Indonesian Catholic lecturers unite to enhance commitment to service, academic excellence

The Jakarta chapter of The Indonesian Catholic Lecturers Association (Ikatan Dosen Katolik Indonesia) (iKDKI) held a Regional Working Meeting (Rakerwil) and Inauguration of its board members for the 2024-2029 term at the Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia on September 21.

With more than 50 Catholic lecturers from 38 universities across Jakarta, the gathering aimed to strengthen networking and build competencies centered around the theme “Serving with Brotherly Love, Strengthening Educational Competence.” 

Dr. Rustono Farady Marta, Chairman of iKDKI Jakarta and Vice-Rector for Student Affairs at Satya Negara University, emphasized the importance of continued dedication from the newly appointed board members, urging them to “not only stop at today’s meeting but to continue fostering synergy, serving with heart, and reinforcing bonds of brotherhood into the future.” 

Adviser Prof. Dr. Albertus Wahyurudhanto applauded the theme’s focus on literacy, describing the organization’s slogan, “serving and proficient,” as a call for lecturers to take on strategic service roles. 

“Catholic lecturers need to be the salt of the earth by embodying humanism that transcends religious boundaries,” he stated, highlighting the necessity for high human quality in Catholic academia. 

During his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. dr. Yuda Turana, Rector of Atma Jaya Jakarta, emphasized the role of integrity in academia, asserting that educators who do not commit to excellence undermine their integrity. 

He encouraged the board to support Catholic faculty members in achieving the rank of professor, noting that “collaboration among Catholic lecturers is vital to produce exceptional work.” 

The event also included a report session from each of iKDKI Jakarta’s ten divisions, followed by discussions on strategic steps for the next five years. 

Following these sessions, a Holy Mass was held, marking the official inauguration of the Jakarta iKDKI board for 2024-2029. 

In his closing message, iKDKI Chairman Prof. Agustinus Purna Irawan highlighted the vital role of Catholic educators as role models amid current societal challenges, such as corruption and intolerance. 

“To be a role model, one must be competent,” he affirmed, urging members to pursue advanced education. 

This meeting, punctuated by moments of reflection on St. Thomas Aquinas’s legacy, concluded with a Holy Mass led by multiple clergy, reinforcing iKDKI’s dedication to service and the professional development of Catholic lecturers. 

The newly inaugurated board has committed to celebrating iKDKI’s fifth anniversary in November, marking a new chapter of growth and collaboration for Jakarta’s Catholic academic community.