JAKARTA — The Indonesian Bible Society (LAI) welcomed Rev. Billy Lantang to the Bible Centre in Salemba, Jakarta. The meeting, attended by LAI General Secretary Sigit Triyono, LAI Commissioner Chandradi Halim, and Head of the Communications & Partnerships Department Erna Yulianawati, discussed the long history of Bible ministry and explored opportunities for strategic collaboration with the younger generation.

In his presentation, Sigit Triyono explained just how complex and meticulous the process of translating the Bible is. The work on the Second Edition of the New Translation of the Bible (TB 2), for example, took as long as 15 years. He dispelled the misconception that the Indonesian Bible is translated from English, explaining that it is translated directly from the original languages: Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek.

Furthermore, LAI explained that the demand for printed Bibles in Indonesia remains very high, at 60 per cent. Factors such as age, geographical conditions and church traditions—such as in Papua, where a physical Bible serves as a symbol of faith—are the main reasons why printed Bibles remain in demand. LAI’s mission also encompasses translation into sign language, Braille, audio formats, and the New Bible Readers Programme (PBA) to help people in remote areas read God’s Word independently.

Upon hearing of this tangible work, Rev. Billy Lantang believes that this in-depth information needs to be widely communicated to the congregation, particularly Generation Z. In his view, when believers realise the immense effort behind the Bible they hold, they will appreciate it all the more.  To broaden the reach of this educational initiative, Rev. Billy enthusiastically welcomes collaboration via his personal social media channels and the Billy Coffee Table podcast. He is ready to facilitate LAI’s participation as a guest speaker so that the mission of spreading the Bible becomes more widely known. Rev. Billy also shared his experience as a Brand Ambassador for Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Indonesia, helping the organisation reach a modern audience.

As the highlight of the event, Rev. Billy Lantang was officially appointed as an Honorary Partner and LAI Ambassador, marked by Sigit Triyono presenting him with a pin. He also received the Parenting Bible, designed as a guide to family parenting based on the Word of God.

"Reading the Bible is no longer merely an obligation, but must become a lifestyle. When it becomes a way of life, we will continue to long to read and live out God’s Word every day,” said Rev. Billy.

Through this collaboration, LAI hopes that more congregations and the younger generation will be inspired to love the Bible and support the spread of God’s Word to the far corners of Indonesia. (stefani)