The Sasak people make up the majority of the population of Lombok Island in West Nusa Tenggara province. They live throughout almost the whole island, but the most densely populated areas are the fertile rice fields south of the famous Mount Rinjani. In the past, anthropologists divided the Sasak into two groups: the Waktu Lima and Waktu Telu. The Waktu Lima Sasak mostly live in the central plains, close to the roads and trade centers. The Sasak Waktu Telu tend to live in remote villages in the south and in the mountains. The Sasak language is like Balinese and Javanese, but different in how it is written and pronounced. Many words have been borrowed from the Kawi language (Old Javanese), Sanskrit and Arabic, as can be seen in ancient writings on palmyra leaves known as takepan which were often read in the past. In Sasak society there are two classes: the revered nobility and the lower class. For many years, Lombok was divided into many small, warring kingdoms. This ended when the armies from Bali subjugated them. In 1894 the Dutch freed them from Balinese control. Up to the present there are many Sasak who don't like the Balinese.
For newcomers, the Sasak seem very unrefined, frightening and aggressive. But once you get to know them, the Sasak are very friendly and open. Most Sasak are farmers, some are laborers, some are fishermen, and some are craftsmen. Weavings and earthenware crafts made by skilled workers can be found in several villages. Many of these are sold to tourists or even exported to Western countries. Many Sasak look for work in larger cities, both on Lombok and on other islands. Moral and ethical values are called tindih by the Sasak. They try to maintain values of good friendships and maintaining cultural forms of respect within the family, honoring their parents and acting politely when a guest. In looking for a wife, many Sasak follow the custom of eloping, where the woman voluntarily allows herself to be "kidnapped" and hidden away somewhere for a while. After this, the "kidnapper" contacts the woman's family to negotiate the wedding terms and then the wedding ceremony is held.
Most Sasak are Muslims. Every year many Sasak travel far to complete the hajj - the journey to Mecca. Many of them have to save up money for years and years, or sell their land or car in order to pay for this trip because when they come back from Mecca they are highly honored by their families and neighbors for the rest of their life. Many Sasak people still also worship in sacred places, such as tombs of religious leaders or on Mount Rinjani. They also worship the spirits of the ancestors and spirits that live in the forest, mountains or rivers.
Although the Sasak live on a beautiful island, they still live in poverty. The rates are very high of women who die in childbirth and child mortality. Besides this, the people could also benefit from training in tourism skills to develop the great tourism potential of their area.
Pray for the Sasak people to have the spiritual hunger it takes to stand up for Jesus in the face of community pressure.
Pray for loving workers.
Pray for Sasak disciples who will disciple others.
Scripture Prayers for the Sasak in Indonesia.
IPN, 2011 Copyrighted © Used with permission.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
