Kupang-language Bible launched

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Tue, 09/11/2007 2:22 PM

Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang

A Kupang-based team has finished translating the New Testament into the local language of Timor, called Kupang language.

Kupang language is considered to be a symbol of unity in East Nusa Tenggara province. The translation took nine years to complete and is titled Tuhan Allah Pung Janji Baru.

The team consisted of 300 people from a wide range of backgrounds, including laymen, theologists, linguists, anthropologists and leaders of the Kupang-based Masehi Injili Church.

The translation was based on the original Greek rather than Indonesian translations of the Bible.

Carried out in cooperation with the Seed Company, based in Texas, the new translation was launched at the Oepoi Sports Building in Kupang over the weekend.

Attended by at least 1,000 Christians, the launching ceremony was held in the Kupang language. Highlights included various traditional dance performances directed by Rev. Hengki Abineno.

Ayub Ranoh, head of the Masehi Injili Church, remarked that it would be the first time that children and adults in Kupang were able to read and comprehend the contents of the Bible in their own language.

""I hope the Bible will encourage Christian people to develop deep and private communication with God,"" Ayub said.

According to Ranoh, at least 60 languages are in daily use in East Nusa Tenggara and the new translation would support local cultural values.

In his sermon, chairman of the East Nusa Tenggara Christian Communication Forum, Rev. Semuel Viktor Nitti, invited the audience to answer God's generosity with sacrifice.

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