The island of Enggano is inhabited by five indigenous tribes and one migrant tribe. The indigenous tribes of Enggano include Kauno, Kaitora, Kaarubi, Kaharuba and Kaahoao. Meanwhile, immigrant tribes outside the indigenous population are included in a separate tribe called the Kamay Tribe. History records that the Gospel was brought to Enggano Island in January 1902 by a missionary named Agust Lett along with Christian teacher Lumban Tobing who was sent by the German Missionary Society, RMG (Rheinche Mission Geselschraft). Over time, Christianity began to spread in Enggano and the people there began to recognize Christ personally as their Savior.
It is exactly 112 years since the Zending mission was carried out and based on the desire of God's people to be closer to His word through their mother tongue, the Indonesian Bible Institute (LAI) began the New Testament (NT) Translation project in Enggano Language, precisely on January 1, 2014. This translation project is also supported by HKBP Jalan Jambu Menteng, Jakarta in "Aksi Peduli Enggano". Actually, this project is targeted to be completed within five years, but due to various challenges and obstacles that must be faced by the translation team, it was only on July 25, 2024 that the community, especially the people of God on Enggano Island, could enjoy the word of God in Enggano language, because on that day the "Eic Amak" (Enggano Language New Testament) was launched.
The activity took place at HKBP Resort PKPE (Panapuea Kristen Protestan Enggano) Enggano. From the LAI side, it was attended by Mr. Dr. Sigit Triyono (LAI General Secretary), Rev. Anwar Tjen, Ph.D. (LAI Head of Translation), Mrs. Erna Yulianawati (LAI Head of Communication and Partnership) along with delegates from HKBP Jalan Jambu Menteng, Rev. Edwyn Sihite and Ev. Togu S. Hutagaol as supporting partners of the PB Enggano Translation Project. Also present at the event was the HKBP Head of Marturia, Rev. Daniel Taruliasi Harahap.
The Enggano War Dance opened the event, welcoming the Pastors, the Translation Team of PB Enggano, and invited guests as a form of respect for the Enggano community. The War Dance is a traditional dance of the Enggano people that can be interpreted as an expression of joy for God's blessings that are revealed to people who come to their island. These forms of traditional expression are beautifully arranged in a series of thanksgiving services as a sign that traditional identity can go together with their Christian faith. In addition, as a form of thanksgiving, the congregation also offered their praise. The Enggano PB was officially presented to the people of God on Enggano Island with the symbolic handover of the Enggano PB from LAI to the HKBP Head of Marturia, as well as the gift of the Enggano PB to the Translation Team who have worked hard so far. And this is the first time, in this worship service the reading of the Bible using the Enggano language.
In his sermon taken from John 20:30-31, the Head of Marturia HKBP, Rev. Daniel Taruliasi Harahap explained that the Gospel of John records that Jesus, the Son of God, is the word made flesh, God incarnate. This means that God came to be a man in Enggano. God wants to greet and be greeted by God's people in the Enggano language. He also advised the people of Enggano to be able to live the word of God in all activities carried out in order to increasingly believe in Jesus and gain eternal life.
The launching of PB Enggano was not only welcomed by the people of God but also by the people of Enggano who have different beliefs. It can be seen from their presence in this thanksgiving service. This indicates that PB Enggano is well received and joyful as a form of preservation of Enggano culture and language. Hopefully the presence of PB Enggano can greet the hearts of God's people to love His word even more. This work is not finished yet, let's support so that the Enggano Bible can be translated completely. (zvp)
