Sentani, Buyaka in Indonesia

Introduction / History

The Buyaka Sentani people live around Lake Sentani in Papua, Indonesia, and are part of the New Guinea people cluster within the Pacific Islanders affinity bloc. Their language, Sentani (also called Buyaka), is spoken in scattered villages around the lake and has several dialects. Historically, the Sentani have been closely tied to the land and water, relying on fishing, farming, and small-scale trade. Their cultural identity is deeply rooted in traditional practices and oral histories, which emphasize kinship ties and respect for ancestral spirits.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Buyaka Sentani people live in villages along the shores of Lake Sentani, where fishing and agriculture form the backbone of daily life. Families cultivate sago, taro, and sweet potatoes, while fishing provides protein and trade opportunities. Social life is organized around clans, with elders playing a central role in decision-making. Traditional houses are often built on stilts near the water, reflecting their close relationship with the lake. While modernization has reached parts of the region, many communities still rely on subsistence farming and fishing, blending traditional ways with limited access to education and healthcare.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The primary religion of the Buyaka Sentani is animism, with a worldview that sees spirits inhabiting natural entities such as animals, plants, and even inanimate objects. Rituals and ceremonies are performed to honor these spirits and ensure harmony between the physical and spiritual realms. Christianity has made some inroads, with a minority identifying as Christian, but evangelical presence remains small. Syncretism is common, with traditional beliefs often blending with Christian practices.

What Are Their Needs?

The Buyaka Sentani people need greater access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities to improve their quality of life. Spiritually, they need clear exposure to the gospel in their heart language, as many still rely on oral traditions and have limited access to Scripture. The New Testament is available in their language, but resources such as the Jesus Film are not yet accessible. They also need discipleship and training for local believers, so that Christianity can grow in a culturally relevant way. Finally, there is a need for community development projects that respect their traditions while offering sustainable improvements in health, literacy, and livelihood.

Prayer Points

Pray for the translation and distribution of the full Bible in the Sentani language, so that the people can engage deeply with Scripture.
Pray asking God to raise up local leaders who can disciple new believers, ensuring that Christianity grows in a way that creates a new heritage and culture in Christ.
Pray for spiritual openness among those who practice animism, that they may see Christ as Lord over creation.
Pray for missionaries and Christian workers in Papua, that they would have wisdom, perseverance, and cultural sensitivity in sharing the gospel.
Pray that Sentani believers would wholeheartedly embrace the great commission and preach the gospel and make disciples of their people and the world around them.

Text Source:   Joshua Project