By FX Juli Pramana
INDONESIA – The Kanisius Foundation, one of Indonesia’s oldest Catholic educational institutions, marked its 107th anniversary this October, reaffirming its mission to provide quality, faith-based education for children across Central Java — especially those in rural communities.
Founded in 1918 by Dutch Jesuit missionaries led by Fr Fransiskus van Lith, SJ, in Muntilan—known as the “Bethlehem of Java”—the Foundation has become a cornerstone of Catholic education in the region.
It began as Canisius Vereniging (Canisius Association) and later became Canisius Stichting (Canisius Foundation) in 1927. In 1940, ownership was transferred to the Apostolic Vicariate of Semarang, now the Archdiocese of Semarang.
“The entire Kanisius family gives thanks for God’s continuous guidance and blessings through the years,” said Fr. Johanes Heru Hendarto, SJ, chairman of the Central Kanisius Foundation.
A century of Catholic education
Kanisius schools have long served as bridges of opportunity for children from ordinary families. Today, the Foundation runs 186 schools across Central Java Province, employing 1,076 teachers and serving 17,892 students.
Most campuses are located in rural communities, staying true to the founders’ goal “to provide educational opportunities for the children of the common people in both villages and cities who otherwise would not have access to education.”
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