Suroi, Pasa in Papua New Guinea

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

Introduction / History

The Pasa Suroi people are an indigenous group of Papua New Guinea residing in Madang Province's Saidor District, particularly in and around Kumisanger village and several neighboring settlements. Their communities are located near the Rai Coast region, where rivers, forest, and coastal plains shape daily life and mobility.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Daily life for the Pasa Suroi reflects the setting of small villages in northern Madang Province. Their primary language, Siroi (also spelled Suroi), is a member of the Trans–New Guinea family, specifically within the Rai Coast subgroup, and serves as the main language used within the community for conversation and local interaction.

Families often engage in subsistence gardening, small-scale fishing, and gathering local forest resources, activities that provide food and materials for daily needs. Close family relationships and cooperation are important in coordinating communal tasks, sharing labor, and sustaining household economies. While Tok Pisin and English may be encountered in markets or formal settings, the Siroi language remains central within villages where daily life unfolds.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Pasa Suroi are identified with Christianity, and Christian belief and practice shape much of communal identity. At the same time, some individuals may retain traditional perspectives involving spiritual forces or influences related to health, protection, or everyday circumstances.

The Siroi community has access to substantial portions of Scripture: a New Testament translation exists in the Siroi language, and people can read or listen to Scripture through available resources.


What Are Their Needs?

The Pasa Suroi benefit from ongoing discipleship that helps believers grow in their understanding of Scripture and apply its teaching faithfully in community life. Continued support for local church leadership strengthens the ability of congregations to guide others toward deeper trust in Jesus Christ.

The relatively remote location of their villages means that practical challenges such as access to formal education, medical care, and reliable transportation can affect families and opportunities for broader engagement with services. These conditions are relevant to both daily life and long-term community development.


Prayer Items

Pray that the Pasa Suroi would deepen their understanding of the gospel and place unwavering trust in Jesus Christ alone.
Pray for pastors and local leaders to be equipped with biblical wisdom and the ability to teach and disciple others faithfully.
Pray that Scripture in the Siroi language—especially the New Testament—would be widely used and clearly understood across ages.
Pray for expanded opportunities in education that support foundational skills and lifelong learning.
Pray for improved access to basic medical care for families living in villages with limited services.
Pray for safer travel and stronger connections between Pasa Suroi villages and neighboring communities, helping reduce isolation.


Scripture Prayers for the Suroi, Pasa in Papua New Guinea.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Suroi
People Name in Country Suroi, Pasa
Alternate Names Pasa
Population this Country 2,500
Population all Countries 2,500
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier No
GSEC 5  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 15135
ROP3 Code 109627
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Madang province: Saidor district, Kumisanger village. 5 villages.   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: Saidor district, Kumisanger village. 5 villages..   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 Siroi (2,500 speakers)
Language Code ssd   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Siroi (2,500 speakers)
Language Code ssd   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Siroi

Primary Language:  Siroi

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1971-2000)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1975-2014)
Bible-Complete No
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app direct APK download SIL
Mobile App Android Bible app: Siroi YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app: Siroi - Bible Wycliffe Bible Translators
Mobile App iOS Bible app direct APK download SIL
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Siroi YouVersion Bibles
Text / Printed Matter Download scripture in this language eBible.org
Text / Printed Matter Jesus Messiah comic book General / Other
Text / Printed Matter Scripture text - download PNG Bible Translation Association
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.