Castio Richardo Ludji, a student from the Faculty of Business at Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) Yogyakarta, has been selected to represent UKDW at the International Youth Meeting in Taizé, France. The event, hosted by the Taizé Community, runs from July 16 to October 11, 2024.
Castio’s selection was made by the Campus Ministry UKDW (LPKKSK), which supports the Taizé Prayer Team (Tim DNTZ) at UKDW. This decision was made in collaboration with Rev. Dr. Jozef M.N. Hehanusa, a lecturer at the Faculty of Theology, who also serves as a liaison between UKDW and the Taizé Community.
Adham Khrisna Satria, a staff member of the Campus Ministry, highlighted Castio’s longstanding commitment to ecumenism, dating back to high school. In his hometown of Kupang, Castio successfully engaged both the Catholic Church and the GMIT congregation in ecological efforts, including the planting of 10,000 trees in deforested areas.
Castio’s extensive ecumenical network includes strong ties with church leaders across Indonesia, both Protestant and Catholic. In Yogyakarta, he has fostered connections with Catholic monasteries, promoting trust and cooperation between UKDW and these religious communities.
Castio is the first UKDW representative from the Faculty of Business, marking a significant shift since the 1990s, when only theology students were sent. This selection reflects the evolving inclusivity of the Tim DNTZ, which now welcomes students from all faculties and traditions.
The Faculty of Business has endorsed Castio’s participation and supports his travel expenses. Castio has committed to developing spiritual programs within the Business Faculty upon his return. His family’s support and his enthusiasm underscore the potential for further growth in this area.
LPKKSK, in cooperation with the Faculty of Business, Office of Student Affais, Alumni, and Career Development, and Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Alumni, Information, and Innovation of UKDW, is funding Castio’s travel. LPKKSK hopes Castio’s experience will inspire other students to engage in spiritual activities with the Tim DNTZ. They also hope he will share his experiences from Taizé with the Tim DNTZ members and the national DNTZ network.
The ultimate goal is to ensure the continued participation of UKDW students in Taizé meetings, maintaining and strengthening the relationship between the Taizé Community and UKDW. [LPKKSK.Adham/trans.drr]