Name: Banjar of Indonesia
Population: 4,551,200
Primary Religion: Islam (99.1%)
Status of Gospel: Unreached; Evangelicals (0.04%) and those who identify as Christians (0.09%); Indonesian missionaries have begun to engage with these people and prayer movements have begun.
Islam is pervasive in Banjar society and is integral to every aspect of individual and family life. It is inseparable from being a Banjar. Islamic celebrations including Ramadan are observed carefully and passionately.
At the same time, Islam syncretizes with traditional animistic believes. The Banjar believe that objects such as stones, trees and mountains contain supernatural powers.
The Banjar are resistant to modern technology and do not engage much with other groups. This isolation creates struggles in education, healthcare and clean water.
Prayer Points
- Pray that God would send workers for the harvest so that many Banjar would come to Christ.
- Pray that the Lord would use believers near the Banjar to reach them.
- Pray for those already making efforts to engage this people group, that they are encouraged and know the Lord’s leading.