Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) Yogyakarta welcomed representatives from the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) on October 11, 2024 as part of a Learning Tour facilitated by the Institute for Indonesian Academic Partnerships (IIAP). The tour, which brought together MCC leaders and UKDW faculty, aimed to strengthen collaborative efforts in environmental sustainability, peacebuilding, and social justice.
In her opening remarks, UKDW Rector Dr. Wiyatiningsih warmly welcomed the MCC Learning Tour participants, expressing her pleasure in hosting the visit and extending her gratitude for the ongoing collaboration with MCC. She emphasized UKDW’s commitment to expanding partnerships, not only through the Theology faculty but across multiple disciplines. Dr. Wiyatiningsih also shared exciting developments, including plans for a new campus in another part of Yogyakarta, with an initial focus on building a hospital to further support the university’s mission and community impact.
The discussion started with UKDW’s Green Assessment Project, introduced by Rev. Dr. Robert Setio, who currently serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Theology. He mentioned that the project involves a collaborative team from the Faculty of Theology, as well as the Accounting Department and the Statistics Unit at UKDW. This initiative addresses critical challenges faced by communities across Indonesia, including environmental degradation, poverty alleviation, and interfaith harmony. With specific focus areas in East Java and Kalimantan, the Green Assessment Project tackles issues of pollution and deforestation, especially in coastal regions where communities are impacted by annual flooding, waste management challenges, and endemic diseases. Through awareness-building and strategic collaboration, the project aims to empower local communities in creating sustainable, long-term solutions.
“Community engagement begins with awareness,” Dr. Robert explained, “especially when addressing the environmental impacts intensified by poverty. Working alongside government initiatives, we strive to create sustainable responses.”
Survey findings emphasized the importance of understanding community perspectives. The team distributed surveys to gauge awareness of environmental and social justice issues, discovering that basic needs—such as education, health, and equality—must be addressed before sustainability efforts can take root.
Further insights from field research conducted in Pujiharjo, West Java, and Putussibau, West Kalimantan revealed significant variations in disaster awareness and resilience among communities. In Putussibau, where a local community is situated near a major river, deforestation and illegal mining pose serious threats to both the environment and community safety.
The region’s complex socio-ethnic and religious dynamics highlight the delicate balance between development and environmental stewardship. Despite the challenges posed by illegal mining operations, a dedicated community along the river is emerging as a resilient force, showcasing the potential for local action and advocacy in the face of adversity.
MCC’s commitment to grassroots engagement aligns closely with UKDW’s mission. Rev. Dr. Wahju Satria Wibowo, the Vice-Rector for Human Resource Development, Promotion, and Partnership, noted that MCC’s financial support enables the PSPP (Center for the Study and Promotion of Peace) to train individuals across Indonesia, building capacity for local leadership and peace initiatives. “This partnership allows us to collaborate as ‘local thinkers,’ utilizing our research and community connections to make a lasting impact.”
MCC representatives, including Rebecca Bulkholder (MCC Director of International Program) and Rukshan Fernando (MCC US Associate Executive Director), expressed appreciation for UKDW’s dedication to peacebuilding and sustainability. Rebecca highlighted the importance of patience and long-term commitment in building peace, noting that “complexity requires thoughtful, sustained engagement.”
Concluding the event, Dr. Wiyatiningsih thanking MCC for its steadfast support and reaffirming the university’s commitment to its SERU (Sustainable Entrepreneurial Research University) vision. “We hope this collaboration will continue to flourish, allowing us to make meaningful contributions toward peace, sustainability, and social justice in Indonesia,” the Rector remarked.
The Learning Tour underscored the value of mutual learning and international collaboration, as institutions work together to address local issues within a global framework. [drr]