Isirawa, Saberi in Indonesia

Introduction / History

The Isirawa language group is located on the north coast of Papua, Indonesia's largest province. It consists of two dialects, in which noun genders are opposite! The speakers of these dialects are often at odds with one another. They are currently served by an Indonesian-UNESCO-Canadian SIL initiative in community development, bilingual literacy (ILRP) and cultural preservation.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They are a subsistence horticulturalist society that has been negatively impacted by "civilization" and urbanization. Their youth are becoming Indonesianized. Horticulture is augmented by fishing, hunting, and collecting timber. Women engage in weaving and embroidery. They are often discriminated against in urban society.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most identify as Christian, but animism persists. Their animistic rituals focus on health, fertility, well-being. There are male and female societies with their respective rites of initiation. There is also sorcery and witchcraft. Sing-sings are popular.

What Are Their Needs?

Health education (including education about AIDS and malaria) and health care, literacy, and clean water are their primary needs. however, cultural preservation is also a need. They are socially marginalized and under-served, especially in health care and functional bilingual literacy and education.

Prayer Points

Pray that believers will evangelized those who haven't put all their faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that soon the Isirawas will become God's ambassadors for Christ to those who lack hope.
Pray for Bible translation into both dialects. Pray that the people will see the value in literacy.
Pray for an end to AIDS and malaria.
Pray for medical and clean water projects to improve their lives.

Text Source:   Joshua Project