Indonesian Bible Society (LAI) and Indonesian Biblical Institute (LBI) launched the Second Edition of the New Translated Bible (TB2) on February 9, at the Balai Sarbini, Plaza Semanggi, South Jakarta, Indonesia.
LAI and LBI jointly organized the Thanksgiving service with the theme: “The Divine Word Reigns to Change” based on Isaiah 55:10-11.
TB2 is the second edition of Indonesian Bible. LAI and LBI collaboratively completed the New Translation of the Bible (TB), known as the world's first ecumenical Bible translation, and published in 1974. The Catholic version was published including the deuterocanonical books in 1975.
The Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Mr. Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, the Chairman of LAI, Rev. Henriette T. Hutabarat Lebang, and Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, accompanied by the Leaders of the National level of the Churches, welcomed the biblical parade, raised the Bible, and declared: "In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, we launch this second edition of the newly translated Bible for use by the Church and Christians throughout the archipelago."
Indonesian Biblical Institute Chairman Father Albertus Purnomo, OFM, explained why the 2nd edition of the New Translated Bible was launched, “Indonesian is developing quickly in vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and the way it is written. These changes demanded adjustments in Bible translation. In addition, the science of interpretation and the means of interpretation of Scripture are also up to date, so that the new translation of Edition 2 can be realized.”
An ordained Lutheran minister of the Christian Protestant Church in Indonesia (GKPI) and Translation Consultant of the Indonesia Bible Society, Rev. Anwar Tjen, described the reasons to update the 'new translation' as Language Development, Scripture Studies concerning research on ancient manuscripts and studies on meaning and translation studies.
The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia (KWI), Bishop Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, affirmed that the Power of God's Word is effective in believers and the Scripture is useful for growth. The Christians should be good and holy because they read and listen to the word of God.
KWI President expressed the hope that the new translation of the Scriptures would help people comprehend the original meaning and have greater confidence in God who communicates through Scripture. May believers grow to love the Bible.
“And if the Scriptures are more beloved, then the Powerful Word of God may become the Character of the Christian life because if people know the Scriptures properly, they will love the holy Scriptures and apply them effectively in their daily lives. May Scripture renew us and be holy reading,” the bishop of Bandung diocese added.
Father Purnomo expressed his gratitude to those involved in the revision process and to the Protestant and Catholic Church Scripture experts and the Indonesians who worked hard diligently for many years to complete this project.
He declared, "The Catholic Church is grateful to cooperate and partner with LAI in publishing this translation of the Bible and this clearly expresses the ecumenical spirit that continues to be echoed in the body of the Catholic Church."
More than a thousand people took part and dancers from Arrow dance, STT Amanat Agung choir and singers Mekel and Puteri Ayu entertained during the event. - With inputs from mirifica.net
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