Catholic University in Indonesia Installs New Rector

The Widya Mandira Catholic University (UNWIRA) in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara Province (NTT), has installed Fr. Stefanus Lio, SVD, as its new rector for the 2025–2029 term.

The solemn ceremony, held on Monday (22/09/2025) at Aula St. Hendrikus, Rectorate Building, Penfui, marked the beginning of a new chapter for one of East Nusa Tenggara’s leading Catholic universities.

Affectionately known as Fr. Stef, he succeeds Very Rev. Dr. Philipus Tule, SVD, who served as rector for two consecutive terms from 2017 to 2025. With this appointment, Fr. Lio becomes the seventh rector of UNWIRA, entrusted with strengthening its academic excellence, deepening its Catholic identity, and fostering service inspired by the spirituality of St. Arnold Janssen, founder of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD).

The inauguration was presided over by Rev. Dr. Ubaldus Djonda, SVD, M.A., Chairman of the Catholic Education Foundation Arnoldus (YAPENKAR), the university’s governing body.

The celebration was attended by Bro. Salomon Leki, SVD, Provincial of the SVD Timor Province, SVD priests, SSpS sisters, diocesan clergy, academic partners, and the university community.

In his address, Fr. Djonda reminded those present that the rector’s duty is not only administrative but also spiritual, saying, “UNWIRA must be a common home where the good of the university stands above personal or group interests.”

He also commended the leadership of outgoing rector Fr. Tule, under whose guidance the university produced more than 11,000 graduates now serving in various capacities across Indonesia and abroad.

In his inaugural speech, Fr. Lio emphasized that his role is first and foremost a call to serve. “The call to serve is a moral responsibility to uphold academic integrity, justice, and inclusiveness. Spiritually, it is a call to be a servant for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the wider community,” he said.

Recalling the university’s motto, Ut Vitam Habeant Abundantius (“That They May Have Life in Abundance”), he stressed that education, research, and community service must lead to human dignity and reveal God’s love in society.

UNWIRA, Universitas Katolik Widya Mandira, was officially established on March 25, 1982, by YAPENKAR under the leadership of then-Bishop of Kupang, Mgr. Gregorius Monteiro, SVD.

Today, UNWIRA serves more than 6,000 students, supported by around 300 faculty members across nine faculties and 25 study programs, ranging from Philosophy, Theology, and Law to Economics, Social and Political Sciences, Teacher Training, Engineering, Agriculture, and Health Sciences. Over the decades, the university has established itself as a beacon of Catholic higher education in NTT, committed to forming graduates who combine intellectual competence with faith, integrity, and service.

As he begins his rectorship, Fr. Lio encouraged the UNWIRA community to face the challenges of higher education with courage and creativity. “Together, we must dream boldly, work with faith, and remain open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In this way, UNWIRA will continue to fulfill its mission to bring abundant life to the youth of NTT, the Church, and the nation,” he concluded.

For UNWIRA, this new leadership represents not only a transition but also a renewal of vision and mission. Rooted in faith and guided by the charism of St. Arnold Janssen, the university stands firm in its identity as a Catholic institution of learning and service, so that all may have life and have it abundantly.