WUJA PRE-CONGRESS PREPARATIONS:
Jakarta, May 4, 2026 – The preparatory committee of the World Union Jesuit Alumni (WUJA) Congress held another coordination meeting to strengthen strategic steps ahead of the pre-congress implementation. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Elman and attended by the Steering Committee (SC) and Organizing Committee (OC).
This meeting emphasized that the WUJA pre-congress activities are not just an introductory agenda, but an important space to filter ideas, build a collective identity of Jesuit alumni, and design real collaborations across regions and generations.
Four Stages of Pre-Congress
During the meeting, it was agreed that the pre-congress would be divided into four main stages:
Mapping Ideas and Figures
The first stage aims to narrow down the main topics and attract competent speakers from the alumni community. This forum is a space to explore ideas that will be brought to the main congress. Expected outcome: strategic discussion points.
Drafting an Identity Manifesto
The focus of the second phase is on fundamental questions: Who are we as Jesuit alumni? It is hoped that a manifesto of shared identity will emerge as the basis for a sustainable alumni movement and engagement.
Designing a Governance Framework
The third stage touches on the implementation aspects: how to form a working structure, roles, and governance that involves various stakeholders, from Jesuit schools, alumni, to supporting organizations. The final result is a collaborative manual.
Real Collaboration Model
The fourth stage became a moment of concretization of ideas through the design of a collaboration model between alumni and institutions. This is a tangible form of the spirit of partners in mission. The focus is on collaborative actions that can be widely adopted and sustainable.
Target Time and Communication Strategy
George, chair of the SC, emphasized that although the initial estimate was quite tight, there is currently time until the end of the first quarter of 2026 to complete the entire pre-congress series. This gives room for deepening the material and wider engagement.
Meanwhile, in terms of communication, it is proposed to develop narratives of alumni figures from various communities as internal publication content. This is intended to strengthen the sense of belonging and active involvement of alumni communities around the world.
The Role of Schools and Alumni
In the discussion, there was also a critical reflection on the importance of introducing the spirit of Jesuit alumni from school days, not after graduation. Jesuit education needs to nurture relationships with its alumni early and continuously.
“Alumni are not only products of the school but also partners in mission. So, the relationship must be designed from the beginning,” said Adhi Anondo in the reflection session.
Global Collaboration and Strategic Plan
One of the highlights of the discussion was the idea to develop a strategic plan for the next four years post-congress. This plan reflects the continuity of alumni commitment in responding to various local and global issues through a contextual and adaptive Jesuit spirit.
Thus, the WUJA pre-congress is not only a momentum of reflection, but also the beginning of a more structured, collaborative, and impactful Jesuit alumni movement.
Contributor: Markus Budiraharjo – IASM/Ikatan Alumni Seminari Mertoyudan
