Retta in Indonesia

Introduction / History

The Retta people live on Pantar Island in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. They speak the Retta language, which belongs to the Timor-Alor-Pantar language family. Historically, the Retta have lived in small, isolated communities, relying on subsistence farming and fishing for survival. Their cultural identity has been shaped by centuries of life in rugged terrain and interaction with neighboring ethnic groups. While modern influences have reached the island, traditional customs remain strong.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Retta people primarily work as farmers, cultivating crops such as maize, cassava, and sweet potatoes. Fishing is also an important source of food and income for those living near the coast. Homes are typically built from bamboo and wood, with thatched or tin roofs. Family life is close-knit, and extended families often live near one another, sharing resources and responsibilities. Meals usually include maize, root crops, and fish, often cooked over open fires. Celebrations include weddings, harvest festivals, and community gatherings, marked by traditional music, dance, and feasting.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Retta people are Sunni Muslims who believe that the supreme God, Allah, spoke through his prophet, Mohammed, and taught mankind how to live a righteous life through the Koran and the Hadith. To live a righteous life, you must utter the Shahada (a statement of faith), pray five times a day facing Mecca, fast from sunup to sundown during the month of Ramadan, give alms to the poor, and make a pilgrimage to Mecca if you have the means. Muslims are prohibited from drinking alcohol, eating pork, gambling, stealing, slandering and making idols. They gather for corporate prayer on Friday afternoons at a mosque, their place of worship.

They mix Islam with beliefs centered on spirits associated with nature and ancestors.

What Are Their Needs?

Access to healthcare and education is extremely limited, leaving many vulnerable to preventable diseases and illiteracy. Economic opportunities are scarce, and most families rely on subsistence farming with little access to markets or modern tools. Isolation makes it difficult for development programs to reach them. Spiritually, the Retta people have little opportunity to hear about Jesus Christ, and there is a need for workers who can share the gospel in culturally appropriate ways while addressing practical needs.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Retta people to have opportunities to hear and understand the message of Jesus Christ.
Ask God to send workers who will live among them and demonstrate his love through word and deed.
Pray for improved access to education and healthcare so families can thrive physically and socially.
Pray that Retta leaders will have dreams of the risen and victorious Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project