Indonesian in Philippines

Introduction / History

Indonesians is a generic term for the hundreds of ethnic groups from Indonesia. There is a trade language, Bahasa Indonesia, but when it reaches the local level, it has so many borrowed words that Indonesians often cannot communicate with one another using that language.

Like most people, they are more likely to socialize with those from their country when they are in the diaspora, despite cultural, religious, and linguistic differences.

Long before the age of colonialism there were Indonesians who settled in the Philippines. Indonesians the Filipinos have common characteristics, but a different colonial and religious history.

What Are Their Lives Like?

It’s common for Indonesians in the Philippines to not be registered with the government. The Philippine government has tried to get them registered by offering the possibility of citizenship, but few Indonesians want citizenship in that country even though it has hindered their chance to get an education. Some of these Indonesians are now considered stateless.

No matter where they live, Indonesians prefer to live with family members. Those in the diaspora often live apart from their families, something that takes them out of their comfort zone. They believe in showing respect to their elders and authority figures.

Indonesians like hot, spicy food, like what they are used to in their own country. There are plenty of hot chilis in Indonesian cooking. Some of their food is sweet, because of the coconut and sugar that is often part of their dishes.

Indonesians in the Philippines love to celebrate. They have both religious and non-religious celebrations for life events that bring together entire communities. The biggest Indonesians celebration is the Tong Tong Fair.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Indonesians are Sunni Muslims, though there is a large Christian minority among the ethnic Javanese and others. The only country where Indonesians are considered unreached is Vietnam. They can be used as a mission force to Muslims wherever they live.

What Are Their Needs?

Indonesians in the Philippines need the spiritual hunger it will take to obey Christ no matter what the cost.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to provide them with all they need to thrive spiritually and materially.
Pray that Indonesians in the diaspora will put their identity in Jesus Christ, the one who offers dignity, purpose, and eternal salvation for all who call on his name.
Pray for Indonesians in the Philippines to disciple others, especially those from unreached Muslim and Buddhist communities.

Text Source:   Joshua Project