Hindi, Indian in Indonesia

Introduction / History

Hindi is more of a language than a people group distinction. The majority of Hindi speakers live in South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, Nepal and Afghanistan. In these countries, Hindi speakers are further divided into sub-groups. The Hindi-speaking Diaspora outside South Asia are grouped together by country.

Hindi is an Indo-Aryan language. Hindi is so similar to Urdu that the two languages are mutually intelligible. The major difference is that Urdu speakers are almost always Muslim and Hindi speakers are Hindu.

Most Hindi speakers in Indonesia live either on the island of Sumatra or the capital city of Jakarta. Some live in other cities.

What Are Their Lives Like?

It is usually the higher castes and educated people who leave India and migrate to other countries. These people now hold a wide variety of occupations. While most have kept various aspects of the Hindi culture, they are all affected by the local cuisine, culture and language.

In their new countries, Hindi speakers have set up Indian spice shops, video stores and small businesses in urban settings. They are especially known for their fabric shops. Some work in the tech industry, as engineers or in the medical profession. A smaller number work in low-paying jobs in Indian restaurants or as construction workers.

South Asians in a foreign setting often come together for various events that are unique to South Asia. For example, all South Asians come together to celebrate India's Independence Day. But they don't attend religious events for Sikhs or Muslims.

In Indonesia, Hindi speakers are losing some of their South Asian ways. They sometimes dress like the local Indonesians. Many eat every kind of meat except beef. Hindu women have the right to divorce and remarry. Though arranged marriages are still common, Hindi speakers often select their own spouse from internet sources. Others choose their own spouse with parental approval.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of Hindi speakers practice Hinduism. Hinduism is more an identity than a religion. The Hindu religion offers a reason to come together with other South Asians for social events. These events include Diwali and other Hindu celebrations.

Members of the high castes usually view Hinduism as a philosophy. Others view it as a religion. They worship gods they believe can benefit them in practical ways. They make sacrifices and offerings to their gods to earn their favor, appease them and avoid calamity.

Orthodox Hinduism teaches that the soul never dies. When the body dies, the soul is reborn or "reincarnated." The soul may be reborn as an animal or as a human. The law of "karma" states that every action influences how the soul will be born in the next reincarnation. If a person lives a good life, the soul will be born into a higher state. If a person leads an evil life, the soul will be born into a lower state.

What Are Their Needs?

Generally, the Hindi speaking diaspora are relatively well-off materially. This success can dull their spiritual sensitivity, leading them to accept their Hindu beliefs and practices without question. They need awakening to the truth of the gospel and a sense of their need for their savior. The Hindu worldview differs considerably from the Christian worldview, posing obstacles to understanding the gospel and believing in Christ.

Prayer Points

Ask God to give the Hindi speakers in Indonesia hearts that are open to the abundant blessings of Jesus Christ.
Thank God for the many Christian resources available in Hindi, including the entire Bible, the JESUS Film, and others. Ask God to lead Hindi speakers to these resources.
Pray for a movement to Christ among Hindi speakers - for the multiplication of disciples, households of faith, and churches.
Ask God to send Hindu-background believers to build bridges of understanding the gospel with the Hindi speakers in Indonesia.

Text Source:   Joshua Project