Topoiyo in Indonesia
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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Map Source:
People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Topoiyo |
| Country: | Indonesia |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 2,600 |
| World Population: | 2,600 |
| Primary Language: | Topoiyo |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Unspecified |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | No |
| People Cluster: | Kaili-Tomini of Sulawesi |
| Affinity Bloc: | Malay Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Topoiyo means “people of agreement.” The Topoyo probably migrated from Central Celebes.
They brought with them a well-developed culture of wet rice farming and a traditional
system of government. They fought against the Dutch colonists in 1906-1907, but ultimately
lost.
What Are Their Lives Like?
This area is filled with oil palm trees. there are big plantations and small holders. The
people also grow wet rice and vegetables. Money crops include oranges, bananas, maize
and chocolate. The people live in or near towns rather than traditional villages. The Trans
Celebes Highway brings lots of economic opportunities to the area.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Topoyo are nearly all Muslims, but they live in towns that are about 90% Muslim with
about 7% Protestant. Twice a year they stage a ritual called Pamose. This begins in a special village hall. Various traditional leaders do a type of solo war dances waving machetes and chanting. Originally this was supposed to be a victory celebration or a war preparation ritual. Today the ceremony is thought to bring good luck, peace and community solidarity.
Besides the Pamose ritual, the people are Muslims with lots of folk practices, such as
foretelling the future by examining the entrails of chicken that was sacrificed.
What Are Their Needs?
Their language is dying. Schools, TV, and government all use the national language,
Indonesian [Bahasa Indonesia]. The one prominent tradition that they are holding onto is
the Pamose, but even the speeches in that ritual are a mixture of Indonesian and Topoiyo.
Other ethnic groups are living side by side to the Topoiyo. Assimilation is slowly erasing
their separate ethnic identity. This is a good thing for nation building, but it can be upsetting
to individuals and their communities. Meanwhile their towns are growing economically and developing.
Because many nearby church members are from other ethnic groups (and even other islands) outreach will require crossing cultural barriers. Using a national language is a great help, but only a start in the process of reaching out across cultures.
Prayer Points
Pray that the churches in the area will reach out to the Topoiyo.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will draw people to Jesus.
Pray for spiritual hunger among the Topoyo.
Pray for workers for this field.