Every time the Indonesian Bible Institute celebrates its anniversary, we are reminded of those who have helped pioneer, establish, grow and maintain the ministry of the Bible Institute. One of the many figures who have played a long role in the journey of LAI is Petrus Dominggus Latuihamallo or familiarly called Pak Latui.
Andar Ismail, author of the book Seri Selamat, refers to Pak Latui as an elder in three worlds. The three worlds are Bible publishing, church oneness and theological education. Pak Latui was one of the founders of the Indonesian Bible Institute (LAI). Not only did he co-found the organisation, he also played a role in growing and nurturing LAI's ministry. When LAI was established, Mr Latui was only 36 years old. And until near the end of his life at the age of 95, Mr Latui still served as Chairman of the LAI Board of Trustees. Until he himself declared, "Hora, est!" (the time has come to retire). Church historian, Rev Jan Aritonang expressed his admiration of Pak Latui thus: for an Indonesian man whose average life expectancy is 65 years, Pak Latui's age achievement is truly remarkable. Less than 1 per cent of Indonesians reach the age of Pak Latui. And even fewer at that age continue to work with a clear and fresh mind and a burning spirit.
Petrus Dominggus Latuihamallo was born in Mamasa, South Sulawesi on 11 August 1918. Dominggus Latuihamallo was the second son (of four brothers) of E.J. Latuihamallo, a pastor and teacher, originally from Maluku.
After completing HIS in Makassar in 1933, he went on to MULO-B. Until graduating MULO part B in 1937, Dominggus lived in Ujungpandang. After MULO, Dominggus entered HTS (later named the Theological College) on Jalan Pegangsaan Timur no. 27, Jakarta.
His studies at HTS were delayed for several years. The arrival of Japanese troops who invaded Indonesia caused the school to be closed. Dominggus spent six months studying western music and Italian opera at a music school in Jalan Jeruk, Jakarta (1945). During this time he also worked as a church diaconal employee (1942-1945). His involvement in the music school later led him to become a tenor on Radio Netherlands Indies, where he was also asked to be a conductor several times.
During the Japanese occupation, life was very difficult. He once worked as a school caretaker. A Dutch-Indo who escaped Japanese internment and was hiding in the Menteng area, gave him 25 guilders. He used the money as capital to sell vegetables and fruits. In the afternoon, he pedalled his bicycle to the Sunday market, where he sold his wares the next morning.
In 1945, he attended the Higher Islamic School, under the leadership of Mohammad Natsir. His classmates included Mukti Ali, who later (1971-1978) became Indonesia's minister of religion.
After the Japanese occupation, although he had the opportunity to continue music school, he chose to continue his theological education. In 1948, he received two things: his STT diploma, and the blessing of his marriage to Daisy Soselisa, a girl he had met four years earlier when they were both active at Imanuel Church, Gambir, Jakarta. It was also this year that Dominggus became a pastor, ordained at Immanuel Church for assignment in the Maluku Protestant Church (GPM). Shortly afterwards he was appointed pastor of the GPM in Dobo. The people there call him Pak Latui. Dobo is located in the Aru Islands, where he pastors a dozen congregations spread across several islands. To visit the islands he uses a small boat, which often has to struggle with high waves.
In addition to serving the congregation, Mr Latui is often asked to present material in various leadership seminars. Once while delivering his sermon in Dobo, his congregation protested: ‘’Bapak don't use that Soekarno language.’’ In fact, he used Malay. At that time, Irian and the surrounding islands were still under Dutch colonial influence. So, he used the local language. After completing his postgraduate studies in America, in 1951, Pak Latui became one of the teaching staff at STT Jakarta. Prof Ihromi, his colleague at STT Jakarta, noted that Pak Latui was the first Indonesian son to become a lecturer at STT Jakarta. This means that he is the first Indonesian child, who has the trust of the churches in Indonesia to teach theology at STT Jakarta. And history records, more than half of his age, was devoted at STT Jakarta. Almost all professors and lecturers who teach at STT Jakarta today have been his students. One of his students stated, "Pak Latui's lectures are known to be dense and steady, so that if you miss a little, you will miss valuable information."
