Introduction / History

The Batui are a small people group living on the coast in Banggai Regency, Indonesia. Their language, Batui, is considered endangered as it is only used by adults and is not known to be taught in schools. Over time, the Batui are learning Bahasa, the national language of Indonesia.
The Batui land includes the Bakiriang forest. The King of Banggai designated this a protected area in 1936; however, a more recent wildlife vote has resulted in the development of multiple palm oil plantations within the designated forest area.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Life is changing for the Batui. Traditional livelihoods based on the forest may be disappearing and education emphasizing literacy in the Bahasa language will likely emerge.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Batui practice Islam mixed with folk religion and animistic practices. They perceive Allah as distant and uninvolved in their daily lives; as a result, they rely on appeasing the spirits for day-to-day protection.

What Are Their Needs?

The Batui are losing both their language and their culture. If current trends continue, they will need to complete adoption of the Bahasa language and will likely need literacy training. As their forest continues to change character due to development, the Batui need to develop skills to help them thrive in a changing economy.

Prayer Items

Ask God to raise up workers to take the gospel to the Batui and to direct them to people whose hearts are open to the truth.
Pray for literacy training in the Bahasa language, for distribution of the Scriptures, and for opportunities to show the JESUS film.
Pray for a Disciple Making Movement to emerge among the Batui, resulting in believers and churches multiplying through generations.

Scripture Prayers for the Batui in Indonesia.