Sikkanese in Indonesia

Introduction / History

The Sikkanese (also called Sikka or Sikkanese) are an Austronesian people native to the eastern-central coastal and inland areas of Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Their traditional territory centers on what is now Sikka Regency, with Maumere serving as the regional urban hub. Portuguese contact from the 16th–17th centuries and later missionary activity shaped local political and religious developments; a small indigenous polity (the historical rajadom of Sikka) and European influences are part of their recorded history.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Sikkanese daily life blends subsistence agriculture, small-scale coastal fishing, and local trade. In upland villages people practice shifting cultivation and garden crops such as corn and vegetables; coastal settlements emphasize fishing and market activities. Villages commonly retain strong kinship networks and traditional social hierarchies; settlement patterns vary from linear coastal villages to compact mountain hamlets with communal sacred spaces and megalithic markers in some interior areas. Weaving and local textile traditions (ikat and other patterned cloths) are culturally significant in parts of Flores, and Sikkanese speech and proverbs remain important markers of identity even as Bahasa Indonesia is used more widely.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Sikkanese have long been identified with Christianity—especially Roman Catholicism—due chiefly to centuries of Portuguese missionary activity and later Catholic mission presence across Flores. At the same time, many communities retain elements of ancestral and local spiritual practices: beliefs in guardian spirits of land and house (often called by local names), ritual observances connected to kin and land, and concern about witchcraft or malevolent persons. In many places Christian rites and local customary (adat) practices coexist and interweave in daily life, ceremonies, and life-cycle events.

What Are Their Needs?

The Sikkanese would benefit from culturally respectful engagement that recognizes both their Christian faith and living customary practices. Many communities need sustainable economic development that preserves local livelihoods (e.g., improved market access for small farmers and fishers) and supports traditional crafts such as weaving. Land tenure and resource conflicts have been sources of tension; fair, transparent land management and dispute resolution that include local customary authorities would help reduce friction. Educational resources in local languages and Bahasa Indonesia — including materials that preserve Sikka language and proverbs — would support cultural continuity while expanding opportunities. Finally, access to quality healthcare and pastoral-sensitive social services in rural areas remain important needs.

Prayer Points

Pray that Sikkanese Christian leaders and congregations would be strengthened to serve their communities with compassion and cultural sensitivity, so the church can address spiritual and practical needs without dismissing customary traditions.
Pray for wisdom and justice in resolving land and resource disputes, that traditional leaders, church leaders, and government officials would work together to protect families' livelihoods and prevent conflict.
Pray for improved access to basic services—healthcare, education, and sustainable economic programs—in rural Sikka communities.
Pray for Christian agencies and local churches to partner lovingly, effectively, and respectfully to reach the Sikkanese involved in syncretism and show them the power and hope only found in Christ.
Pray for a faithful and complete translation of the Bible in the Sikkanese heart language. Pray for the faithful translation, production, and wide distribution of discipleship and outreach materials in the Sikkanese heart language. Pray that the Sikkanese Christians would wholeheartedly embrace the Great Commission.

Text Source:   Joshua Project