107 Years of Igniting Futures:

On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the family of Kanisius Foundation celebrated its 107th anniversary, honouring the mission started by Father van Lith, a Dutch Jesuit missionary. The event expressed gratitude for God’s presence for nearly a century. The theme “Smart, Safe, and Caring” reflects the Foundation’s future goals as it prepares for its 110th anniversary in 2028. The Eucharist celebration was held at each branch; Kanisius Yogyakarta gathered at the Immaculate Virgin Mary Catholic Church of Nanggulan, led by the Parish Priest Fr. Martinus Suharianto and Fr. Heru Hendarto, S.J. while Kanisius Semarang met at Karangpanas Parish, led by the Parish Priest Fr. Adolfus Suratmo Atmomartaya and Fr. Aria Dewanto, S.J.

Kanisius Today
Currently, Kanisius Foundation oversees 186 schools, ranging from day care to senior and vocational high schools, with 1,322 teachers and employees, and 17,892 students across four branches: Semarang, Yogyakarta, Magelang, and Surakarta. At one point, the foundation, founded on October 21, 1918, educated more than 35,000 students in 350 schools in the Archdiocese of Semarang area. As it developed and faced various challenges over the past few decades, this number slowly decreased. Faced with various challenges, the Kanisius Foundation continues to improve.

Learning in this Fast-Changing World
In celebration of its 107th anniversary, the Foundation supports teachers and students in acquiring new skills. On October 10, 2025, at Kurmosari Kindergarten, teachers from Kanisius Semarang and other Catholic Foundations for Education participated in the “Kanisius Study Day: Best Practices of Reflective Pedagogy Paradigm,” which included a book review of “Men and Women for Others” by Father Melkyor Pando, S. J. The event featured presentations by Yohanes Martono, the Principal of Kanisius Argotiloso Sukorejo Junior High School, and Yohana Rosana Meiwati, the Principal of Kanisius Sanjaya Sukorejo Elementary School. They discussed how personal care has fostered a supportive school environment, strengthened relationships among staff, helped students grow according to their abilities, and improved access for parents.

Father Melkyor Pando highlighted the ongoing importance of the Jesuit educational vision in today’s changing era. He emphasized the need to cultivate the 4Cs: competence, compassion, commitment, and conscience. Additionally, on October 10-11, 2025, 28 Kanisius Foundation teachers from Semarang, Surakarta, and Yogyakarta participated in a Focus Group Discussion on using AI for Deep Learning through project-based learning with Father A. P. Danang Bramasti, S.J, and Mr. T. Sarkim, Ph.D.

Ignatian Parenting and Safeguarding
Kanisius Girisonta Elementary School also held an Ignatian Parenting session on Friday, October 17, 2025. Under the theme Becoming Wise Parents in the Digital Era, parents were invited to partner with the school in guiding their children amidst the challenges of the digital world, which are worrying for the development of the younger generation. Furthermore, safeguarding outreach and training have now been completed for every teacher in all branches. This ongoing outreach to children and parents is expected to make Kanisius schools a safe place for children to grow and develop, adding to the value ​​of Kanisius schools, in addition to educating a young generation that is intelligent and cares about others and their surroundings.

Golden Rings: 25 Years of Dedication
The anniversary celebration at Kanisius Semarang is special this year, as four teachers are being recognized for serving for over 25 years. Kanisius Foundation of Semarang honoured these educators with gold rings for their dedication and impact. They are:

• Mrs. Ika Purbiantari, the principal of Kanisius Raden Patah Junior High School, promotes religious tolerance in the multicultural environment.
• Mrs. Tutik Supriyanti, a kindergarten teacher at Kanisius Kaliwinong, nurtures children holistically, blending Catholic values with literacy skills despite limited resources.
• Mr. Agustinus Suwasma connects cultural values through activities like lion dance performances during the Chinese New Year.
• Mr. Felix Yanik Sargunadi is acknowledged for his behind-the-scenes efforts at the Foundation’s Central Office.

Mrs. Rini Kusumawati, the head of the Semarang Branch, stated that despite rising gold prices, the Foundation is committed to recognizing the loyalty and dedication of its teachers.

Be the Men and Women for Others
The Chairperson of Management Board of Kanisius Foundation, Father Heru Hendarto, urged everyone to develop holistic intelligence, which includes emotional, spiritual, and skill awareness. This growth helps individuals to feel comfortable with themselves and others, encourages kindness, and fosters mutual respect. People are encouraged to care for others, for those in need, and for nature, highlighting that everyone is meant to be caring. As Kanisius Foundation celebrates its 107th anniversary, it hopes that those educated there become more grateful and loving, recognizing their work as a divine mission, ultimately producing intelligent, noble, and compassionate change agents for the world.

Contributor: Sch. Engelbertus Viktor Daki, S.J.