Inauguration of IKDKI Regional Executive Board for West Papua and Southwest Papua 2025–2030: Affirming the Scholarly Calling and Service Mission in the Land of Cenderawasih
Report by Paulus Laratmase
Indonesian-English Translation by A Voluntered Contributor from Trans-PC (Translation Practice Community)
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Manokwari, May 12, 2025 – Suara Anak Negeri News.Com | The Horistom Hotel, Taman Ria Rendani, Manokwari, West Papua Province, witnessed a historic moment with the inauguration of the Regional Executive Board (DPW) of the Indonesian Catholic Lecturers Association (IKDKI) for West Papua and Southwest Papua for the 2025–2030 period.
This inauguration was held based on the Decree of the IKDKI Central Executive Board No. 014-K/IKDKI/IV/2025, which officially confirmed the new organizational structure. The event began with a Holy Mass led by Father Yanwarius Vaenbess, Pr, and Father Dominggus Pegas, OSA.
In his homily, Father Yanwarius explained the theological meaning of the Gospel of John, which portrays Jesus as the “Gate of Life.” He described Jesus as a Master Teacher, the true educator and lecturer who instills values of life. Therefore, being a lecturer is a noble calling to shape generations that are not only academically intelligent but also possess integrity, regardless of ethnicity, religion, race, or narrow interests.
The inauguration was conducted by the General Chairperson of IKDKI, Prof. Dr. Ir. Agustinus Purna Irawan, M.T., M.M., IPU., ASEAN Eng, who is also known as the former Rector of Tarumanagara University Jakarta for two terms. In his speech, Prof. Agustinus emphasized that IKDKI is not merely a scientific organization but also a calling of service deeply rooted in Catholic values. The presence of IKDKI in eastern Indonesia, particularly in West Papua and Southwest Papua, is a vital part of the mission to improve the quality of education and strengthen human resources through the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education.
As the extended arm of the Central Executive Board, the Regional Executive Board of IKDKI West Papua and Southwest Papua carries a strategic responsibility in implementing organizational programs. These include the development of professionalism, academic mentoring, and community service grounded in Catholic faith values. All board members are expected to implement the organization’s vision and mission in the spirit of nationalism and service.
In his inaugural speech, the newly appointed Chairperson of the DPW, Prof. Dr. Roberth KR. Hammar, S.H., M.Hum., M.M., expressed his gratitude for the entrusted mandate. He stressed the importance of fostering collaboration among members and positioning IKDKI as a driving force for the transformation of Catholic education in Papua, particularly in West Papua and Southwest Papua. He affirmed that the presence of IKDKI is an integral part of the pastoral and intellectual mission manifested through concrete service via the Tri Dharma of Higher Education.
The new organizational structure reflects cross-sectoral and intergenerational representation. Prof. Roberth is accompanied by two Vice Chairpersons: Prof. Dr. Ir. Rudi A. Maturbongs, M.Si., IPU. and Dr. Stepanus Pakage, S.Pt., M.Si. The secretariat duties are handled by Dr. Aluisius P. E. Widodo, S.Pt., M.Sc., supported by Deputy Secretaries Manuel Lambi, S.Kom., M.M. and Dr. Latarus Fangohoi, S.P., M.P. The organization’s finances are managed by Dr. Ir. Elina Relawaty Situmorang, M.Si. as Treasurer, with Lucia Klemensia Rahaded, S.Pd., M.Pd., M.M. as Deputy Treasurer.
The board is strengthened by coordinators for various strategic fields. Prof. Dr. Ir. Benediktus Tanujaya, M.Si. leads the Education and Teaching Division, alongside younger lecturers such as Dr. Yaved Syufi, Johanes Kilmaskossu, and Nikolina Balia. The Research and Innovation Division is led by Prof. Dr. Zita L. Sarungallo, S.Pt., M.Si., together with senior academics including Dr. Ir. Bernadetha M.G. Sadsoeitoeboen, Marius Supriyanto Sakmaf, and Dr. Abraham Yumte.
The Community Service Division is led by Dr. C. Marius Supriyanto Sakmaf with promising members like Kwasty Kardi Putra, Theresia Ngutra, and Matheus Beljai. Meanwhile, the economic empowerment of lecturers is overseen by Dr. Alberth Girik Allo, supported by Dr. Johanes D. Resi and Inggrit A. Sabubun.
Prof. Dr. Ir. Ridwan Sala, M.Sc. heads the Organizational Development Division with young intellectuals such as Els Tieneke Rieke, Ph.D., Dr. Monica Nauw, Netty Torano, and Werner Sasior. The Public Relations and Inter-Institutional Relations Division is led by Yohanes Ada Lebang, assisted by Dr. Angella Tethool, Bernardus Horokubun, and Joniel Hendrik Salouw.
To foster digital transformation in the organization, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division is led by Dr. Ir. Paulus Boli, M.Si., together with Prof. Dr. Agustinus Murdjoko and Yusti Foxdey Rahawarin. The Moral and Spiritual Division is led by Agustinus Riwi Nugroho, S.Ag., M.Hum., with Ereneus Horokubun and Laurens Reresi. The Legal and Advocacy Division is headed by Dr. Henrikus Renjaan, S.H., LL.M., with support from Siria Silibun, Imanuel KR. Hammar, and Agustinus Luturmas.
Equally important, the Regional Advisory Board provides moral and spiritual guidance with a touch of local wisdom. This council includes the Bishop of Manokwari-Sorong, Paulus Laratmase; TPW Chairpersons of Manokwari and Sorong, Drg. Alfons Manibuy, Dr. Ir. Petrus Kasihiw, Yohanis Maninuy; Catholic priests such as Fr. Janwarius Vaenbes, Fr. Imanuel Tenau, Fr. Fincen Nuhuyanan; and community leader Amus Atkana.
This inauguration marks a pivotal milestone in the revitalization of IKDKI in eastern Indonesia. Moving forward, the synergy between the board, higher education institutions, the Church, and the wider community is expected to enhance the role of Catholic lecturers as intellectual servants and agents of change grounded in faith, knowledge, and service. The event concluded with prayers and a fellowship gathering, signifying the beginning of a new journey for IKDKI West Papua and Southwest Papua: to be present, to witness, and to serve in the light of Christ.
