The Inaugural Jesuit Indonesia Open Golf Tournament
On Friday, September 11, 2026, the Indonesian Jesuits officially hosted their inaugural Jesuit Indonesia Open Golf Tournament at the Damai Indah Golf – PIK Course in North Jakarta. This landmark event marked the first time the Indonesian Jesuits organized a golf tournament to raise vital funds for the Arca Seminarii (formation of young Jesuits) and Arca Praevisionis (care for elderly Jesuits who have dedicated their lives to the Society’s mission).
Led by primary organizer Father Effendi Kusuma Sunur, S.J., the event drew prominent figures including Provincial Father Albertus Bagus Laksana, S.J., and renowned theologian Father Franz Magnis Suseno, S.J. The tournament expressed deep gratitude for the enduring love and support shown to the Society over the years. Approximately 148 golfers, largely drawn from the alumni networks of Indonesian Jesuit colleges, took to the course alongside an enthusiastic community of sponsors, donors, and parish volunteers.
The tournament commenced at 12:30 PM with a ceremonial tee-off. Among those striking the first symbolic shots under the scorching midday sun were Father Tiro, S.J., Father Spillane, S.J., and Father Effendi, S.J. The tournament’s centerpiece was its highly prestigious rotating trophy. More than just a prize, this unique trophy bears the historic signatures of Father General Arturo Sosa, S.J., and Pope Francis—blessed and signed during the Pontiff’s recent apostolic visit to Indonesia. Moved by the vibrant spirit of the young Indonesian Jesuits, the Pope extended his blessing through this token. The Society hopes this trophy will inspire an annual tradition, fostering ongoing donor engagement and strengthening the mission of collaboration.
Over the five-hour, 18-hole course, players navigated the challenging greens in groups of four. While the scorching heat tested their endurance, the golfers’ enthusiasm never wavered—buoyed by the camaraderie at course shelters and the thrilling, high-stakes pursuit of grand prizes at select holes. Ultimately, the day proved that the fairway could indeed become a warm space for profound generosity.
Encounters of Faith and Fellowship
The spirit of the tournament extended far beyond the fairways. At the course shelters, several scholastics—young men currently in the philosophy stage of formation—warmly greeted golfers with light refreshments. As the direct beneficiaries of the Arca Seminarii fund, these young faces of the Society transformed simple hospitality into deep, meaningful encounters. Golfers eagerly asked about their formation journeys, offering words of heartfelt encouragement that enlivened the shelters and turned fleeting moments into lasting bonds.
This sense of connection flowed seamlessly into the evening’s dinner and social gathering in the main hall. The evening commenced with a beautifully sung Salve Regina prayer, led by two philosophy scholastics and an organizing committee member. The program featured official remarks, sponsor acknowledgments, award announcements, and a highly anticipated art auction. The auctioned paintings included stunning religious reproductions—some bearing the historic signature of Pope Francis—with all proceeds directly supporting the Arca Seminarii and Arca Praevisionis funds.
A Mission to the Frontiers
The atmosphere was vibrant and convivial. In his address, Provincial Father Bagus Laksana reflected on the day’s “warmth, freshness, fraternity, and joy,” expressing profound gratitude to the donors.
In a moving update on the Indonesian Province, Father Bagus shared that the Jesuits continue to receive invitations to serve in some of the country’s most remote and challenging regions, including Kalimantan and Papua. Amid ecological crises and socio-political turmoil that threaten local communities, the Jesuits are called to accompany the isolated and marginalized. Furthermore, the Bishop of Timika has also invited the Society to establish a new minor seminary in Papua.
“The Society requires sustainability and the development of our young scholastics—ensuring they receive the best possible education,” Father Bagus emphasized, noting that these young men will eventually be sent to these very frontiers. He underscored that the evening’s fundraising directly secures this top-tier education while simultaneously guaranteeing dignified healthcare for senior Jesuits who have already given their lives to the mission.
The tournament beautifully demonstrated a spirit of reciprocity—a mutual exchange of grace and gratitude. Closing the evening, the Provincial expressed his hope that this collaborative engagement will grow into an annual tradition, strengthening the bonds of solidarity and fellowship among all united by a shared commitment to serving others.
