Introduction / History

The Enim people live in multiple districts in the Muara Enim Regency of Indonesia. In the Ujan Mas and Muara Enim districts, they live alongside a small number of Lematang people. The majority of Enim people live along a section of the Trans-Sumatra Highway. They speak Central Malay, a language spoken by several other people groups in Indonesia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Many of the Enim living in the villages have a primary school education level or lower. They make a living by collecting sand and rocks from river beds, which can be sold. Some Enim travel around the area selling sand and rocks while others wait for buyers at their kiosks. Other common professions are harvesting firewood and tapping rubber trees for the sap.
The family's oldest son, who is regarded as having the most rights to the inheritance, usually inherits wealth left behind by parents. However the father may also choose to divide the inheritance between his sons. Daughters do not receive inheritance rights because they are considered to have been bought by their husbands at the time they are married. As a result, a woman's inheritance comes from her husband alone.
Marriage is carried out according to Islamic principles. There are three forms of Enim marriage. The first is Tanam Batu, which means that the groom joins the bride's family. The second is Kepalaking, which means that the bride joins the groom's family. The third is Tambe Anak Samarizing, which means that the bride and groom can live in the place they prefer, so there is no tie to either family. The Enim are very open to newcomers and are free to form relationships with anyone regardless of ethnic or religious background. This openness has led to many mixed marriages with people of other ethnic and religious backgrounds.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Enim have been Muslims for generations; however, some still practice the traditional animistic beliefs of their ancestors as well. The Enim believe that they originated from a supernatural being that lives in the forest. They understand heaven and hell to mean that which is good or bad in this world. Heaven means having a good or comfortable life. Hell means a difficult or unpleasant life.

What Are Their Needs?

More access to education could benefit the Enim people in today's era of globalization. Increased efficiency in farming and management of livestock could also improve their quality of life. Additionally, development in the Enim area faces barriers in that reliable electricity and sufficient clean water are not currently available.
The New Testament, the JESUS Film, and various audio recordings are available in the Central Malay language. Who will distribute them?

Prayer Points

Ask God to break the bonds of Islam for the Enim people and to cause them to hunger for real spiritual truth.
Pray for effective distribution of the New Testament among the Enim and for opportunities to show the JESUS Film.
Ask God to send loving workers to the Enim to take the gospel to them and to assist in improving their education and key infrastructure.
Ask God to strengthen the few believers among the Enim and to equip and grow them as disciple-makers.
Pray for a Church Planting Movement among the Enim in this decade.

Scripture Prayers for the Enim in Indonesia.