The Indonesian Bible Institute (LAI) has since 1954 carried out a noble mandate to translate, publish, and disseminate the Word of God to all corners of Indonesia. However, the challenges of the times require LAI to continuously adapt. Media changes, generational gaps, and the need for cross-denominational collaboration demand a renewed strategy.

In order to answer these challenges and realize the vision of "God's Word Reaching All Generations", LAI held a Work Meeting and Retreat on June 9 & 11, 2025 at Bumi Silih Asih (BSA), a retreat house owned by the Diocese of Bandung. The choice of this location was not just a technical decision, but a symbol of the unity of the body of Christ. BSA has long been a space for interfaith and denominational encounters, making it an ideal place to build a spirit of synergy in Biblical spirituality.

The working meeting and retreat addressed a number of key challenges facing LAI, namely:

1. Contextual and Inclusive Translation

LAI faces the complexity of translating into hundreds of local languages, with demands for accuracy and cultural relevance. The New Translation 2nd Edition project exemplifies Protestant-Catholic synergy in translating God's Word together and openly.

2. Digitalization and the Young Generation

Changing patterns of media consumption prompted LAI to develop an interactive and contextualized digital Bible platform. However, limited infrastructure in 3T areas is a challenge.

3. Oikumene Values and Cross-Denominational Collaboration

LAI's collaboration with the Indonesian Biblical Institute (LBI) shows the power of collaboration across Christian traditions. Even the Deuterocanonical Bible is now a joint translation with LAI.

4. Internal Synergy: Leadership and Communication

Coordination between the foundation board and management is key to maintaining the spirit of service and work efficiency. This retreat is an important moment to harmonize the direction of our steps together.

The working meeting and retreat at BSA began with a joint worship and introduction session between the Foundation Organs and LAI management. The event continued with a program evaluation session, discussion of distribution constraints, limited translation funds, and proposals for future strategies.

A special session was also held with a representative of the Diocese of Bandung, Romo Yohanes Subagyo. He emphasized that all Bibles used by Catholics in Indonesia are the result of cooperation with LAI. In fact, all translations have been rigorously checked by Catholic professors and experts who are members of the Indonesian Biblical Institute (LBI). In other words, Catholics not only use the LAI published Bible, but also contribute to the translation process academically and spiritually.

This statement was an evocative moment of revelation. Many participants, including Protestants and Evangelicals, were inspired by this confession as clear evidence that the Word of God does indeed transcend denominational barriers.

Pastor Anwar Tjen added that at the beginning of the translation process, the method used was to exchange readings: Catholic scholars read the Proto-Canonical part (which Protestants commonly use), while Protestant scholars read the Deuterocanonical part (which is common among Catholics). However, in the New Translation 2nd Edition project, they went a step further and worked together to translate every line. Not just "exchanging readings," but uniting in one spirit to translate the Word of God with love and academic honesty.

As Rev. Anwar put it, "Every line translated is a struggle, not only between languages, but also between hearts and faith which are then brought together by the wisdom from above."

This testimony was empathetically welcomed by the participants, including Rev. Henriette Hutabarat-Lebang, who also shared her experiences in her ministry. She said that every time she preaches, she consciously uses the Deuterocanonical Bible. Her goal is to show the congregation that the Bible used by Catholics and Protestants actually comes from the same spirit and source.

“We are not talking about the traditions of men, but about the living and unifying Word of God,” he said with conviction.

In response to the presentation and testimonies from Father Yohanes Subagyo, Rev. Anwar Tjen, and Rev. Henriette Hutabarat-Lebang, the discussion session was then closed with a response from Rev. Em. Gomar Gultom. As an ecumenical church leader, a trustee of the LAI Foundation, and a former PGI General Chair, he delivered a profound reflection on the meaning of unity in the ministry of God's Word.

"I really appreciate the generous attitude of Catholics who entrust the Bible translation process to LAI," he said. He called this proof of trust across traditions born from the spirit of Christ's love. Not only that, he also appreciated LAI, which from the beginning opened a space for equal and sincere dialog and collaboration with all parties.

According to Rev. Gomar Gultom, what has been a barrier is not doctrine or tradition, but lack of communication and openness. With partnerships like the one between LAI and LBI, Christians in Indonesia can see that differences are not a threat, but a potential to enrich the understanding of God's Word.

“This story is very inspiring,” he emphasized. He invited all participants to make this experience a public testimony that the body of Christ is indeed one and not divided.

The discussion session closed with a touching statement from Father Subagyo:

“ Jesus' love is greater for us. And by interpreting that love, we can together realize great love and love for ourselves and others through unity."

This sentence is not just a formal closing, but a spiritual invitation to everyone present to continue to live in the spirit of unity and love. Not only in work meetings, but in the entire practice of LAI ministry going forward.

At a time when the world is increasingly divided by political, cultural, and religious differences, testimonies like this are a light in the midst of darkness. God's one Word, translated by many different hands, shows that difference is God's tool to reveal His glory in its fullness.