The Rejang peoples of Indonesia

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Population: 700,000
Islam: 99,9%
Christians: Less than 50
Bible parts: none
Jesus-movie: no
Rejang churches: none

Worlds Largest Flower

The Rejang (also called Djang) live in the tropical rain forest on the heights of the Barisan Mountains of Sumatra, the largest of Indonesia’s islands. This tropical island, home to the Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world, has a hot and humid climate, although it is comfortably cool in the mountains.

Cut off from the World

The Rejang are divided into five groups that are located in the fertile highlands, the Musi valley, and the coastal area next to the Indian Ocean. For many centuries the Rejang were cut off from the rest of the world. Proud of their own history, they show little interest in other cultures and are suspicious of outsiders. Both men and women wear colorful, traditional batik cloths, called “sarong” or “kain.” Their main food is rice mixed with vegetables and fruit. Products from the area include rice, tea, coffee, palm oil, ebony, and rubber. Some Rejang work on plantations; others are experienced craftsmen working with wood, metal, leather, and paper.

Rejang villages vary in size from 15 to 900 homes. Villages with an irrigation system can hold more than 4000 people. The community elects the village chief. Each village has a hall, where ceremonial dances and feasts are celebrated. A traditional Rejang house is built on poles, about 1.5 to 2 meters above ground, with an open porch for receiving guests. Artistically carved horizontal poles and pretty, colorful panels decorate the outer walls of the houses. Traditionally, the father is the head of the family, but marriage agreements determine whether a child will belong to the family of the mother, of the father, or to the clan.

About 50 Christians among 700,000 Rejang in Indonesia

In earlier times the Rejang practiced animism. They believed that all natural things have undying souls. Islam was brought to Sumatra by Muslim merchants at the end of the 13th century; since the 20th century, almost all Rejang have converted to Islam, however, animist rituals play an important role in everyday life. Magic and occultism are used for protection and to fight against sickness, infertility, and enemies. Unfortunately, there is no Bible available in the Rejang language and no Christian radio or TV programs. A few local missions are working among the Rejang, but so far they have had little success; about 50 Christians are known among this people.

Pray for the Rejang peoples of Indonesia:

- Pray that the Lord would call men and women to witness for Christ among the Rejang.

- Pray that God would keep, strengthen, and encourage the few Rejang believers who live isolated among their people. May they find the courage to witness for Christ.

-Ask God to call qualified linguists to translate the Bible into the Rejang language.

-Pray that there will be a spiritual breakthrough, so that many will become open to the Gospel.