Madak in Papua New Guinea

The Madak have only been reported in Papua New Guinea
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Madak people live in central New Ireland Province of Papua New Guinea. Their communities are located primarily in the Central New Ireland district, an area characterized by coastal settlements, inland plateaus, and forested terrain. The Madak speak an Austronesian language also known as Mandak, which is related to other languages of New Ireland. Over generations, they have maintained village?based social structures shaped by the land, the sea, and longstanding regional interactions.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Madak people typically live in small villages along the coasts and inland ridges of New Ireland. Daily life often centers around gardening, fishing, and gathering resources from the forests. Many families cultivate staple crops while also relying on the sea for food and transportation.

Communities are organized around extended families and village groups, with cooperative labor and shared responsibilities forming an important foundation of social life. In some areas, people may travel to nearby towns for schooling or trade, yet village traditions and local identity remain essential to community cohesion.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Christianity is the primary religious identity among the Madak people, with many participating in local church life and teaching.

Earlier beliefs in the region generally involved respect for natural forces, ancestors, and customary practices tied to the land and sea. Such traditions varied significantly between villages and families and should be described modestly and generally. Today, Christian teaching shapes much of the community's spiritual understanding.


What Are Their Needs?

The Madak people, like many rural communities in Papua New Guinea, may experience limited access to healthcare, formal education, and economic opportunities. Strengthening literacy, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and preserving local language and cultural knowledge can contribute to long-term well?being.

Spiritually, ongoing engagement with Scripture, encouragement for church leaders, and opportunities for discipleship can help strengthen believers. Supporting families and fostering unity in local Christian communities remain important for continued growth.


Prayer Items

Pray for the Madak people to grow in their understanding of God's word and to walk faithfully with Christ.
Pray for families to be strengthened in grace, patience, and unity.
Pray for church leaders to gladly send their best to Asian communities without a gospel witness.
Pray for young people to encounter Jesus personally and gain a vision for serving their communities.
Pray that believers will be a clear and loving witness to Christ throughout New Ireland.


Scripture Prayers for the Madak in Papua New Guinea.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Madak
People Name in Country Madak
Alternate Names Katingan; Mandak
Population this Country 9,300
Population all Countries 9,300
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier No
GSEC 6  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 13194
ROP3 Code 105980
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country New Ireland province: Central New Ireland district.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country New Ireland province: Central New Ireland district..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
95.00 %
Ethnic Religions
5.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Madak
Language Code mmx   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Madak
Language Code mmx   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Madak
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.