The 57th Anniversary of Driyarkara School of Philosophy Celebrates Father Magnis' 90th Birthday at the Cathedral

The Driyarkara School of Philosophy (STFD) is holding its 57th anniversary with the theme ‘Magnis for Indonesia’, a series of academic, cultural, and public reflection events that also commemorate the 90th birthday of Father Franz Magnis Suseno, SJ. The main event will take place on May 26, 2026, with a Eucharistic celebration at Jakarta Cathedral, followed by a gathering with alumni, academics, interfaith figures, students, and friends of STF Driyarkara. The Cathedral complex was chosen as the location for the closing ceremony of the STFD anniversary because it symbolically aligns with the three areas of Father Magnis’ contributions, which are being highlighted as the thematic focus of the anniversary. First, his contributions to ethics and social politics in Indonesia. As a philosopher and Jesuit priest, Magnis’s involvement in the socio-political sphere in Indonesia has a distinct nuance. The anniversary will examine the current realities and challenges in the socio-political field in Indonesia and explore Magnis’s thoughts in this area through the political and ethical philosophy he developed. Graha Pemuda in the Cathedral complex symbolizes Magnis’s contributions to ethics and political philosophy, as well as his involvement in the socio-political dynamics of Indonesia. Graha Pemuda was originally named the Katholieke Jongelingenbond building (Catholic Youth Building) and played a role in the Youth Pledge process, as it was the location of the first session of the Second Youth Congress on October 27, 1928. Graha Pemuda also symbolizes Magnis’s involvement in the intellectual formation of philosophy at STFD for young students. Magnis also played a role in the establishment of STFD and continues to be actively involved in campus life. Second, his contributions to theology. As a Jesuit priest, Magnis has also written extensively on theology and church life, and for many years, he taught the course ‘Philosophy of God’ at STFD. Therefore, this anniversary will explore Magnis’s unique contributions to theology and the ecclesiology of the Indonesian Church after Vatican II. The Cathedral is a fitting symbol for Magnis’s contributions to theology and ecclesiology. The anniversary thanksgiving mass will be held at Jakarta Cathedral, which has stood for 125 years since its consecration on April 21, 1901. The Cathedral has witnessed the long history of Catholicism in Indonesia. The mass will be led by Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, who is also the Chairman of the STF Driyarkara Foundation, accompanied by the leaders of the OFM order, Father Agustinus Laurentius Nggame, OFM, and the Jesuit order, Father Benedictus Hari Juliawan, SJ. These three Catholic religious institutions, namely the Society of Jesus (Jesuit), the OFM (Franciscan) order, and the Archdiocese of Jakarta, founded STFD 57 years ago. Third, his contributions to interfaith dialogue. Indonesian society is characterized by its diversity, including religious and belief diversity. Therefore, the anniversary reflects on the importance and challenges of interfaith dialogue in Indonesian national and state life. The anniversary will explore Magnis’s philosophical thoughts and his active involvement in various interfaith forums as a significant contribution to the advancement of interfaith dialogue. The ‘silaturahmi’ (friendship) tunnel in the Cathedral complex is an important symbol of interfaith dialogue. This underground tunnel connects the Cathedral and the Istiqlal Mosque. During his apostolic visit to Indonesia in 2025, Pope Francis visited this tunnel and signed a plaque with a message of friendship. Pope Francis also met and dialogued with the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque. This historical moment further strengthens the symbolic meaning of the ‘silaturahmi’ tunnel for the celebration of the STFD anniversary. This celebration is a moment to reflect on Magnis’s contributions to Indonesia, especially in the fields of philosophy, political ethics, democracy, interfaith relations, education, and humanity. For more than half a century, Magnis has been known as one of the public intellectuals who consistently voices ethical values, dialogue, and commitment to human dignity, and who also helped establish the Driyarkara School of Philosophy. (RO/H-4)