Jakarta Theological Seminary is the oldest ecumenical seminary in Indonesia (founded in 1934), distinguished by a strong tradition of scholarship, transformative spirituality, and a vibrant learning community. True to this mission, the Seminary remains committed to advancing theological education, research, and related disciplines, while nurturing spirituality grounded in ecumenical awareness, ensuring its continued place at the forefront of theological education in Indonesia.
A Brief History of Jakarta Theological Seminary
Founding and Early History
Jakarta Theological Seminary (STFT Jakarta) is the oldest ecumenical seminary in Indonesia. It was founded on August 9, 1934, in Bogor, under the name Hoogere Theologishe School (HTS). The first appointed rector was Dr. M.C. Slotemaker de Bruine; however, he never took up the position in person. In his absence, Prof. Dr. Theodor Müller-Krüger served as acting rector from 1934, championing what he termed theologia in loco — a contextual theology he envisioned as deeply rooted in the Indonesia context and fruitful for the churches in Indonesia. At that time, the program spanned six years and was designed to produce Indonesia pastors as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Between 1942 and 1945, during the Japanese occupation, HTS lecturers were imprisoned and classes were suspended, forcing the institution to close. When it reopened in 1946, there was an urgent need to train as many Indonesians as possible for future church ministry within a short period of time. The educational program was accordingly oriented toward an ecumenical perspective.
Institutional Development and Identity
Following the proclamation of the Republic of Indonesia, HTS was developed into a theological institution fully equivalent to a university. on September 27, 1954, it was renamed the Jakarta Theological Seminary, and this date has since been observed as the institution’s anniversary. That same year, a high school diploma was introduced as a minimum entry requirement, and Indonesian officially replaced Dutch as the language of instruction. The ecumenical character of the institution became increasingly prominent, with Indonesian lecturers taking turns serving as rector and students coming from all across the country.
The institution is governed by the Foundation for Theological Colleges in Indonesia (YLPTTI), whose purpose–together with Jakarta Theological Seminary–is to develop and administer theological higher education in Indonesia as a center for theological inquiry, serving the church in the fulfillment of its calling within society.
In 1958, Jakarta Theological Seminary launched its own postgraduate program, and from 1966 onward also participated in the South East Asia Graduate School of Theology (SEAGST), a consortium of theological schools across Southeast Asia that has been notably successful in redirecting advanced theological studies to the Asian region itself.
Social Engagement and Community Outreach
In 1998, Jakarta Theological Seminary became part of Indonesia’s reform movement, with its students actively participating in the City Forum movement, which became a focal point of student activism at the Seminary. Despite their relatively small numbers, Jakarta Theological Seminary students were deeply involved in preparatory meetings and actions that helped usher in the reform era, and the student movement has since continued to monitor and advocate for reform through various peaceful demonstrations.
Around 2003, Jakarta Theological Seminary developed the Church Member Learning Center (PPWG) program, designed to provide educational and training activities for churches, particularly for congregations in and around Jakarta.
Academic Excellence and Achievement
In 2000, the Jakarta Theological Seminary undergraduate program received accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Higher Education (BAN-PT) with a B rating. Upon reaccreditation in 2004, this was raised to an A rating. The Master of Theology program likewise holds A- ranking accreditation, and the Doctor of Theology program holds the distinction of being the first doctoral theology program in Indonesia to be accredited and to achieve an A ranking.
As of the end of 2023, Jakarta Theological Seminary has produced 2,278 Bachelor of Theology (S.Th.) and Bachelor of Science in Theology (S.Si.Teol.) graduates, 488 Master of Theology (M.Th.) graduates (including those from the SEAGST program), 3 Master of Divinity (M.Div.) graduates, 196 Master of Ministry (M.Min.) graduates, 127 Doctor of Theology graduates (including those from the SEAGST program), and 9 Doctor of Ministry graduates.
To this day, Jakarta Theological Seminary remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing education, research, and the development of theology and related disciplines, maintaining its place at the forefront of theological education in Indonesia.
List of Former Rectors/Chairmen of the Jakarta Theological Seminary (Hoogere Theologische School)
Era I: Hoogere Theologische School (HTS) (1934-1954)
| No. | Name | Title | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Dr. M.C. Slotemaker de Bruine | Chancellor | 1934 |
| II | Prof. Dr. Theodor Müller-Krüger | Rector | 1934–1939 |
| III | Prof. Dr. A.J. Rasker | Chancellor | 1939–1946 |
| IV | Prof. Dr. A.J. Rasker | Chancellor (2nd term) | 1946–1948 |
| V | Prof. Dr. M.H. Bolkestein | Chancellor | 1948–1950 |
| VI | Prof. Dr. Theodor Müller-Krüger | Rector (2nd term) | 1950–1951 |
| VII | Prof. Dr. H. Rosin | Chancellor | 1951–1953 |
| VIII | Rev. Prof. Dr. P.D. Latuihamallo | Chancellor | 1953–1954 |
Era II: Jakarta Theological Seminary/STT Jakarta (1954-2015)
| No. | Name | Title | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| IX | Rev. Prof. Dr. P.D. Latuihamallo | Rector (2nd term) | 1954–1957 |
| X | Rev. Drs. Pouw Ie Gan | Chancellor | 1957–1959 |
| XI | Rev. Prof. Dr. R. Soedarmo | Rector | 1959–1962 |
| XII | Rev. Prof. Dr. P.D. Latuihamallo | Rector (3rd term) | 1962–1964 |
| XIII | Rev. Prof. Dr. R. Soedarmo | Rector (2nd term) | 1964–1966 |
| XIV | Rev. Prof. Dr. W.B. Sidjabat | Rector | 1966–1968 |
| XV | Rev. Prof. Dr. P.D. Latuihamallo | Rector (4th term) | 1968–1971 |
| XVI | Rev. Prof. Dr. J.L. Ch. Abineno | Chancellor | 1971–1974 |
| XVII | Rev. Prof. Dr. Ihromi, M.A. | Chancellor | 1974–1977 |
| XVIII | Rev. Prof. Dr. Liem Khiem Yang | Rector | 1977–1981 |
| XIX | Rev. Prof. Dr. Liem Khiem Yang | Rector (2nd term) | 1981–1985 |
| XX | Rev. Prof. Dr. Ihromi, M.A. | Rector (2nd term) | 1985–1988 |
| XXI | Rev. Prof. Dr. Sularso Sopater | Chancellor | 1988–1991 |
| XXII | Rev. Prof. Dr. Liem Khiem Yang | Rector (3rd term) | 1991–1995 |
| XXIII | Rev. Prof. Jan Sihar Aritonang, Ph.D. | Chair | 1995–1999 |
| XXIV | Rev. Robert P. Borrong, Ph.D. | Chairman | 1999–2003 |
| XXV | Rev. Robert P. Borrong, Ph.D. | Chairman (2nd term) | 2003–2007 |
| XXVI | Rev. Prof. Jan Sihar Aritonang, Ph.D. | Chairman (2nd term) | 2007–2011 |
| XXVII | Rev. Prof. Joas Adiprasetya, Th.D. | Chairman | 2011–2015 |
Era III: Jakarta Theological Seminary/STFT Jakarta
| No. | Name | Title | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| XXVIII | Rev. Yusak Soleiman, Ph.D. | Chairman | 2015–2019 |
| XXIX | Rev. Prof. Septemmy E. Lakawa, Th.D. | Chairman | 2019–2023 |
| XXX | Rev. Prof. Binsar J. Pakpahan, Ph.D. | Head | 2023–2027 |