Tolaki, Mekongga in Indonesia

People Name:	Tolaki, Mekongga
Country:	Indonesia
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	77,000
World Population:	77,000
Primary Language:	Tolaki
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	3.00 %
Evangelicals:	1.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Bungku-Bajau
Affinity Bloc:	Malay Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

In the 10th century, there were two main kingdoms on mainland southeastern Sulawesi where the Mekongga Tolaki live. There are a couple of Tolaki tribes, one of which is the Mekongga. They live in southeastern Sulawesi, an island with four large peninsulas in the Mekonga Mountains near Soroako. Their language, which they call Mekonggka, is a dialect of Tolaki.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Tolaki tribes hold to a number of community values. They include a culture of obedience and loyalty to their institutions. They have a shame-based culture where there is an understanding of what social manners they are expected to adhere to. They value and enforce group unity and their dignity is based on being part of their group.
Like other nearby tribes the Mekongga Tolaki grow maize as their staple crop and use "slash and burn" methods but also grow sweet potatoes, sugarcane, vegetables, tobacco, and coffee. Their homes, which are made from woven grasses, are near their farms.
Mekongga Tolaki marriage customs require payments to the girl's family at the time of the engagement and again at the marriage. The amount of the bride-price depends upon the social rank of the young man. Prior to marriage, he is required to serve a probationary period with his prospective in-laws, and this requirement gives rise to a high degree of elopement. In the past, slaves and their descendants were not permitted to marry each other, though they could live together. Also, women of the nobility class did not marry commoners. Polygyny (having more than one wife) was common among some of the aristocracy but is rarely found today.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Mekongga Tolaki are overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim, but they adhere to traditional beliefs, especially ones that involve evil spirits. There are some who are Christian believers, but they are a small number.

What Are Their Needs?

The Mekongga Tolaki people need to have the chance to improve their farming techniques so they can improve their harvests. They need better medical care and schools.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to provide an abundant harvest of crops as a testimony of his lovingkindness and power.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive the Mekongga Tolaki people into the loving arms of Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out Holy Spirit-anointed workers to the Mekongga Tolaki people.
Pray for the Lord to establish his church among the Mekongga Tolaki people this decade.