Tarakan. The Support Mobilisation Working Group (KKPD) of the Indonesian Bible Society (LAI) Tarakan Branch is committed to strengthening support for Bible translation and distribution in North Kalimantan through collaboration with various elements of the church, the community and the business sector.

 

The Chair of the LAI Mitra Tarakan KKPD, Yudha Febry Fernando, S.H., M.Hum, expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him to lead the organisation. According to him, the briefing provided by the General Secretary of LAI, Dr Sigit Triyono, on 25 July 2026, as well as the inauguration ceremony held on 26 July 2026 at the Toraja Church of the Bukit Harapan Congregation in Tarakan, have further strengthened the executive committee’s understanding of the duties and responsibilities entrusted to them.

 

“We give thanks to God for the trust placed in us. From the training we have received, we have come to understand more clearly that the KKPD’s role is not merely to raise funds, but also to foster concern, participation and engagement amongst the congregation in supporting the ministry of God’s Word,” said Yudha.

 

He explained that the KKPD LAI Mitra Tarakan comprises pastors, Christian religious counsellors from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and church activists from various denominations in the city of Tarakan. In carrying out its duties, the KKPD also receives support from a panel of advisers comprising the Chair of the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Christian Affairs Committee for Tarakan City, the Chair of the Indonesian Christian Churches Council (PGI) in Tarakan City, the Chair of the Indonesian Protestant Churches Council (PGPI) in Tarakan City, the Chair of the Indonesian Evangelical Churches Council (PGLII) in Tarakan City, and the Regional Head of LAI Makassar.

 

Moving forward, the KKPD LAI Mitra Tarakan will focus on building synergies with churches, Christian organisations, the business community, and various other stakeholders in the city of Tarakan and North Kalimantan. This initiative aims to foster a collective movement capable of increasing public participation in supporting the work of the Indonesian Bible Society.

“Bible ministry requires support from many quarters. “Therefore, we wish to build strong partnerships so that more people can become involved and take part in this ministry,” he said.

 

As a priority programme, the LAI Mitra Tarakan KKPD will raise awareness of LAI’s services, expand its network of partners and donors, organise various fundraising activities, and establish a service network covering all districts and cities in North Kalimantan.

 

Yudha Febry emphasised that his organisation aims to make North Kalimantan one of the regions actively supporting LAI’s ministry. The involvement of churches, communities and the general public is considered vital in supporting the translation, provision and distribution of the Bible, particularly for communities in remote areas who still require access to the Word of God.

 

“We believe that Bible ministry is a shared responsibility. Therefore, we invite all churches, Christian organisations, communities and society to join hands in building a culture of giving and serving. Through strong unity and collaboration, more people can experience God’s love through His Word,” he said.

 

Through this spirit of collaboration, KKPD LAI Mitra Tarakan is confident it can become a strategic partner that makes a tangible contribution to the development of the Indonesian Bible Society’s services and expands the reach of Bible distribution in North Kalimantan. (*)