The Indonesian Catholic Scholars Association (ISKA) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the role of Catholic intellectuals in addressing national challenges during its 17th National Congress in East Kalimantan.
The congress, held in Balikpapan and the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) from Sept. 11-13, brought together delegates from various parts of Indonesia to discuss the organization’s strategic direction.
Under the theme “Nurturing Hope, Strengthening National Brotherhood toward a Golden Indonesia 2045: Promoting Justice and Well-being,” the congress opened with a Mass presided over by Archbishop Yustinus Hardjosusanto, MSF of Samarinda.
Delegates discussed issues including democracy, economic inequality, human resource development, artificial intelligence, technological transformation, and the ecological crisis.
During the congress, Luky A. Yusgiantoro was unanimously re-elected chairman of the ISKA Central Presidium for the 2026-2030 term. He previously led the organization from 2022 to 2026.
Luky said ISKA must remain an intellectual organization that is both critical and constructive. He said the association is not a political organization but has a responsibility to prepare competent Catholic cadres to contribute to different areas of national life.
“ISKA is not a political organization. But we have a responsibility to prepare the best cadres to serve in various fields, including politics. This is what we promote as national politics,” he said.
The congress adopted 10 strategic priorities, including strengthening Pancasila as a public ethic, democracy and the rule of law, an inclusive economy, human resource development and education, social cohesion, human rights protection, ethical use of technology and AI, and care for creation.
ISKA also called on Catholic intellectuals to “come down from their ivory towers” and turn their knowledge and expertise into concrete service to society.
On the development of the Nusantara Capital City, the association called for an approach that is inclusive, just, and environmentally sustainable, with the participation of local communities.
ISKA said improving the quality of local human resources is essential so that people in the area become active participants rather than mere spectators of development.
Delegates visited the IKN area on Sept. 12 to observe the development of the new capital firsthand and explore opportunities for Catholic intellectuals to contribute to national development.
The congress reaffirmed ISKA’s role as an intellectual forum, a critical partner of the government and a promoter of dialogue and national fraternity.
The organization said Catholic scholars should make more concrete contributions to advancing justice, social well-being, human dignity, and care for creation.
