The Indonesian Bible Society (LAI) strengthened its partnership with theological colleges that are members of the Indonesian Christian Religious College Deliberation Body (BMPTKKI) through the signing of a Cooperation Agreement (KKS). The signing took place during the Gospel Convention of Theological Colleges and Church Leaders held on Friday (6/3/2026) at John Calvin Hall, STT Reformed Injili International Campus.
The convention with the theme "The Supremacy of the Gospel in the Academic World and the Church" became an important momentum to strengthen the relationship between the academic world of theology and church ministry. On that occasion, the cooperation between LAI and theological colleges was affirmed as a strategic step to expand the ministry of the Bible, especially through strengthening biblical studies, theological education, and developing church services.
Dr Welly Pandensolang, who guided the signing of the cooperation, emphasised that this cooperation is expected not to stop at the mere signing of the document, but
According to Mr Welly, the process of cooperation between must produce real contributions to the church and the world of theological education. According to him, the success of the partnership will be seen from the fruits of service produced together.
He said that the cooperation agreement must be realised in concrete steps that enrich the ministry of God's word. "The cooperation agreement should not stop at the document. The most important thing is the fruit — what is produced for the church, college, and the ministry of God's word, ” he said.
The pioneering of the BMPTKKI and LAI partnership has started some time ago through various meetings and socialisation activities. The next stage is to encourage the implementation of the cooperation at the level of universities that are members of BMPTKKI.
He also highlighted the great potential for collaboration between theological colleges and LAI, especially in the field of Bible translation and interpretation. With many biblical scholars in both institutions, this collaboration is expected to enrich biblical studies while supporting the ministry of the church in Indonesia.
"The Indonesian Bible Society has many experts that universities can invite to provide strengthening in Bible translation and interpretation," said Mr Welly, as he invited theological colleges to work together in Bible ministry in Indonesia.
From the LAI side, General Secretary Dr Sigit Triyono expressed his appreciation for the commitment of BMPTKKI and the leaders of theological colleges involved in this collaboration. He emphasised that the breadth of the Bible ministry mandate in Indonesia means that LAI cannot work alone.
According to Pak Sigit, the journey of Bible translation in Indonesia is still very long, given the diversity of regional languages. Of the hundreds of languages spoken in Indonesia, most do not yet have complete Bible translations.
“Of the approximately 719 languages in Indonesia, only 127 local languages have Bibles (or parts of Bibles), not all of them (Bibles) are complete. There is still a long way to go and we cannot walk alone," he explained.
Therefore, Pak Sigit considers the presence of theological colleges as LAI's ministry partners to be very important, especially in strengthening biblical research, developing contextual theology, and encouraging a culture of reading the Bible among theological students who will later serve congregations in various regions.
In addition to translation services, LAI also continues to develop various programmes to expand access to the Bible, including the distribution of Bibles to remote areas and literacy programmes for people who are not able to read.
Through cooperation with BMPTKKI and theological colleges in Indonesia, LAI hopes that the Good News ministry can be further strengthened through the contribution of the academic world. This synergy is expected to not only enrich theological studies, but also present the word of God in a broader and more relevant way for the church and society in Indonesia.
