Han Chinese, Min Nan in Indonesia

People Name:	Han Chinese, Min Nan
Country:	Indonesia
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	1,047,000
World Population:	44,117,900
Primary Language:	Chinese, Min Nan
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	35.00 %
Evangelicals:	5.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Chinese
Affinity Bloc:	East Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Min Nan language is also called Hokkien. It is primarily spoken along China’s eastern and southern coasts, Hong Kong, Thailand, and especially in Taiwan. Their language came from a tenth-century kingdom based in Fujian, now a province of China.

Min Nan speakers are among the Han Chinese, the largest ethnic group worldwide. They are the majority in China, but there is a Chinese diaspora in most world nations.

The Han Chinese fled to other countries after the Mongol invasion in 1276. Many other upheavals and conflicts followed, and the Chinese continued to settle in other nations, particularly in Southeast Asia. That includes Indonesia, a country where Min Nan speakers reside. The seafaring Min Nan speakers have settled in many places where they can trade and do business.

Wherever they went, the Chinese settled almost exclusively in urban areas and became involved in business and commerce. Today, they are very influential in the economies of many of these nations, though they represent only a small percentage of the population.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Min Nan Chinese have maintained their culture and language to varying degrees. They retain Chinese customs regarding marriage and family. They treat their children affectionately and usually indulge boys more than girls. The children are pushed to do well in school and are given much time to devote to their studies.

The Han Chinese are known for their politeness and will go to great lengths to avoid disputes. However, once a dispute begins it is very difficult to stop because the Chinese place a high value on "saving face." Giving ground in an open dispute would cause them to lose face—something the Min Nan Chinese try to avoid at all costs.

Though ethnic Chinese have faced violent persecution in Indonesia in the past, some are now being elected to public office.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Min Nan Chinese have generally maintained traditional Chinese religion. Over time these traditional religious beliefs added elements of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. These beliefs are centered around the concept of maintaining harmony, something greatly valued by all Chinese people.

The Min Nam Chinese consult horoscopes in an attempt to determine what course of action will promote harmony and bring good luck. They also believe in a pantheon of spirits who inhabit the earth. The spirits of their ancestors supposedly roam the earth, and if treated properly they will bring good luck. Ghosts are the spirits of people who are angry at the circumstances of their death; they are malicious and capricious. By contrast, deities are the souls of people who lived virtuous lives. They have spiritual powers that can be used to benefit those who worship them. Although the Min Nam Chinese claim adherence to these beliefs, they seem to have little effect on their everyday lives. Many are non-religious in their daily practices.

About one-third of the Min Nan speakers are strong Christians. They can be used by God to disciple many.

What Are Their Needs?

Ethnic Chinese have much economic clout in Indonesia. For that reason and others, they are resented by the Indonesian majority. Sometimes it turns violent.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord's protection of the ethnic Chinese communities in Indonesia.
Pray for Min Nan workers, filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit, to disciple Indonesian Muslims in the ways of Christ.
Pray for Min Nan speakers to begin a family-based movement to Christ that will bless them abundantly.
Pray for Min Nan speakers to have the spiritual hunger to seek and find Jesus Christ.