Banjarmasin, 17 November 2025—Veritas Indonesia. The Institut Kesehatan Suaka Insan (Ikes Suaka Insan) in Banjarmasin marked a historic milestone on Thursday, November 13, 2025, with the inauguration of its first-ever rector. Sr. Imelda Ingir, SPC, MHA, PhD, was formally appointed to lead the health institute for the 2025-2029 term. The ceremony was stewarded by the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres Foundation and Pastor Apolonius Wensy Wowor, MSC, drawing attendees from government bodies and partner health institutions across South Kalimantan.
In her inaugural address, Sr. Imelda outlined her vision, defining her new role as a calling to cultivate a health community that excels beyond academic knowledge. She emphasized the mission to develop graduates who are not only competent professionals but also individuals grounded in strong ethics, community values, and faith. She highlighted that achieving this mission would require robust collaboration among faculty, educational support staff, and external stakeholders.
Sr. Imelda affirmed her commitment to a holistic educational approach. “This responsibility is a calling to continue the mission of building a health community that is not only reliable in knowledge, but is comprised of people who are ethical, uphold socio-community values, and have a strong foundation of faith in God,” she stated during her speech. She stressed this comprehensive development is essential to meet modern health challenges.
This sentiment was echoed by Sr. Marsiana, SPC., M.Pd, head of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres Foundation. Sr. Marsiana expressed her hope that the new rector would prioritize moral and ethical development, fostering graduates who “radiate hope for communities in need.” She further charged the institute with supporting government programs aimed at delivering equitable and professional healthcare to all Indonesians.
The inauguration also signaled a strong emphasis on public-private partnership. Dr. Machli Riadi, M.H, representing the Mayor of Banjarmasin, urged the new leadership to maintain continuous cooperation with government entities. He specifically pointed to the need to channel health graduates to areas of critical need, both domestically and internationally, referencing trusted programs facilitated by the city government, such as those placing professionals in Japan.
As Sr. Imelda takes the helm, she faces a competitive educational landscape in South Kalimantan and dynamic societal pressures. However, the ceremony concluded on a note of confidence and faith, articulated by Pastor Apolonius Wensy Wowor, MSC, during the inauguration mass. “I believe that God Himself chose Sr. Imelda as Rector,” he said, “and God Himself will provide the way.”
