Mandar in Indonesia

People Name:	Mandar
Country:	Indonesia
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	565,000
World Population:	565,000
Primary Language:	Mandar
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.07 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Portions
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Bugi-Makassar of Sulawesi
Affinity Bloc:	Malay Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Mandar live on low coastal plains and mountains in the province of West Sulawesi. The Mandar region consists of mountains with a large area in the middle suitable for rice fields.

What Are Their Lives Like?

As a society that used to be an independent kingdom, the Mandar recognize three social classes: nobility, a middle class of commoners and a slave class. The nobility are referred to as Daeng for "royal class" and Puang for the "common class." There is a king of the Mandar, chosen by traditional leaders.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Mandar are animistic Muslims believing in the power of unseen spirits that inhabit sacred places. They often seek the services of a dukun (shaman/healer/occultist).

What Are Their Needs?

The Mandar need assistance in managing their commercial agricultural enterprises so that they can obtain maximum profit. They need help to professionally market sea products (sea turtle and cakalang fish) to obtain the highest market values. Perhaps church planters from other Indonesian people groups will come to the Mandar. Some Scripture has been published in the Mandar language.

Prayer Points

Pray for translation of the entire New Testament for the Mandars.
Pray the Mandar would not be overlooked.
Pray the few followers of Christ among the Mandar would learn to put on the full armor of God, being protected against all that will harm their faith and their testimony.
Pray for dreams of the risen, victorious Christ to come to Mandar family and religious leaders.