Saki, Turutap in Papua New Guinea

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

Introduction / History

The Turutap Saki people of PNG are part of the Saki ethnic group located in the Madang Province, particularly in the Bogia district on the mainland south of Manam Island. Their presence is recognized within the wider New Guinea people cluster, and they are considered an indigenous community with longstanding roots in the region.

Like many peoples of Papua New Guinea, the Turutap Saki have lived amid the island's remarkable linguistic and cultural diversity, shaped by centuries of localized settlement, subsistence patterns, and inter-community contact.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Turutap Saki live in a region characterized by coastal lowlands, forested areas, and river systems typical of Madang Province. Subsistence activities in such environments often include gardening, fishing, gathering forest resources, and participating in small?scale trade with nearby communities. Broader PNG cultural patterns suggest that village life is typically centered around extended families, shared responsibilities, and cooperation in daily work.

Given the highly diverse cultural landscape of Papua New Guinea, communities such as the Turutap Saki often maintain strong ties to land, traditional knowledge, and local languages, while also engaging with regional centers for markets, schooling, or church activities.


What Are Their Beliefs?

According to available sources, the primary religious identity among the Saki, including the Turutap Saki, is Christianity, particularly expressions aligned with Protestant traditions.

Traditional beliefs historically present in PNG often included recognition of spiritual forces connected to natural features or ancestral ties, but descriptions must remain modest and general. Today, Christian influence is significant, and many families participate in local church life, teaching, and fellowship. The gospel message offers hope and transformation to all who believe, and individual expressions of faith may vary across households.


What Are Their Needs?

The Turutap Saki share many of the common needs of PNG rural communities, including improved access to education, reliable healthcare, and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. Continued support for cultural preservation, local leadership development, and family stability is also important.

Spiritually, ongoing engagement with scripture, strong local churches, and discipleship opportunities can nurture maturity and faithfulness among believers. Investment in training and supporting local leaders can strengthen the long-term health of the church.


Prayer Items

Pray for spiritual growth among Turutap Saki believers and for a deepening love for God's word.
Pray for families to be strengthened in Christ and for unity within households and villages.
Pray for local church leaders to be encouraged and equipped in their ministry.
Pray for young people to encounter Jesus personally and develop a vision for serving others.
Pray that the hope of the gospel would be clearly seen in daily life and relationships throughout their communities.


Scripture Prayers for the Saki, Turutap in Papua New Guinea.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Saki
People Name in Country Saki, Turutap
Alternate Names Turutap
Population this Country 8,900
Population all Countries 8,900
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier No
GSEC 5  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 14653
ROP3 Code 108536
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Madang province: Bogia district, mainland south of Manam island.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Madang province: Bogia district, mainland south of Manam island..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
98.00 %
Ethnic Religions
2.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Maia (8,900 speakers)
Language Code sks   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Maia (8,900 speakers)
Language Code sks   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Maia

Primary Language:  Maia

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1988-2013)
Bible-New Testament No
Bible-Complete No
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.