History

Faculty of Philosophy – Parahyangan Catholic University (UNPAR)

The Faculty of Philosophy (FF) holds a unique position within Parahyangan Catholic University (UNPAR) compared to other faculties. Its origins trace back to the Catholic Church’s need for priests and religious leaders, which led to the establishment of an educational institution for prospective priests: the High Seminary of the Order of the Holy Cross (OSC) in Bandung. From the outset, the institution was envisioned as part of UNPAR, though its integration occurred gradually.

In the mid-1960s, Catholic Church leaders in West Java explored ways to improve educational quality through faculty collaboration. As a result, on January 1, 1969, a new institution was established in Bandung to provide academic instruction in Philosophy and Theology.

Named the Institute of Philosophy and Theology (IFT), the institution initially held classes at the OSC monastery on Jalan Pandu No. 4, Bandung. At first, the study program lasted six years, later extended to seven. Although initially informal, IFT was formally established on October 20, 1971.

The Diocese of Bandung, the Diocese of Bogor, and the Order of the Holy Cross jointly strengthened IFT by sending their students to the institution. Over time, students began arriving from other dioceses across Indonesia, including Kalimantan, Sumatra, and Papua, as well as from several religious orders. To accommodate growth, IFT relocated in January 1974 to Jalan Nias No. 2, occupying a renovated former Indonesian Red Cross building with new classrooms, administrative offices, and a library.

On May 19, 1975, IFT was officially recognized as a private higher education institution under the name Suryagung Bumi College of Philosophy and Theology (STFT), per KOPERTIS Region IV West Java Decree No. 29/1975. Its statutes were ratified by the Ministry of Education and Culture on November 23, 1977 (Decree No. 0534/U/1977).

During the 1970s, STFT collaborated with UNPAR, including faculty participation in UNPAR’s Studium Generale. Ultimately, the IFT Foundation (STFT leadership) agreed to merge STFT with UNPAR. On December 25, 1982, Mgr. P.M. Arntz OSC, Bishop of Bandung and chairman of the IFT Foundation, signed the merger agreement with the UNPAR Foundation, represented by Prof. Dr. Ir. K.P.H.A. Sosrowinarso M.Sc.

Beginning January 1, 1983, and with KOPERTIS approval (Decree No. 515/KOP/IV/Q/1982), STFT officially became a faculty of UNPAR under the name Faculty of Philosophy and Theology (FFT). Later that year, on October 19, 1983, it was formally recognized by the Ministry of Education and Culture as the Faculty of Philosophy (FF), with a Department of Philosophy of Religion. Initially granted “Registered” status, FF’s recognition was upgraded to “Acknowledged” (“Diakui”) in 1989 (Decree No. 0560/O/1989).

Subsequent government policy changes led to FF being officially “Accredited” under the National Accreditation Board for Higher Education (BAN-PT). From 2003 to 2020, the Philosophy undergraduate program held an “A” accreditation. In 2021, following BAN-PT decrees, it achieved “Excellent” accreditation, valid from September 21, 2023, to October 30, 2024, and renewed in 2024, valid through October 31, 2029.

The undergraduate program has evolved over time. Initially six years, it was briefly extended to seven before returning to six. Since 2000, the curriculum has been divided into a four-year undergraduate program in Philosophy (eight semesters) and a two-year graduate program in Theology (four semesters). In 2020, the undergraduate program was renamed the Philosophy Study Program with concentrations in Divine Philosophy and Cultural Philosophy. The Master of Theology program was simultaneously renamed Master of Divine Philosophy, with concentrations in Transformative Theology and Philosophy of Culture and Religion.

Previously administered under UNPAR’s Graduate School, the Master of Theology program received its initial accreditation in 2010 and re-accreditations in 2015 and 2020, all rated “B.” In July 2018, the program was fully integrated into the Faculty of Philosophy and renamed Master of Divine Philosophy. The program maintained a “B” accreditation in 2023, valid from May 18, 2023, to August 16, 2025.

In 2020, the Faculty introduced a specialization in Integrated Arts within the undergraduate Philosophy program, which in 2023 became a separate study program under the Humanities Program with an Integrated Arts specialization.

The Faculty’s growth and achievements are the result of the dedication of its leaders, from Dr. Theo Huijbers OSC (IFT/STFT, 1969–1983) to the current deans:

Yohannes Sunyata OSC, Drs. (1983–1991)
Mgr. Ignatius Harsono, Drs. (1991–1995)
F.H.C.M. Vermeulen OSC, Drs., JCL (1995–2001)
F.X. Rudiyanto Subagio OSC, Ir, Drs., STL (2001–2005)
Fabianus Sebastian Heatubun Pr, Drs, SLL (2005–2011)
C. Harimanto Suryanugraha OSC, Drs., SLL (2011–2019)
Dr. Ignatius Eddy Putranto OSC, S.Ag. (2019–2020, interim)
Dr. theol Leonardus Samosir, OSC (2020–2025)
Onesius Otenieli Daeli, OSC, S.S, M.Hum., Ph.D. (2025–present)

Today, FF continues to educate prospective priests while also providing opportunities for young Indonesians to study Philosophy in the areas of Culture and Arts. This combination of strong Catholic heritage and inclusive education is a hallmark of the Faculty. Another defining feature is the relatively small student body, which fosters a conducive and ideal academic environment.

Current Study Programs

Undergraduate Programs

Philosophy Study Program
- Concentration in Divine Philosophy
- Concentration in Cultural Philosophy
Humanities Study Program
- Specialization in Integrated Arts

Master’s Program