UKDW Hosts ATESEA Doctoral Colloquium 2025, Strengthening Global Theological Dialogue
Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) once again played a key role on the international theological stage as it welcomed participants of the 2025 ATESEA Doctoral Colloquium. Held from June 24 to 26 in collaboration with the Association for Theological Education in Southeast Asia (ATESEA), the event brought together doctoral students and renowned scholars from across Asia and North America.Conducted in a hybrid format, with its main venue at RPCB Syantikara in Yogyakarta, the colloquium reflected ATESEA’s confidence in UKDW as a collaborative partner in fostering meaningful theological dialogue within today’s global academic landscape.
In his opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Theology, Prof. Robert Setio, emphasized the importance of theology that responds meaningfully to contemporary challenges. “Theological research must serve as a hopeful and critical response to a wounded world,” he said. “We envision this colloquium as a sincere and profound space for reflection and growth.”
The 2025 ATESEA Doctoral Colloquium provided a platform for 16 doctoral candidates from ATESEA-affiliated institutions to present the progress of their dissertations, engage with expert respondents, and receive constructive academic feedback to deepen their research.
Dr. Limuel Equina, Executive Director of ATESEA, noted that the colloquium goes beyond academic presentation, serving as a formative space for emerging theological leaders. He expressed hope that participants would gain not only scholarly input but also meaningful connections with peers and senior scholars across Asia—relationships that could shape the future of contextual and transformative theology in seminaries, churches, and broader communities.
A key feature of this year’s colloquium was its collaboration with the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States and Canada. Dr. Lester Edwin Ruiz, ATS Director of Accreditation and Global Engagement, played a crucial role in facilitating participation from North American scholars and attended the event in person. His presence was complemented by contributions from leading Asian theologians such as Prof. Menghun Goh (Taiwan Graduate School of Theology) and Prof. Tobias Brandner (Divinity School, Chung Chi College, Chinese University of Hong Kong), who helped curate regional respondents.
Among the prominent figures who engaged directly with students were Dr. Simon Chan, former professor of theology at Trinity Theological College, Singapore, and former editor of the Asia Journal of Theology; Dr. Ruiz of ATS; and UKDW’s own Prof. Setio. Their participation offered students a rare opportunity to dialogue with internationally respected theological thinkers.
“Finally, let me extend my deepest gratitude to the Faculty of Theology of UKDW under the leadership of Prof. Robert Setio for serving as the host of this year’s doctoral colloquium. The team he appointed, under the guidance of Dr. Paulus Widjaja, has done an impressive job in preparing for this event,” said Dr. Equina.
The hybrid format of the colloquium also enabled broader participation from the academic community, underscoring ATESEA’s and UKDW’s shared commitment to inclusive, accessible, and collaborative theological education.
Through this event, UKDW and ATESEA continue to strengthen their mission of advancing contextual, impactful theological research. The Doctoral Colloquium remains a vital space for shaping the next generation of theologians—leaders equipped with the integrity, insight, and resilience needed to navigate a complex and changing world. [drr]
