BK2-PTKI National Gathering Highlights Holistic Strategies for Christian Student Development
The BK2-PTKI (Student Affairs Board under Indonesia’s Christian Universities Consortium) held its National Gathering (Pernas) under the theme “Strategies for Holistic Christian Student Development.” The event took place on July 3–4, 2025, at the Koinonia Auditorium, Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
The gathering brought together 29 participants from 20 Christian universities across Indonesia, including Vice Rectors for Student Affairs and representatives from student ministry units. As part of BK2-PTKI’s ongoing agenda, this annual forum serves to enhance collaboration and synergy among Christian higher education institutions, particularly in the field of student affairs. Through in-depth discussions and thematic sessions, participants worked to formulate practical, strategic approaches to support the holistic development of students on their respective campuses.
The 2025 National Gathering was structured into four main sessions. The first session, titled “Foundation and Realities: Whole Person Education and Mental Health on Christian Campuses Today,” was held on July 3 and organized in conjunction with the Chaplaincy Forum. The session explored the increasing importance of addressing students’ mental health while promoting whole-person education rooted in Christian values.
Sessions two through four took place on July 4. The second session focused on sharing best practices around the theme “Strengthening Governance and Christian Student Organizations as Platforms for Developing Future Christian Leaders.” Speakers included Dr. Ied Veda Rimrosa Sitepu, Vice Rector for Student Affairs at UKI Jakarta, Dr. Frans Robert Bethony, Vice Rector for Student Affairs at UKI Toraja, and Dr. Endo Wijaya Kartika, Director of Student Affairs at Petra Christian University. Each speaker shared institutional experiences and programs designed to support student growth in a holistic manner, with particular emphasis on character building, leadership development, and social engagement.
A key message that emerged during the discussion was the strategic role of student mentors. Rather than merely acting as supervisors, mentors are seen as active companions in the developmental journey of students. They play a crucial role in shaping resilient, creative, and ethical young leaders. The ultimate goal is to nurture graduates who not only excel academically but also possess strong leadership qualities and a sincere commitment to contributing to society.
The third session addressed the theme “Building Christian Alumni Networks to Support Students’ Career Paths and Ministry Engagement.” This session featured Dr. I Wayan Ruspendi Junaedi, Vice Rector for Student Affairs at Dhyana Pura University, and Atanasius Emillio Gary Waluyohadi, Head of Career and Alumni Development at Ciputra University. Both speakers underscored the vital importance of fostering strong communication and long-term relationships with alumni as a key element in supporting student development. They shared a range of strategies their institutions have implemented to build effective alumni networks that not only offer career guidance but also inspire ongoing participation in ministry and service. Creating synergy between alumni and students was seen as a sustainable model for long-term impact.
The final session concluded with the election of the new BK2-PTKI board for the 2025–2026 term, followed by initial coordination for the 2026 National Gathering. Outcomes from the entire meeting will be compiled into a set of joint recommendations, which are expected to contribute significantly to enhancing the quality of student affairs programs across Indonesia’s Christian universities. [humasukdw/tr.drr]
