On Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 11:02 PM, Father Markus Yumartana, S. J., passed away at St. Elisabeth Hospital in Semarang at the age of 60. He was a Jesuit who contributed significantly to youth formation and parish work. Born on April 27, 1965, in Kokap, Kulon Progo, he was the son of the late Mr. Yohanes Giran and the late Mrs. Margaretha Kemijah. He was baptized at the Church of Santa Maria Bunda Penasihat Baik, in Wates, Kulon Progo, and grew up in Sentolo. He did his primary and junior secondary schools in Sentolo (1972-1981) and senior secondary school at St. Peter Canisius Minor Seminary in Magelang (1981-1985).
Father Yumartana joined the Novitiate of St. Stanislaus, Girisonta, on July 7, 1985, where he made his first vows on July 8, 1987. He then studied philosophy at Driyarkara School of Philosophy in Jakarta for four years (1987-1991). Afterward, he served as a sub-moderator at the Minor Seminary of Mertoyudan during his one-year regency (1991-1992). He was then sent to the Gregorian University in Rome to study theology and obtained his undergraduate degree in theology (1992-1997). During his theological studies, he received diaconal ordination on April 18, 1995, at the hands of Cardinal Achile Silvestrini, and three months later, he was ordained into the priesthood on July 28, 1995, by Cardinal Julius Darmaatmadja at the Church of St. Anthony of Padua in Kotabaru, Yogyakarta.
Following his ordination and theological studies, Father Yumartana taught at Wedabhakti Pontifical Faculty of Theology of Sanata Dharma University and worked as a librarian at St. Ignatius College in Yogyakarta (1997-1999). He made his tertianship at St. Stanislaus College (January 15 to July 15, 1999) under the direction of Father Josephus Darminta, S. J. After completing the tertianship, he studied religious education at Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines (1999-2005). On July 20, 2009, Father Yumartana pronounced his final vows as a professed Jesuit at the chapel of Sanata Dharma University, accepted by Father General Adolfo Nicolas, S.J.
Known for being friendly, open, and close to many people, especially the youth, Father Yumartana reflected on his 30th anniversary of his priestly ordination in late July. He expressed feelings of unworthiness about his role as a priest and emphasized that the priesthood is not for personal gain but for the good of all and as a means to channel God’s blessings.
His assignments after ordination included various teaching and leadership roles, such as a moderator for student ministries and serving as a priest in several locations, including Jakarta and Girisonta. In recent times, his health deteriorated, and he was hospitalized on August 5, 2025. After three days in the hospital and receiving the anointing sacrament for the sick, he passed away.
Father Yumartana’s body will be laid to rest at the Domus Patrum of Kolese Stanislaus, Girisonta, and a Requiem Mass on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by burial at the Cemetery of Taman Maria Ratu Damai. All members of the Province are invited to celebrate a special Mass for his eternal peace.
