Ambonese in Indonesia

People Name:	Ambonese
Country:	Indonesia
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	330,000
World Population:	382,000
Primary Language:	Malay, Ambonese
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	70.00 %
Evangelicals:	40.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Maluku-Central
Affinity Bloc:	Malay Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Ambonese Malay people live in central Maluku. They are located primarily in and around the city of Ambon, on the island of Ambon. Ambonese Malay is a creole language spoken as a second language by many in surrounding areas.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Many people are employed as government workers, fishermen, teachers, doctors, and nurses. The Ambonese Malay are also known for being excellent singers and storytellers.

Tension still exists today from the violence in the area between January 1999 and February 2002. Since the violence, more segregation is present between Christians and Muslims.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Islam and Christianity are the main religions of the Ambonese Malay people with adherents comprising about 55% and 45% of the population, respectively. The Protestant Dutch Reformed Church is the largest and most influential Christian group. Traditional animistic beliefs also persist among a majority of the Ambonese Malay.

What Are Their Needs?

The Ambonese Malay people need the Scriptures translated into their language.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Scripture to be translated into Ambonese Malay, and that a team of local translators would make this a priority.
Pray that the church hierarchy will see the value of a translation of the Ambonese Malay Bible.
Pray that the people would view their language as a mode of communication for serious topics.