Mimika, Central Papua. There is a longing that has finally been answered. After a long wait, the Indonesian Bible Institute (LAI) is once again presenting Bible Week, this time in Mimika, Central Papua, from 31 March to 2 April 2026.

 

Timika's Kalam Kudus Christian School Hall was not just another event. For LAI, Bible Week is a space of encounter, a place where people can come closer to the Word of God, in a way that is lively, creative, and close to their daily lives.

 

Taking the theme “The Word of God Inspires Digital Culture”, LAI wants to show that the Bible never goes out of style. In fact, in the midst of an increasingly sophisticated world, God's Word remains relevant, and can even be a direction.

 

LAI Tanah Papua Representative Head, Melvy Alfons, said that this activity was born from a longing that has existed for the last few years.

“This is not something instantaneous. We have been waiting for this moment for a long time. The hope is simple, so that people can again feel that the Bible is close, not just to be read, but understood and lived," he said.

 

For three days, the atmosphere of Bible Week was alive. Not only were there seminars, but also various activities that involved all ages. Children participated in colouring competitions, Bible quiz, and also Bible storytelling competitions.

 

Seminars became one of the important parts of this activity. To discuss the Second Edition of the New Translation of the Bible (TB2), LAI presented Rev Anwar Tjen, Ph.D, Head of the LAI Translation Department, as a guest speaker in a seminar entitled “Why does the Bible Change? ” as well as a seminar “From Stone to Bible”. Through these presentations, participants were invited to understand the long journey of Bible translation and the reasons behind translation updates.

 

In addition, LAI also raised issues that are very close to life today through a Digital Literacy Seminar entitled “Being the Salt and Light of the World in the Era of AI”, presented by Agnes Sintyke Sirait and Zegy Patianom from the LAI content creator team. This seminar invited participants to see how faith can still be lived out in a real way in the midst of technological developments and artificial intelligence.

 

One of the main attractions of this Bible Week was the Museum of the Bible mini exhibition. During the three days, a total of 1,433 visitors came and enjoyed the exhibition. The enthusiasm showed that many people were eager to learn more about the history and journey of the Bible.

 

In the museum, visitors are guided by a team from LAI Jakarta, Helfia Henselika and Wahyu Anasrullah, who help explain the various collections and the story behind the development of the Bible over time. For many visitors, this was a new and insightful experience.

The support of the local government was also evident in the opening of this event. The Regent of Mimika, represented by Assistant I Setda Mimika, Ananias Faot, expressed his appreciation for LAI's initiative in presenting educational and inspirational activities.

“ On behalf of the Mimika Regency Government, we express our highest appreciation to the Indonesian Bible Institute and all those who have organised this activity. Bible Week not only deepens faith, but also shapes the character of a society that is harmonious and has integrity," he said in his speech.

 

He also added that activities like this show that religious institutions are able to adapt to the times, while still maintaining the values of faith as the basis of community life.

For LAI itself, Bible Week is not just about activities, but about a bigger mission. There are still many brothers and sisters in remote areas who long for the Word of God, but do not yet have adequate access.

 

Therefore, activities like this serve as a reminder that the ministry of the Bible is not yet finished.

The support of the church and local government is also an important part of the organisation of this activity. Many see that Bible Week not only strengthens faith, but also helps to build the character of a society that lives by the values of love, honesty and togetherness.

 

In the end, Bible Week in Mimika is not just about three days of events. More than that, it is about how God's Word continues to find its way, addressing, teaching and encouraging in the midst of an ever-changing world.

Bible Week in Mimika is not just about three days of events.

And perhaps, therein lies its power: The same words, but always able to speak in a new way. [Agnesssirait]

 [Agnesssirait].