Presentation of Indonesian Bible to the Pope Francis in Jakarta, Indonesia
During Pope Francis' apostolic visit to Jakarta, Indonesia, from September 3 to 6, 2024, the Indonesia Bible Society (Lembaga Alkitab Indonesia [LAI], an Ecumenical Bible organization) and the Indonesian Bible Association ( Lembaga Biblika Indonesia [LBI], full member of Catholic Biblical Federation), represented by Rev. Dr. Henreitte T.H. Lebang (Chairperson of LAI) and Rev. Dr. Sigit Triyono (General Secretary of LAI), both Protestants, had the opportunity to meet with Pope Francis before he left Indonesia on September 6, 2024.
Dr. Henreitte T.H. Lebang (Chairperson of LAI) presented the Indonesian Bible with Deuterocanonical books, which is the first ecumenical Bible in the world. The translation is a joint work of the Protestant and Catholic churches in the spirit of ecumenism. This Bible serves as evidence that cooperation and unity among churches in Indonesia, both Catholic and Protestant, are realized so well by using same translation of the Bible. The Indonesian Bible given to Pope Francis is actually a revision of the New Indonesian Translation (1971), which was launched in February 2023. Pope Francis appeared attentive as he listened to the brief explanation from the Chairperson of LAI.
Then, Rev. Dr. Sigit Triyono (General Secretary of LAI) continued with a presentation of the book "Identity: Identified" in Indonesian version. This book in English Version has actually been received by Pope Francis in February 2023 at the Vatican. This book is the New Testament accompanied by 25 articles that address the young people in Indonesia. This book, accompanied by videos, a website, and apps, aims to reach young Catholics in Indonesia. This book has been successfully published in collaboration between the United Bible Society of Indonesia (LAI), the Youth Commission of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference, and the Indonesian Biblical Association (LBI). Paus received the book while looking through several pages with his attention. He looked happy and expressed his gratitude.
Albertus Purnomo, OFM
Tags: Regions Asia South-East Asia Indonesia Publications Pope Bible UBS
