Celebrating 170 Years of Ursuline in Indonesia: “Resilient in Love”

12/10/2026

 

The journey of the Ursuline mission in Indonesia began in 1856, when seven Ursuline Sisters from Sittard arrived in Batavia (now Jakarta). What began with the courage and dedication of those pioneering Sisters gradually grew into a mission that has touched the lives of generations through education and service. For 170 years, the Ursuline mission has continued to grow and deepen its roots. With gratitude for all that has been planted, nurtured, and passed on from one generation to another, we came together in a joyful celebration of thanksgiving for 170 years of Ursuline mission in Indonesia.

The celebration of 170 years of Ursuline mission in Indonesia was held through an Education Festival at Istora Senayan, Jakarta, on 10–11 September 2026. This meaningful milestone brought together five Ursuline schools from the Jakarta–Banten region: St. Maria School Jakarta, St. Ursula School Jakarta, St. Theresia School Jakarta, St. Vincentius School Jakarta, and St. Ursula School BSD, Banten.

Carrying the theme “Resilient in Love”, the 170th anniversary celebration created a space for learning, sharing, creativity, and celebrating the Ursuline mission in education in Indonesia. Throughout the two-day festival, visitors were invited to experience the richness and diversity of Ursuline education through the Ursuline Schools Exhibition, Universities Exhibition, alumni booths, food and product booths, competitions, and the Extracurricular Festival Stage, where students from five Ursuline schools shared their creativity, talents, and enthusiasm.

The festival reflected the Ursuline understanding of education as a holistic journey. Education is not only about the pursuit of knowledge, but also about nurturing character, creativity, courage, compassion, and a spirit of service. It is a journey that encourages every young person to grow into a person who is ready to contribute meaningfully to others and to the world.

The highlight of the celebration was the musical drama “Pearl from the East: The Flame of Martha Christina Tiahahu”, a grand collaborative performance that brought together students, educators, orchestras, and choirs  from Ursuline schools in Jakarta and Banten. Through music, movement, and storytelling, the performance presented the inspiring story of Martha Christina Tiahahu, a National Hero of Indonesia from Maluku Island, whose life embodied courage, love for her homeland, resilience, sacrifice, and faithfulness to the values she held dear.

Her story resonated deeply with the theme “Resilient in Love.” True resilience is not merely the strength to endure challenges, but also the courage to remain rooted in love, hope, and one’s deepest convictions. Her journey became an invitation for the Ursuline educational community to continue forming young people who are courageous in facing the challenges of their time and compassionate in responding to the needs of others.

Amid the joy and gratitude of this celebration, we also invited everyone to remember those who continue to face challenges in pursuing their education. As a tangible expression of LOVE, assistance from this celebration will be channelled through the Ursuline Scholarship Foundation (Yayasan Beasiswa Ursulin) to support those in need in continuing their education.

May the celebration of 170 years of Ursuline mission in Indonesia serve not only as a moment to honour a long journey of service in education, but also as an invitation to continue moving forward with courage, resilience, and love—remaining faithful to the mission of educating and serving future generations. 
 

The Opening Ceremony of the 170th celebration was marked by the symbolic ringing of the bell, represented by the Chairpersons of the Foundations of the five Ursuline schools, the Organising Committee Chairperson, and alumni representatives.

Sr. Susan Flood, OSU, Prioress General of the Ursulines of the Roman Union, together with Sr. Lita Hasanah, OSU, Provincial of the Ursuline Indonesia, and Sr. Moekti Gondosasmito, OSU for the flower presentation marking her presence.

Ursuline Sisters from around the world, gathered in Indonesia for the Formators’ Meeting, also joined The Opening Ceremony of the 170th celebration of Ursuline in Indonesia.

A special moment bringing together 620 members of the cast, choir, orchestra, and MCs for a group photo with Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, Archbishop of Jakarta.