To fulfill its mission and achieve the vision, LAI carries out activities summarized in 6 (six) mandates as follows:
TRANSLATION
The work of Bible translation in Indonesia has been ongoing since the 17th century when a merchant named Albert C. Ruyl translated the Gospel of Matthew into Malay, which was published in 1629. Since then, Bible translation has continued, culminating in the establishment of LAI in 1954.As of January 2022, LAI has published:
- Complete Bible in Indonesian: 4 editions
- Complete Bible: 38 Editions in 38 Local Languages
- Testament (OT/NT): 113 Editions in 113 Local Languages
- Portion (Bible sections): 340 Editions in 98 Local Languages
In fulfilling the translation mandate, LAI never works alone but always collaborates with its partners, which include churches and Christian organizations. These partners provide information about the need for Holy Scripture texts in certain local languages. This information is reviewed by LAI before a decision is made to begin the translation work.
In translating, LAI upholds two faithful principles: first, fidelity to the meaning of the Bible texts in the source languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek), and second, fidelity to the naturalness of the receiving language. A text is analyzed for its meaning and then conveyed in the receiving language using natural linguistic patterns in that language.
PRODUCTION
LAI produces and publishes Bibles and their parts in various media, namely:
- Printed Bibles,
- Non-printed Bibles, including: Electronic Bibles, Digital Bibles, Audio, and Video,
- Bibles in Braille
DISTRIBUTION
Distribute Bibles and their parts throughout the entire archipelago through various distribution channels, namely:
- Commercial distribution, through LAI's Main Distributors and Bookstores, both offline and online,
- Free distribution through the "One in Love" program aimed specifically at Christians who do not yet have a Bible due to their location in remote areas unreachable by LAI, and/or their limited economic capacity.
ENGAGEMENT
Bible Engagement, which refers to efforts to make the Bible a guide for the lives of believers through various literacy programs, education, workshops, and mentoring for Christians.
WITNESSING & MINISTRY
Bible Ministry (Bible Service and Witnessing), where LAI, together with churches and Christian organizations, spreads the Word of God as Good News to reach people and individuals who do not yet know Christ.
