Kangean in Indonesia

People Name:	Kangean
Country:	Indonesia
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	126,000
World Population:	126,000
Primary Language:	Kangean
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.58 %
Evangelicals:	0.58 %
Scripture:	Unspecified
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	No
People Cluster:	Madura of Java
Affinity Bloc:	Malay Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Kangean people live on the islands of Kangean, a cluster of about 60 islands in Indonesia. They speak multiple dialects of the Madura language, including Kangean, which they use in informal day-to-day interactions. Increasingly, Kangeans are learning English and Bahasa, the national language of Indonesia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Kangean people are known to be very friendly, polite and religious. Education on the Kangean islands ends with middle school. Many who have finished their education move to other islands such as Java, Sumatra or Kalimantan to continue their studies or seek employment.

Most Kangeans rely on fishing and selling seafood items for their livelihood, though some make a living through farming, trading, and tourism. Bicycle taxi drivers provide transportation for tourists arriving on the islands.

The economy benefits from Kangean men who move to Malaysia and Singapore for employment and send money back to their families. Many items needed for daily living come from other islands like Madura, Java, and Bali. Electricity is widely available from late afternoon until dawn. Some Javanese are beginning to move to the Kangean islands, further boosting the economy.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Islam came to the Kangeans from Java and today constitutes the main religion of the people. As is true with many other Indonesian people groups, the Kangeans practice animism in their day-to-day lives as a supplement to Islam. Cultural rituals, magic, and numerology characterize their beliefs. They fear the spirit world and work to appease the spirits every day.

The Kangeans have little or no access to the gospel and no known scriptures in their heart language. The Bible is available in English and Bahasa (the national language of Indonesia), but access is very limited.

What Are Their Needs?

Though the economy of the Kangean islands is improving, electricity and education remain among the top needs. Electricity is generally unavailable during the day and education beyond middle school requires travel to other islands.

Prayer Points

Ask God to free the Kangeans from the fear of spirits and to place in their hearts a hunger for the truth of the gospel.
Pray for translation of the New Testament and other Christian resources, such as the JESUS film, into the heart language of the Kangeans.
Ask God to raise up workers to take the gospel to the Kangeans and to improve their educational opportunities.
Pray for a movement to Christ among the Kangeans to develop soon.