On Sunday 3 December 2023, the Grand Launching of Identity: Identified (II) was held at Wisma Samadi Hall, Klender, East Jakarta. Book II is a joint work of the Indonesian Bible Society with Previously, in 1974, the Indonesian Bible Society (LAI) and the Indonesian Biblical Institute under the auspices of the Indonesian Bishops' Commission (KWI) had jointly launched the first edition of the New Translation of the Bible, and continued in February 2023 by jointly publishing the New Translation of the Bible Edition 2 (TB 2).
LAI's collaboration with KWI did not stop there, in the same year collaborating with the KWI Youth Commission (KomKep) launched the book Identity: Identified.
The book contains the scriptural text of the New Testament with many reflection notes and video links.This testimony is a concrete manifestation of a church that is willing to walk together with young people, surfing the waves of life together. This book hopes to be a travelling companion that is not boring because it is a guideline for organising life that is relevant to the lives of young people.
After Soft Lauchingwhich took place on 30 September 2023, Identity: IdentifyIdentity: Identifywas introduced to the Catholic Youth (OMK) and various Catholic mass media. Soft Launchingalso marks the opening of the pre orderpurchase of book II is conducted until 24 November 2023. From the opening of pre orderto grand launching, Book II received a warm welcome from OMK, OMK Trustees, young Christians and even Pastors.
It was an honour for LAI, at the grand launchingwas attended by Rev. Mathew K. Punnoose as the representative of United Bible Societies (UBS) and is also the General Secretary of the Malaysian Bible Society. Among the UBS member Bible societies, the book Identity: Identified was first officially launched in Malaysia on 9 January 2023. “For the growth of the Malaysian Bible Society we are indebted to LAI because the Indonesian translation of Identity Identify is used in Sabah and Serawak on the island of Borneo, ”said Rev. Mathew in his speech.
Grand Launching was also attended by Father Frans Kristi Adi Prasetya Pr as Secretary of the KWI Commission, who also represented Mgr Pius Riana Prapdi who could not attend the Grand Launching event, but he gave remarks via video. "Young people are the present of God, the present of the Church and the present of the Nation," explained Mgr Pius Riana Prapdi. This is what the KWI Commission takes seriously, seeing that the presence of young people is very real in colouring life today. Young people are often hit by various kinds of crises in a life full of challenges. "The more young people know themselves, the more they are able to contribute", added Mgr Pius Riana Prapdi. Hence, the book Identity: Identified is here to bring hope.
Also present was Fr. Albertus, OFM as Chairman of the Indonesian Biblical Institute, Fr. Markus Nur Widipranoto as the National Director of the Indonesian Pontifical Works (Dirnas KKI), Fr. Andreas Subekti, Pr. as the Priest of the Archdiocese of Jakarta (KAJ) and also active in creating digital content on social media.
From the LAI, Dr Sigit Triyono as General Secretary of LAI, Mrs Helena Gunawan as Chairperson of the LAI Board, Mr Bardiyono W. as Chairperson of the LAI Board and Rev Anwar Tjen who serves as Head of the LAI Translation Department were present.
Grand Launching of Book II was enlivened by dances from Yayasan Prima Unggul (YPU), Catholic Fellowship Jakarta (CFJ) Choir, and Tommy Boly Runner Up XFactor Indonesia 2022. (bonita)
