UKDW Strengthens International Partnership with California Prestige University Through Proposed Joint Ph.D. Program
As a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Duta Wacana Christian University (UKDW) and California Prestige University (CPU), USA, the UKDW Faculty of Theology welcomed Rev. Hongsok Lee, a representative of CPU, on May 26, 2026. The meeting focused on exploring a range of international collaboration opportunities between the two institutions.
The discussion was attended by Rev. Wahju Satria Wibowo, Ph.D., Vice Rector for Human Resource Development, Promotion, and Partnerships; Rev. Prof. Robert Setio, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Theology; Rev. Handi Hadiwitanto, Ph.D., Vice Dean for Academic Affairs of the Faculty of Theology; Rev. Paulus Sugeng Widjaja, MAPS, Ph.D., Head of the Doctoral Program in Theology; and Rev. Jeniffer Fresy Porielly Pelupessy-Wowor, M.A., Head of Office of Partnerships and Public Relations at UKDW.
One of the key topics discussed was the potential establishment of a Joint Ph.D. Program between UKDW and CPU. The proposed program is intended for Korean pastors and missionaries serving in Indonesia who already hold master’s degrees, university lecturers seeking doctoral qualifications, and Indonesian church leaders interested in pursuing advanced theological studies.
The program is also designed to accommodate Korean pastors who have recently arrived in Indonesia and are in the process of learning the Indonesian language. Through this initiative, both institutions aim to provide a more inclusive and cross-cultural theological education experience.
During the discussions, the two universities explored a hybrid learning model that would combine intensive in-person sessions at UKDW with online instruction delivered in English, Korean, and Indonesian. CPU also introduced the possibility of integrating artificial intelligence (AI)-based learning technologies to support teaching and learning activities.
Responding to the proposal, Rev. Paulus Sugeng Widjaja emphasized the importance of ensuring that the program complies with accreditation standards and regulatory requirements in the United States.
“UKDW is open to this collaboration. However, all aspects of the program must comply with applicable regulations to ensure that the partnership is mutually beneficial and academically sound,” he said.
In addition to the Joint Ph.D. Program, UKDW and CPU discussed several other areas of potential collaboration, including student exchange programs, faculty exchange initiatives, and joint research projects. The discussion also explored opportunities for ministry cooperation through practical partnerships involving UKDW’s church networks and Korean pastors and missionaries.
The partnership is expected to expand UKDW’s international network, particularly through connections with South Korean partner institutions such as Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary (PUTS), Seoul Women’s University, and Soongsil University.
During the meeting, Rev. Lee emphasized that international collaboration should extend beyond academic cooperation to include cultural engagement. One promising area, he noted, is the development of Korean language and cultural programs at UKDW that could be linked to cultural promotion initiatives supported by the South Korean government.
Concluding the discussion, Rev. Handi Hadiwitanto highlighted several collaborative initiatives that could be implemented in the near future. These include joint lectures co-taught by faculty members from UKDW and CPU and attended by students from both universities, as well as jointly organized public lectures and academic forums.
“A joint degree program is certainly feasible, although it may not be realized this year. In the future, it could serve as an important platform for Korean pastors and missionaries serving in Indonesia,” said Rev. Handi.
In his closing remarks, Rev. Lee underscored the importance of ensuring that academic partnerships generate meaningful benefits for churches and communities while simultaneously strengthening the global networks of both institutions.
The discussions reflect UKDW’s ongoing commitment to expanding international collaboration and fostering academic partnerships that promote educational excellence, intercultural understanding, and meaningful engagement with communities across borders.
By ai | Ed. (ENG): drr
