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Doktorandin und Wissenschaftliche Hilfskraft Ester Agustini Tandana

(Master of Theology at Chang Chung Christian University, Taiwan)

The digital revolution has transformed our lives, connecting us like never before and bringing along unparalleled connectivity and opportunities while introducing significant ethical and social challenges. Among these is the rise of cyberfraud, particularly romance scams, which exploit emotional vulnerabilities and foster widespread psychological, financial, and spiritual harm. Despite the prevalence of such crimes, the intersection of theology, psychology and cyberfraud remains underexplored. This study investigates the relationship between psychology and religion/spirituality (R/S) in the context of romance scams. Guided by the research question, “What is the relationship between psychology and religion/spirituality (R/S) in the context of romance scams?” It explores the lived experiences of victims, focusing on the emotional, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of their suffering, and assesses how faith shapes their interpretation of victimization, coping mechanism and recovery. The research also addresses the growing need for digital pastoral care, as support for victims of cyber fraud remains underdeveloped within many religious communities. By integrating perspectives from practical theology, psychology of religion, and digital culture, this study seeks to contribute to the development of compassionate, context-sensitive, and digitally informed approaches to supporting victims of romance scams.

 

Promotionsprojekt: „Digital Pastoral Care: Supporting victims of cyberfraud in the age of online vulnerability“

The digital age has brought new opportunities but also ethical and social challenges. Among these is the rise of cyberfraud, particularly romance scams, which exploit emotional vulnerabilities and foster widespread psychological, financial, and spiritual harm. This study seeks to explore the intersection of Christian theology with cyberfraud, examining victims' experiences and how faith shapes their victimization and recovery. It also highlights the role of Christian influencers and digital ministries in addressing these challenges, highlighting their potential to offer innovative models of pastoral care in digital spaces. By integrating theological insights and empirical research, this study aims to equip Christian communities with ethical principles and practical tools to support cyberfraud victims.

Forschunginteresse: Kontextuelle Theologie, Postkoloniale Theologie, Digitale Seelsorge, Psychologie des Glaubens, Kinder- und Jugendarbeit, Interkulturalität, und Migration.
 

Publikationen:

  • Tanasyah, Y., Putrawan, B. K., Tandana, E. A. (2024). “Religious Freedom in Indonesia: Worldview of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika for Multicultural Education.” Theology and Philosophy of Education, 3(1), 12-19. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.12532845
  • Tandana, E.A. (2023). "Reflection Good Name and Corruption Behavior in Indonesia from Proverbs 22: 1." QUAERENS: Journal of Theology and Christianity Studies, 5(1), 18-31. 

    https://doi.org/10.46362/quaerens.v5i1.177

  • Tanasyah, Y., Tandana, E. A. (2023). “Nusantara Christianity: The Synthesis Contextual Theology and Culture in Indonesia.” Mahabbah: Journal of Religion and Education. 4(1), 54-69. DOI: 

    10.47135/mahabbah.v4i1.55

    .
  • Tandana, E.A. (2023). "Christian Ethics Toward Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Humanity." Evangelikal: Jurnal Teologi Injili dan Pembinaan Warga Jemaat, 7(2), 89-100. 

    https://journal.sttsimpson.ac.id/index.php/EJTI/

  • Putrawan, B.K., Tandana, E.A., et. al. (2023). "King David Between Power and Adultery: Jewish Perspectives on David and Bathsheba’s Relationship" Pharos Journal of Theology, 104 (1). 

    https://doi.org/10.46222/pharosjot.1043

  • Fatu, S., & Tandana, E. A. (2023). "Sunday School Teacher Assistance for Children’s Faith Development as Followers of Christ at the Indonesian Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Terindak, West Kalimantan." Servire: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat , 3(2), 59-73. 

    https://doi.org/10.46362/servire.v3i2.133

  • Tandana, E. A. (2022). “Amid The Threat of Cybercrime.” QUAERENS: Journal of Theology and Christianity Studies, 4(2), 129-147. 

    https://doi.org/10.46362/quaerens.v4i2.214

  • Tandana, E. A., Yowa, E. K. ., & Manik, N. D. Y. (2022). "Character Education in Forming Student Behavior: A Viewpoint of Christian Religious Education Learning.“ Didache: Jurnal Teologi Dan Pendidikan Kristen, 3(2), 161–176. 

    https://doi.org/10.55076/didache.v4i1.48

  • Wonoadi, J. P., & Tandana, E. A. (2022). “The Tabernacle as The Place of God’s Presence Among His People: A Tripartite Approach on Temple.” Quarens: Journal of Theology and Christianity Studies, 3(2), 135-154. 

    https://doi.org/10.46362/quaerens.v3i2.75

  • Tafetin, K. K., Maranatha, C. A., & Tandana, E. A. (2022). "Penerapan Kepemimpinan Guru Pendidikan Agama Kristen Untuk Mewujudkan Mutu Sekolah Minggu Di Gereja Kristen Batu Hidup Muara Karang Jakarta." Servire: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat , 2(1), 129-139. 

    https://doi.org/10.46362/servire.v2i1.130

  • Ratu, A., Risakotta, M. L. ., Hutabarat, C., & Tandana, E. (2021). ”Pengaruh Orang Tua Anak Berkebutuhan Khusus Terhadap Prestasi Belajar Pendidikan Agama Kristen di Sekolah.” Indonesia Journal of Religious, 4(2), 45–59. 
     

Stipendien und Preise:

  • seit März 2026: Stipendiatin der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.
  • 2021-2022: Stipendiatin der Chung Hwa Rotary Educational Foundation.
  • 2022: Der Preis der hervorragenden Lernpartnerin (傑出大學伴) vom Bildungsministerium Taiwan
  • 2022: Fußwaschungs-Ehrenauszeichnung (洗脚禮代表榮譽狀) von Chang Jung Christian University, Taiwan.
  • 2022: Der Preis für moralisches Verhalten (德育獎) von Chang Jung Christian University, Taiwan.
  • 2022: Der Preis der vorbildlichen Studentin von TaiCUCA (Taiwan Christian Universities and Colleges Alliance)

E-Mail: wa185@uni-heidelberg.de

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