Sanata Dharma University hosts the 11th WUJA Congress 2026, welcoming Jesuit alumni delegates from 57 countries worldwide.
YOGYAKARTA, KalderaNews.com – Sanata Dharma University (USD) Yogyakarta officially hosts the 11th World Union of Jesuit Alumni (WUJA) Congress 2026.
This international forum gathers alumni delegates from Jesuit schools, colleges, and universities across 57 countries from July 29 to August 2, 2026.
Carrying the theme “United in Spirit, Leading with Purpose”, the congress officially opened on Thursday (30/7/2026) at USD’s Driyarkara Auditorium.
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The opening ceremony was marked by the striking of a gong by the Governor of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X.
Accompanying the ceremony were Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ (Superior General of the Society of Jesus), Fr. Albertus Bagus Laksana, SJ., S.S., Ph.D. (Provincial of the Indonesian Jesuits & Rector of USD) and Global Jesuit Alumni Leaders.
Confronting “Babel Syndrome” and Fostering Synodality
Rector of USD, Fr. Albertus Bagus Laksana, expressed pride in the university being trusted to host the global event. He highlighted current global challenges, specifically the “Babel Syndrome”, a modern trend focused solely on efficiency and profit, which reduces human beings to mere numbers and data.
“The world needs spaces for dialogue capable of uniting diversity. We invite the global Jesuit alumni network to build leadership rooted in the spirit of synodality, leadership born from listening, dialogue, and mutual discernment,” emphasized Fr. Bagus.
Blending Javanese Philosophy with Ignatian Tradition
Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X connected the congress theme to the Javanese philosophy of Sastra Gendhing, where harmony arises not because everyone is the same, but because differences blend into a collective strength. The Sultan also invited participants to reflect on Hamemayu Hayuning Bawana (the spirit of caring for life and preserving the beauty of the world), which aligns with Ignatian educational traditions.
Meanwhile, Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ emphasized that the core mission of Jesuit alumni is to act as partners in the work of reconciliation, justice, and peace. He urged delegates to address six strategic global issues:
- Universal Apostolic Mission
- Challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Reconciliation and Social Justice
- Synodality
- Interculturality
- The Future of Jesuit Education
Yogyakarta as a Global Hub of Pluralism
General Chair of the Organizing Committee, James W. Prakarsa, explained that Yogyakarta was chosen because it represents Indonesia’s inclusive and pluralistic identity. Delegates can observe firsthand how Jesuit traditions coexist harmoniously with Hindu, Buddhist, and local cultural heritage.
The Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Nasaruddin Umar, M.A., is scheduled to deliver a keynote address on Friday (31/7/2026) as part of a dialogue on leadership, peace, and the future of cross-cultural education.
As the only Jesuit university in Indonesia, Sanata Dharma is part of a global network connecting over 170 universities worldwide. Hosting the 2026 WUJA Congress reinforces USD’s strategic role as a key hub in shaping a more just, inclusive, and sustainable global future.
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