On 9 February 1954, Dominggus participated in the establishment of the Indonesian Bible Institute (LAI), and was appointed as a member of the first LAI Executive Board. Dominggus Latuihamallo served as chairman of LAI for 47 years. In 2002, on the occasion of LAI's anniversary, LAI appointed Dominggus Latuihamallo as Honorary Lifetime Chairman of the Indonesian Bible Institute Foundation, in recognition of his unbroken faithful service.
Before being elected to the House of Representatives (1960-1966) as a representative of the Protestant clergy, in 1959 Mr Latui earned a doctorate in theology and social ethics from Union Theological Seminary, New York. His dissertation, Church and World, A Critical Study of the Relation of Church and World in the Writing of Hendrik Kraemer. Prof Ihromi said that by earning a doctorate from the college, Latui is qualified to teach theology at any theological college.
He is also actively involved in building the ecumenical movement in Indonesia. Since the 4th General Assembly of the Indonesian Council of Churches (DGI) in 1960 in Jakarta, Dominggus was appointed as one of the Chairmen of the DGI. This continued until 1980. And after 20 years as chairman, at the IX General Assembly in 1980 in Tomohon, he was elected as General Chairman of the DGI. Four years later, at the X General Assembly in 1984 in Ambon, to improve its ecumenical function the DGI was transformed into the Fellowship of Churches in Indonesia (PGI). Here Latuihamallo confidently and humbly stepped down from his management position to allow the next generation to continue their duties and responsibilities to serve the churches and Christians in Indonesia. In his introduction to Mr Latui's 70th anniversary book, Reverend Fridolin Ukur (General Secretary of the PGI at the time) stated about Mr Latui's personality that, "He was calm, never angry or yelling, he was sensitive to the difficulties of his co-workers, solidary to the collective agreement, firm in the right stance and did not like to talk too much."
In his role as a national figure, Mr Latui was often asked for his help as a mediator. Most notably in the affairs of the Republic of South Maluku (RMS). Almost every year he travelled to the Netherlands to engage with RMS groups living in the Netherlands. In each of his visits, he always called himself, "I am a pastor, I am a Republican." Through his fraternal and church approach, he was able to defuse the riots that were often caused by the RMS.
From his marriage Latuihamallo had six children and several grandchildren. His children remember Mr Latui as a very disciplined but not authoritarian figure. He was very democratic and a place for his children and grandchildren to share and talk, especially around the dinner table.
When it came to his health, Mr Latui was a disciplinarian. He does not smoke, refuses to drink alcohol, and avoids spicy food. To keep his body in shape, the kung fu film enthusiast jogs every morning, and occasionally plays table tennis. His clenched fists are as hard as a boxer's. When he was studying in New York, he had learnt boxing.
Dominggus Latuihamallo's marriage to Daisy Sosellisa has always been seen as a source of inspiration and strength by his children and students. In celebration of his 90th birthday, Mr Latui shared a testimony. Once an American friend of his asked him why he didn't remarry. And Mr Latui replied that it was enough to marry once, because marriage is always shaded by agape love, which is sincere and selfless, which remains eternal.
Generations came and went. In between, Mr Latui was present, giving of himself and never ceasing to work. The breadth of fields Pak Latui served from education (STT), Bible translation and dissemination (LAI), ecumenical movement (PGI), politics (DPR-GR/MPRS) proves the breadth of his knowledge and wisdom. With this, Mr Latui proved himself to be able to enter and be accepted by many parties.
On 9 May 2024, the Indonesian Bible Institute and Bible institutes around the world celebrated the 70th anniversary of the United Bible Societies. However, that day the LAI family lost its founding father. Petrus Dominggus Latuihamallo was called home to the Father, whom he had served faithfully throughout his life.
LAI and the churches in Indonesia should be proud to have had servants of God like Mr Latui, who until the end of his life faithfully served in various fields of service. We are grateful that God has given us a servant who is exemplary in his wisdom, patience, perseverance and humility. Pastor Andreas A. Yewanggoe, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of LAI described Mr Latui's length of service and breadth of ministry with the phrase, "Generation after generation came and went from Latui to Latui."
