Celebrating 57 Years of STF Driyarkara and Father Magnis’ 90th Birthday
The Driyarkara School of Philosophy (STF Driyarkara, Jakarta) held its 57th Anniversary themed “Magnis for Indonesia” and celebrated the 90th birthday of Father Franz Magnis-Suseno, S.J. The event will culminate on May 26, 2026, at the Jakarta Cathedral, with a Eucharist and a gathering of alumni, academics, interfaith leaders, students, and friends of STF Driyarkara across generations.
The Cathedral was chosen as the venue for the Closing Night because it aligns with the three contributions of Father Magnis’ thought, which serve as the anniversary’s main theme. First, his contributions to ethics and socio-political issues. Father Magnis, as a philosopher and Jesuit priest, offered in-depth insights into ethics and his involvement in socio-political issues in Indonesia. This anniversary also explored the country’s socio-political challenges through the political and ethical philosophy he developed.
Second, Father Magnis’s contributions to theology. He actively wrote on theology and church life and taught the Philosophy of God at STF Driyarkara. This anniversary aims to explore Father Magnis’s contributions to the theology and ecclesiology of the Indonesian Church post-Vatican II, with the Cathedral as a key symbol.
Third, Father Magnis’s contribution to interfaith dialogue. Given Indonesia’s religious diversity, this anniversary reflects the values and challenges of interfaith dialogue. This event explores Father Magnis’s philosophical thought and his role in interfaith forums advancing interfaith dialogue.
The Tunnel of Friendship in the Cathedral complex is an important symbol for interfaith dialogue, connecting the Cathedral and the Istiqlal Mosque. In 2025, Pope Francis visited the Tunnel of Friendship, signed a plaque commemorating it, and held a dialogue with the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque. The anniversary celebration of STF Driyarkara is an opportunity to honor Father Magnis’s contributions to Indonesia in philosophy, political ethics, democracy, interfaith relations, education, and humanity. Father Magnis is known as an intellectual who prioritizes ethical values and human dignity.
