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“A
Captain’s Journey of Faith: Prof. Dr. Capt. Eddy Sumartono Officially Earns
Doctor of Theology Degree”
Yogyakarta, June 24, 2025
— Amidst the ever-changing tides of life and the vast challenges of the modern
world, one man with unwavering determination and profound faith has carved
another historical milestone in his life journey. Prof. Dr. Capt. Eddy
Sumartono, DBA., Ph.D., a prominent maritime leadership figure and
distinguished academic, has officially completed his doctoral studies in
Theology at the Sekolah Tinggi Agama Kristen (STAK) Teruna Bhakti Yogyakarta.
Through a solemn yudisium (graduation validation) ceremony held on Tuesday,
June 24, 2025, he has now been formally conferred the title of Doctor of
Theology.
More
Than a Degree: A Faithful Journey
In an exclusive interview after the
yudisium ceremony, Capt. Eddy revealed that this achievement is far more than
an academic title—it is the culmination of a long spiritual pilgrimage, filled
with struggle, prayer, and unwavering trust in God.
"I believe that knowledge without
faith is empty. Conversely, faith without knowledge can be misleading. This
belief is what led me to pursue theological studies—to harmonize both in divine
balance," he said with a radiant smile.
Navigating
Oceans, Diving into the Depth of Scripture
As a merchant ship captain and senior
lecturer in shipping management, Capt. Eddy has sailed through many of the
world’s seas. Yet, as he shared, the deepest and most mysterious sea he has
encountered is the ocean of divine truth found in the Word of God. He felt a
calling to explore more deeply the realm of spirituality, eternal values, and
the true meaning of life from a Christian theological perspective.
"In the fog of life, only the
light of the Word can guide us," he remarked, quoting Psalm 119:105: “Your
word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
His
Dissertation: The Philosophy of Seafarer Life in the 5.0 Era
Capt. Eddy’s dissertation drew
significant attention during the ceremony. Titled “The Transformation of
the Philosophy of Seafarers’ Lives in the Era of Technology 5.0: Implications
for Mental Health and Social Welfare (A Case Study in Indonesia),” the
research highlights the spiritual and social challenges faced by modern
seafarers in today’s fast-paced digital era.
Far from being a purely academic
document, the dissertation offers a pastoral and practical approach. It calls
on churches, educational institutions, and maritime communities to open their
hearts and minds to the spiritual and psychological well-being of seafarers —
the unsung economic heroes of the nation.
"I want the voices of seafarers
to be heard—not just in boardrooms, but also in the church pulpits and theology
classrooms. They are human beings who, just like all of us, need the comforting
embrace of God’s love," he shared with heartfelt compassion.
Life
Lessons: God Never Sleeps
For many, pursuing a doctoral degree
is a major endeavor. But for Capt. Eddy, this journey is even more — a
testament that God’s grace is never late. He shared stories of how he had to
divide his time between captaining ships, teaching, writing books, mentoring
students, and composing a dissertation that required perseverance and much
prayer.
"There were nights I could only
cry before God from exhaustion. But He counted every tear. He never left His
servant to walk alone," he recalled.
He also offered encouragement to
anyone currently struggling — in education, work, relationships, or ministry —
to never stop believing that God’s plans far exceed human understanding.
A
Beacon of Hope for the Young and the Professional
Capt. Eddy’s achievement sends a
powerful message: it’s never too late to study and grow in the Word of God,
even for those who have reached the heights of career or age. In the midst of
professional pursuits and worldly accomplishments, it is essential to return to
the spiritual roots that give life true meaning.
Many students and professionals who
attended the yudisium expressed admiration and were deeply inspired by the life
testimony of the professor. One student remarked, “I just realized that
faith must be continuously nurtured—not only through worship but also through
learning and seeking the truth in the light of theology. Prof. Eddy is a living
example of that.”
Praise
and Thanksgiving
The yudisium ceremony, held gracefully
in the STAK Teruna Bhakti auditorium in Yogyakarta, was filled with an
atmosphere of gratitude and praise. Campus officials, church leaders, and
extended family members were present to offer their congratulations.
In his speech, the Rector of STAK
Teruna Bhakti expressed profound appreciation for Capt. Eddy’s spirit and
dedication. “We are honored to have a graduate like him—a true leader who
not only masters theory but also lives out the Word of God in the real world,”
he stated.
Bridging
Knowledge and Faith
Looking ahead, Capt. Eddy plans to
integrate his theological insights into his teaching in the fields of maritime
and management. He believes that strong spirituality enhances integrity,
ethics, and leadership — qualities critically needed in today’s professional
landscape.
"I aim to introduce a new
narrative: that Christian faith is not exclusive to the church pulpit, but must
be alive and active in the workplace, in ports, campuses, and our homes,"
he explained.
Final
Blessing and Encouragement
In his closing message to the public,
he offered heartfelt words of hope: that no matter where one is in
life—studying, working, serving, or healing—God remains faithful in every step.
"I am no one special, just a
servant striving to obey. But if there is one message I can leave through this
achievement, it is this: when God is placed at the center of everything,
everything will find its rightful place,"
he concluded with a warm smile.
The
Close of One Chapter, the Beginning of a New Ministry
With the completion of his doctoral
studies, Prof. Dr. Capt. Eddy Sumartono, DBA., Ph.D., is not only a role model
in academics and maritime leadership, but also a guiding light to many who seek
direction and meaning in a dim world. As written in Matthew 5:14-16: “You
are the light of the world... let your light shine before others...”
Today, this captain not only steers
vessels through worldly seas but now also guides souls toward the harbor of
God's eternal love.
With deepest congratulations and
respect for this outstanding achievement. Keep shining brightly, Capt. Eddy!
******
Press Release,.