Jakarta, May 15, 2024 - The second day of Focus Group Discussion (FGD) presented with the focus topics of congregational/people services, good management of institutions, publishing of non-print products and digital services, and dissemination of the Bible and its parts, has gathered various important inputs. The FGD was attended by key agencies and distributors who are partners of Lembaga Alkitab Indonesia (LAI) in the dissemination of the Bible in Indonesia.
The FGD also discussed the importance of collaboration between organizations and distributors.
The FGD also discussed the importance of collaboration between LAI and other publishers, such as BPK Gunung Mulia, for the dissemination of spiritual books. "We hope that there is an attractive form of the Bible for the younger generation, especially one modeled after the Study Bible," said Gloria, who was present representing Gloria Bookstore Batam. This need is made more urgent by the change from New Translation (TB) 1 to TB 2 which makes the stock of Bibles often unavailable.
Digitization was also a major highlight in this discussion. "LAI must be quick to digitize rather than someone else working on it later. LAI has copyrights that must be defended," said Thomas Edison, who was present representing Kalam Hidup Publishing. LAI's digital media has shown good progress with many followers and participation in online discussions and teachings.
Meanwhile, concerns were also raised regarding the impact of digitization on the sales of printed Bibles. "LAI as a publisher certainly does not want digital domination, because it is better for people to buy printed ones to help with the cost of subsequent publications. However, digital Bibles make it easier to access for those who need a Bible on their phone," said Thomas. This conflict requires a wise decision from LAI to balance between the wide dissemination of God's word and the financial sustainability of Bible publishing.
Collaboration with other agencies in translation projects is also recommended to meet the needs of congregations from different tribes. "There is a missionary in Papua who translated the Bible for the Moi tribe outside of LAI and was able to publish 1000 Bibles. Collaboration like this needs to be increased," said Boas Pangabean of SALT Foundation who is currently working on a translation project in the interior of Dabato, Papua with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF).
The FGD emphasized that the challenges of Bible dissemination in Indonesia are many, but with good communication, close collaboration, and proper adoption of digital technology, LAI and its partners can continue to meet the spiritual needs of congregations across the archipelago.
