Introduction / History

Topoiyo means “people of agreement.” The Topoyo probably migrated from Central Celebes.

They brought with them a well-developed culture of wet rice farming and a traditional

system of government. They fought against the Dutch colonists in 1906-1907, but ultimately

lost.

What Are Their Lives Like?

This area is filled with oil palm trees. there are big plantations and small holders. The

people also grow wet rice and vegetables. Money crops include oranges, bananas, maize

and chocolate. The people live in or near towns rather than traditional villages. The Trans

Celebes Highway brings lots of economic opportunities to the area.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Topoyo are nearly all Muslims, but they live in towns that are about 90% Muslim with

about 7% Protestant. Twice a year they stage a ritual called Pamose. This begins in a special village hall. Various traditional leaders do a type of solo war dances waving machetes and chanting. Originally this was supposed to be a victory celebration or a war preparation ritual. Today the ceremony is thought to bring good luck, peace and community solidarity.

Besides the Pamose ritual, the people are Muslims with lots of folk practices, such as

foretelling the future by examining the entrails of chicken that was sacrificed.

What Are Their Needs?

Their language is dying. Schools, TV, and government all use the national language,

Indonesian [Bahasa Indonesia]. The one prominent tradition that they are holding onto is

the Pamose, but even the speeches in that ritual are a mixture of Indonesian and Topoiyo.

Other ethnic groups are living side by side to the Topoiyo. Assimilation is slowly erasing

their separate ethnic identity. This is a good thing for nation building, but it can be upsetting

to individuals and their communities. Meanwhile their towns are growing economically and developing.

Because many nearby church members are from other ethnic groups (and even other islands) outreach will require crossing cultural barriers. Using a national language is a great help, but only a start in the process of reaching out across cultures.

Prayer Points

Pray that the churches in the area will reach out to the Topoiyo.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will draw people to Jesus.
Pray for spiritual hunger among the Topoyo.
Pray for workers for this field.

Scripture Prayers for the Topoiyo in Indonesia.

References

https://katinting.com/taa-pamose-ditengah-gempuran-milenial/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWHkyhwivHY
https://eprints.unm.ac.id/11722/1/JURNAL%20PAMOSE.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW2iqU2n4Nw