Momina in Indonesia

Introduction / History

The indigenous Momina people live in the remote central lowlands of West Papua Province of Indonesia. The Momina people and their language Momina are in danger of disappearing as there are only 300 of them left in their homeland.

Indonesia gained its freedom from the Netherlands in 1949. It is the largest Muslim majority country in the world as well as the fourth largest nation by population. Indonesia consists of over 17,000 islands of which 10,000 are inhabited. Indonesia has oil, natural gas and mineral assets but the average Indonesian frequently does not benefit from the nation's wealth.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Some of their young people move away searching for a better life. One epidemic could wipe out the Momina people, language and culture forever.

The Momina make their living by hunting, fishing and farming. There currently no known Christian resources available in the Momina language.

The Momina are nomadic that is they move from place to place. They live in houses built on tree stumps lashed with vines and leaf roofs. They burn down a section of the rain forest and plant crops. Once the soil becomes depleted, they move on to a new area. The Momina make their clothes from rattan and adorn themselves with nose bones and sticks. Their diet consists of yams, bananas, nuts, sago, fish, and wild pig. Many Momina enjoy spending time smoking pipes or painting their wood shields. As a tribal people they are looked down upon by other Indonesians.

The life of the Momina revolves around the village. Village elders make judicial decisions and deal with outsiders. Extended families live in the same home. The Momina live much like their ancestors without access to electricity, indoor plumbing and modern medicine. As a result, life expectancy is low and many children die before their tenth birthday. Momina children lack access to schools. Most Momina are unable to read and write which hinders their opportunities to improve their lives.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Each village has a shaman who connects the Momina to the spirit world and also serves as the village doctor. The Momina practice folk religion, animism and ancestor veneration. They believe that spirits inhabit the objects of nature such as rivers, trees, mountains, rocks and animals. These spirits must be appeased by offerings and prayers, or they can bring disaster upon the Momina people. The shaman provides the people with charms and amulets hoping to ward off the evil spirits. The Momina live in constant fear of offending these evil spirits and their ancestors. The Indonesian government is making an effort to convert tribal peoples like the Momina to Islam.

What Are Their Needs?

The Momina have huge spiritual and physical needs. They need access to modern medicine, schools for their children and solar panels. Solar panels can power cell phones and appliances. Teams of believers can help meet these needs. Most of all the Momina need to hear about the life changing message of Jesus Christ. He alone can forgive their sins and free them from their fear of evil spirits.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to send Holy Spirit anointed workers to the Momina.

Pray that the Bible resources would become available in the Momina language.

Pray that Momina parents would be able to provide for their children.

Pray that teachers would come and teach the Momina how to read and write.

Text Source:   Joshua Project