Ketapang Malay in Indonesia

The Ketapang Malay live along the western edge of West Kalimantan Province on islands in the Karimata Straits. They are a Muslim group descended from a mix of Malay and Dayak. Most Melayu Ketapang are farmers although some work as fishermen. Crops are shipped to Pontianak and Semarang (on the island of Java) for sale. Since there are many potential tourism sites in the Ketapang area, raising the rate of tourism could provide economic benefits to the local community. Improvement of transportation is needed to more easily move their produce to markets.

Ministry Obstacles

The Ketapang consider their tribe to be Muslim. They believe that to leave the religion is to leave the tribe. Perhaps for this reason there are no reports of Melayu Ketapang believers who adhere to any spiritual worldview other than Islam.

Scripture Focus

"Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!"  Psalm 141:2

Scripture Prayer

Thank Him for making your prayers as precious as an incense offering. Thank Him that in praise, there is His presence.

Prayer Focus

Pray for a growing desire among the Christians in West Kalimantan Province to take the good news about Jesus to all of the tribes in the province. Pray for the Lord to prepare the hearts of the Ketapang Malay so they will eagerly receive the gospel.