Amanah Continued in Integrity and Togetherness
A warm and grateful atmosphere accompanied the Handover of Office (Sertijab) of the Head of Representative (Kawil) of the Indonesian Biblical Institute (LAI) Surabaya Representative Office which took place on Monday (16/2) at 10.00 & 12.00 WIB. The handover of leadership took place from Mr Hari Prasetyo Kusuma Dharma as the Acting Head of Representation to Mrs Deyunita Sevenirim Tatung who subsequently served as the Acting Head of LAI Surabaya.
This handover is more than just a transfer of position, but confirms the continuity of LAI's services in the Surabaya region which oversees four provinces: East Java, Bali, NTB and NTT. The services that have been running are maintained in direction, strengthened in commitment, and continued in a spirit of togetherness.
The event was hosted by Hana Ferren, staff of LAI Surabaya, and began with an opening prayer led by Pastor David Tobing, Chairperson of the Support Raising Working Group (KKPD) of LAI Mitra Malang. A short worship service and word reflection was delivered by Ibu Erna Yulianawati, Head of LAI's Communication and Partnership Department. Through the reading of Proverbs 11:1 & 15, all attendees were reminded that God delights in "right scales" and rejects cheating. Honesty is not just about not lying, but about living a life that is in harmony between heart, words and actions. The message is in line with the meaning of the handover of office: every service mandate must be carried out transparently, responsibly, and the struggle to build trust.
The handover procession was led by Mrs Lydia Rina Sukmasari, Head of Planning, HR and System Department. The series of events included reading the Decree, signing documents by the parties and witnesses, handing over files, and reading the minutes. In particular, Dr Sigit Triyono, General Secretary of LAI, handed over the Decree to Mrs Deyunita Sevenirim Tatung as an official sign of the leadership transition.
In his speech, Mr Hari Prasetyo Kusuma Dharma expressed his gratitude for the support of all partners during his tenure. He hopes that LAI Surabaya's services will grow and reach more people. Meanwhile, Mrs Deyunita Sevenirim Tatung expressed her commitment to continue the service with integrity and open wider collaboration space. The LAI General Secretary emphasised that leadership in LAI is a call to serve, not just to carry out administrative functions.
Support was also conveyed by ministry partners, including Mrs Bertha who represented the Christian Guidance of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of East Java Province, Rev. Maria A. Huliselan as General Secretary of PGIW East Java, and Rev. Sahala Marpaung as Advisor of KKPD Surabaya. A number of church and institutional representatives were also present, including from the East Java DPRD, BAMAG Surabaya, PGI East Java Region, GTI Synod, KKPD Surabaya and Malang, and STT Tabernacle Indonesia.
Through this momentum, LAI Surabaya Representative reaffirmed its commitment to the vision 2035, "The Word of God Reaches All Generations," which is embodied in the mission 2035, "Translating, Publishing, and Presenting the Word of God in Partnership with All".The series of activities were closed with a prayer led by Mr Junaidi, Chairman of the LAI Mitra Surabaya KKPD, followed by a congratulatory session, group photos, and hospitality. In the intimate atmosphere, there was a conviction that LAI's ministry is not done alone, but in partnership that strengthens each other.
With the spirit of integrity and togetherness, LAI Surabaya Representative is committed to continue presenting the enlivening word of God to the church and society at large.(hana)
