Rejang in Indonesia

People Name:	Rejang
Country:	Indonesia
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	409,000
World Population:	409,000
Primary Language:	Rejang
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.04 %
Evangelicals:	0.02 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Minangkabau-Rejang of Sumatra
Affinity Bloc:	Malay Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Rejang people live in southern Sumatra, a large island which is part of Indonesia. They are defined by their language of the same name.

What Are Their Lives Like?

An interesting trait of the Rejang is that children are given opportunities to speak and make their own decisions from a young age. Parents respect and support these decisions, even when they are wrong. Educational facilities are readily available in the Rejang area, from elementary schools to high schools and technical schools. However, most children do not take full advantage of these opportunities. The most common reason for dropping out of school is to get married. This normally is not a result of pressure from parents but arises from the student's own initiative. These young marriages usually last only a few months or years before ending in divorce. Many later choose to return to school after their divorce. Unemployment is high among them; many young people drop out of school to marry at an early age.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Rejang people are officially Muslims who believe the tenets of the Islamic religion. Most feel that they need the protection of local spirits. Commonly they believe in the evil eye and the power of the spirit world. They do not believe they have an all-powerful advocate who can protect them.

What Are Their Needs?

There are so few Rejang who have accepted Christ that they will need to hear the precious gospel from outsiders. Rejang people need gospel workers.

Prayer Points

Ask God to prepare and send caring, faithful believers to the Rejang.
Ask God to send dreams and visions to the elders and for spiritual discernment among the people so that they may be drawn to Jesus.
Ask God to show them his glory daily, and that they will have ears to hear and eyes to see Jesus.
Pray for Indonesian Christians to adopt the Rejangs for regular prayer and outreach.

References