Indonesian in Saudi Arabia
Photo Source:
Endho - Pixabay
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| People Name: | Indonesian |
| Country: | Saudi Arabia |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 110,000 |
| World Population: | 10,218,600 |
| Primary Language: | Indonesian |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 15.80 % |
| Evangelicals: | 5.60 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Malay |
| Affinity Bloc: | Malay Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Javanese (Orang Jawa, "people of Java") originate from Central Java, Indonesia. The Orang Jawa ('people of Java', also known as 'Javanese') migrated from Central Java, Indonesia, to Malaysia from 1880 to 1930. They migrated to seek a new life away from the Dutch colonists who ruled Indonesia at that time.
Today the Orang Jawa live throughout Peninsular Malaysia in parts of Perak, Selangor, and Kedah. There are also isolated communities in coastal areas of Sabah. A smaller number have migrated to Saudi Arabia, Germany, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia.
What Are Their Lives Like?
They are a hospitable people, usually inviting visitors to share a meal with the family. Families are often large, some having between 10 and 17 children. Marriages are grand affairs that sometimes last up to three days. During weddings and circumcision rituals they perform the jedur (songs of praise to the prophet Mohammed) which is compiled in a book called Silawatan. They also perform the kempling (a type of dance giving praise to Allah) during religious occasions.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Javanese have a long and strong commitment to the Islamic religion, which is part of their culture. Though there are thousands of Javanese believers in Indonesia and elsewhere, they remain unreached in Saudi Arabia. Perhaps Christian Javanese will remember their brethren in Saudi Arabia.
No doubt many of the Javanese in Saudi Arabia are living there for work. Pray that they will interact with the many workers in Saudi Arabia who follow Christ.
What Are Their Needs?
The Javanese people need to accept the warm embrace of the only Savior so they can enjoy spiritually meaningful lives.
Prayer Points
Please pray the Javanese in Saudi Arabia will relate well with neighboring peoples and thrive as a community.
Pray for Javanese believers to take Christ to the Javanese in Saudi Arabia.
Pray for spiritual discernment and a hunger for true spirituality.
Pray for a movement to Christ that will affect the Javanese no matter where they live.