inspire societal contributions through entrepreneurship training and business incubators,” Marta said.

The day’s seminar sessions provided invaluable insights for lecturers seeking to enhance their impact. Key speakers included:

Prof. API, who discussed optimizing lecturers’ performance in accordance with Indonesia’s education regulations, emphasizing key performance indicators and criteria for scientific publications.

Prof. Purnomo Yusgiantoro, Chairman of the Professors’ Council at the Defense University, who explored ICLA’s pivotal role in achieving quality education.

Prof. Toni Toharudin, Head of The Higher Education Services Institute Region III, who outlined innovative strategies to evaluate lecturers’ performance through AI-driven systems and collaboration platforms.

His discussion connected with the newly launched book chapter, “Jakarta Future: Artificial Intelligence and Innovative Policies for Smart Cities.”

Reflecting on ICLA’s achievements and aspirations, Dr. Marningot Tua Natalis Situmorang, Chairman of the Anniversary Committee, expressed optimism for the association’s future.

“This five-year journey is only the beginning. With a united spirit, ICLA is poised to bring more love, integrity, and excellence to shape a brighter future.”

The event embodied ICLA’s dedication to fostering education as a tool for national progress and community resilience.

By blending academic rigor with a spirit of service, ICLA reaffirmed its position as a cornerstone of Indonesia’s educational and social development landscape.