Kamoro in Indonesia

Introduction / History

The Kamoro are sometimes known as the Kamora, Mimika, Lakahia, Nagramadu, Umari, Mukamuga, Neferipi, Nefarpi, Maswena, Nafa, Kaokonau, or Umar people. Tarya, Yamur, Nanesa are three Kamoro language dialects. The Kamoro people have regular contact with other coastal people. The Kamoro language is part of the Asmat-Kamoro language family. Many Kamoro people now live in Etna Bay, the government center.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Kamoro people work in fishing, marketing, sago-processing, and hunting along their coastal lands. The coastal and river dwellers can best be accessed by boat but some Kamoro people level at higher altitudes. They have traditionally been a semi-nomadic people.
The main diet of the Kamoro people is sago and fish. The Kamoro people are known for their wooden canoe ornaments and houses for rituals. Individual clans look up to the clan leader.
Many Kamoro people believe they don't have a lot of goods because although their ancestors are sending goods for them, outsiders are intercepting the goods.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Both the Catholic Church in Indonesia and the Evangelical Christian Church in Irian Jaya have worship facilities in the language area. About two-thirds identify as Christian.

What Are Their Needs?

The Kamoro people have no gospel film or videos in their language.

Prayer Points

Pray for a multiplying movement of disciples who will bring healing, unity, and lasting hope, transforming entire villages through the power of Christ.
Pray that soon they will become Christ's ambassadors to disciple less-reached nations.
Pray for the Lord to bless Kamoro Christian believers with an abundance of God's love, joy, and kindness, drawing others to the King of kings.
Pray for them to be grateful for God's spiritual and physical provisions.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will move powerfully, so that they may become a light to those who still lack a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project