Indonesia: A Catholic school in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, with a 66-year history, is being forced to shut down due to the ongoing eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki. SMP Katolik Sanctissima Trinitas Hokeng, located in Desa Klatanlo, has been a cornerstone of education and faith for the local community, making its closure a deeply emotional loss for the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS) and the wider Catholic population.
“This is a painful decision for everyone involved, including students and their families,” stated Sr. Lidwin Maria, SSpS, the school’s principal, in an official announcement issued on Saturday. The decision follows guidance from the SSpS Generalate, citing the high risk posed by volcanic activity, which began intensifying on November 3.
The tragedy surrounding the eruption deepened when Sr. Nikolin Padjo, the local SSpS chief, lost her life after her quarters were struck by a large volcanic stone. The school’s infrastructure, including classrooms, a girls' dormitory, and the postulate, sustained significant damage.
The school, located just 4–5 kilometers from the volcano’s crater, was part of a trio of key religious institutions in the area, including the SSpS convent and San Dominggo’s Minor Seminary, all situated in a high-risk zone. Local residents had no prior warning before the midnight eruption, which caught many off guard as they slept.
The closure will officially take effect on January 1, 2025. In a letter addressed to parents and stakeholders, Sr. Maria expressed her profound sorrow, stating, “This letter is official and the situation is regrettable. It is a difficult atmosphere for us as we convey this decision.”
Plans to relocate the school to a safer location are being considered, though details remain unclear. Sanctissima Trinitas School, established on August 6, 1958, by missionary nuns Sr. Guntil and Sr. Emanuel Linsen under the Santu Gabriel Maumere Foundation, initially served as an all-girls institution before becoming coeducational in 1988. Today, the school has 155 students and 14 teachers.
For alumni like Imelda, the closure marks a poignant moment. “It’s heartbreaking to see a symbol of Hokeng’s history and education disappear,” she said, noting that the school had shaped generations of predominantly Catholic residents in the area.
The future of other religious institutions in the vicinity, including San Dominggo’s Minor Seminary and the SSpS formation house, remains uncertain as the region continues to grapple with Mount Lewotobi’s volcanic activity.
Sr. Maria reassured the community of the congregation’s ongoing commitment to education in alignment with SSpS’s mission, stating, “The decision was made to prioritize safety amid the persistent volcanic threat while ensuring our educational service remains consistent with our vision and mission.”
As the school prepares to close its doors, the community faces a challenging road ahead, navigating both the loss of a cherished institution and the uncertainties posed by the unpredictable forces of nature.