32nd ASEACCU Annual Conference 2026: SDU-UAJY Collaboration Brings Delegates from Different Countries Together to Foster Dialogue and Hope
SDU – From August 19–21, 2026, the 32nd ASEACCU (The Association of Southeast and East Asian Catholic Colleges and Universities) Annual Conference was held in Yogyakarta, at Sanata Dharma University and Atma Jaya University Yogyakarta. The conference brought together participants from 12 countries across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia, including Indonesia.
Sanata Dharma University sent several students to participate in the conference: Adenta Schrabelia Priyatmoko from Pharmacy, Media Putri Baroto from Economics, Jason Montero Hartawan from History, and Marcella Olivia Tamara Wibawa from Mathematics Education. Through Panel Discussions, Student Workshops, and various other sessions, participants were invited to explore how higher education can help individuals develop intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.
The initial encounters at ASEACCU 2026 provided a meaningful space for delegates to embrace the values of the 4Cs through the warmth of Yogyakarta’s hospitality. From warm greetings in the hotel lobby and lively laughter on the bus to walking together during the city walk, the delegates developed their competence by gaining new global perspectives while embodying conscience and compassion to bridge differences in a human-centered way. These simple moments encouraged participants to respect one another and fostered a genuine commitment to learning and growing together, turning diversity into a bridge of friendship and paving the way for deeper intercultural dialogue in the sessions that followed.
The workshop, held at Sanata Dharma University’s Paingan Campus 3 on August 19, 2026, was one of the activities that invited Student Delegates to revisit the values of Wisdom Tradition and explore their relevance to everyday life. Through discussions and reflections, participants were encouraged to share their experiences and explore diversity from various cultural backgrounds.
The activity continued with a meditation session before the participants returned to the second workshop session. In this session, the Student Delegates were invited to reflect on the sources of courage, drive, and motivation, symbolized by the element of fire, as well as the values that help maintain inner strength and balance, represented by the symbol of water. This reflection fostered an awareness of the importance of having the courage to take action, resilience in facing challenges, and humility in remaining grounded in human values.
One of the delegates from Sanata Dharma University, Adenta Schrabelia Priyatmoko, a Pharmacy student representing Indonesia as a student panelist, presented her experience in community healthcare services and patient counselling under the title “From Wounds to Hope: Integrating Advanced Wound Care and Human-Centered Diabetes Care for Human Flourishing.” Adenta highlighted how innovation can be applied to address real-world needs, including the use of hydrogels in wound care to help create an environment that supports the healing process. “Technology does not have to replace the human side of healthcare. Instead, technology should work for humanity,” said Adenta.
In addition to attending the keynote speeches and workshops, the participants were introduced to one of Indonesia’s cultural traditions through the Ramayana Ballet, which they watched live at Prambanan Temple on August 20, 2026. The Ramayana tells the story of Rama’s efforts to rescue his wife, Sinta, who was abducted by Rahwana. Through the performance, the participants were introduced to the story of the enduring love between Sinta and Rama as they faced challenges and obstacles in their relationship. The Prambanan Ramayana Ballet offered the participants a unique experience, featuring a spectacular fireworks display, followed by an opportunity to take photos with the dancers at the end of the performance.
Therefore, ASEACCU 2026 was not merely a conference, but a learning space that guided us in translating the values of the 4Cs into concrete action. This reflection was experienced firsthand by the delegates. Adenta stated, “ASEACCU 2026 demonstrated that knowledge should not remain merely as insight. We must be able to see people as whole human beings and bring real hope through collaboration.”
Similarly, Jason shared, “ASEACCU 2026 also provided an opportunity to broaden my perspective and better prepare myself to promote Human Flourishing and The Good Life, because all living beings deserve them.”
(ASEACCU Delegates 2026)