Theologian Fr. Bagus Laksana Appointed Indonesian Jesuit Provincial

A theologian and expert in the humanities, Fr. Albertus Bagus Laksana, SJ, has been appointed as the new Provincial of the Indonesian Province of the Society of Jesus, effective July 2026.

Fr. Bagus currently serves as rector of Sanata Dharma University, Yogyakarta, in central Java, Indonesia.

The appointment was announced by Jesuit Superior General Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, on March 25, 2026, coinciding with the Feast of the Annunciation.

With this appointment, leadership of the Indonesian Jesuit Province will transition from Fr. Benedictus “Benny” Hari Juliawan, SJ, who has served as provincial for the past six years.

Fr. Bagus has long been engaged in the fields of social sciences and the humanities. He completed his undergraduate studies in social and cultural philosophy at Driyarkara School of Philosophy, Jakarta, earned his master’s degree in theology from Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Massachusetts, USA, and obtained his doctorate in theology from Boston College, Massachusetts, USA.

He has also served as a lecturer at Boston College and Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. In 2012, he returned to Indonesia and began teaching theology at the Faculty of Theology of Sanata Dharma University.

At the university, he has worked to develop a vision of public theology, with a particular focus on issues related to nationhood. His academic work and interest in interreligious studies have taken him to various countries, deepening his engagement with different faith traditions.

Fr. Bagus emphasizes attentiveness to human realities as central to academic and social engagement. “I believe that we do not work for rewards or recognition. If appreciation comes, we accept it with gratitude, but that is not the reason we work,” he said.

Through his work, he seeks to promote mutual understanding among religious communities and to contribute to a more dialogical and contextually grounded approach to Catholic theology in a pluralistic society.

He also aims to address broader societal challenges, including religious radicalism and fundamentalism, particularly through engagement with students and academic communities.

“Learning is not only about becoming intelligent, but also about becoming more human. Yet, to be truly human, one must also be intelligent enough to respond to life,” Fr. Bagus said.

In the Society of Jesus, provincials are typically appointed for a six-year term. Unlike many other religious orders, Jesuit provincials, and certain key leadership positions, are appointed directly by the Superior General rather than elected.