The Southeast Asia Bible Seminary was founded in 1952 by the late Rev. Dr. Andrew Gih who originally came from China and realized that there was a great need for pastors among the Indonesian churches at that time. During his second journey to Indonesia, he met with several church leaders in the city of Bandung who explained to him that the scarcity of pastors and preachers were due to a lack of available Bible colleges or seminaries in Indonesia. It was through those conversations that finally Dr. Gih decided to begin a work of founding a seminary with a statement:
“I came to Indonesia with nothing but empty hands and a steadfast faith to the sovereign God. Since He is sovereign, He can help us opening this school.”
A new school which was named, “Southeast Asia Bible College” was begun in Bandung and later relocated to the city of Malang in East Java in 1954. In 1981, it was renamed to be the Southeast Asia Bible Seminary. Previously it was located in Kasin Kidul area, a commercial area in Malang city center (or also known as Arif Margono Street) and since 2007 it was relocated to a new location in the hills of northern Malang area (Bukit Hermon Street). Time after time and years passing by, God has continued to send His children who have been called to serve Him to this seminary. A journey which was begun with only three students and followed by many. Up until today, there are approximately more than 1,400 graduates of our seminary who are currently serving in Indonesia and abroad.
The above statement from Dr. Gih was truly a strong impetus for the Southeast Asia Bible Seminary in its long journey of equipping future pastors and ministers for the churches in Indonesia and beyond. By the grace and providence of God alone, the seminary has been able to survive and thrive in fulfilling its vision and mission the midst of many challenges. Hitherto hath the Lord helped us (1 Sam. 7:12) and this seminary’s present existence has been a strongh evidence of the faithfulness of God in calling Dr. Gih to start this ministry and to pass the baton to many servants of God who had succeeded him along the way.
Soli Deo Gloria!