30-Days: The Sundanese of Indonesia
The Sundanese, with a population of 35 million, are the second largest ethnic group in Indonesia after the Javanese, from whom they are quite distinct. The Sundanese mainly live in the West Province of Java Island.
The first Sundanese kingdom (called “Taruma Negara”) was established about AD600. This kingdom was strongly influenced by Hinduism. In 1527, its main city, Sunda Kelapa, fell to Islamic soldiers. This stopped much of the influence of Hinduism in the area.
The Sundanese language, one of the more complex in Indonesia, has three levels — high (polite), middle and low. However, because the Indonesian national language is studied in school, the younger, urban generation do not speak Sundanese.
“Whether rich or poor, the most important thing is to live together” is a saying among the Sundanese. They love to congregate during the cool evenings to relax and chat together. They also prefer living together as extended families.
The Sundanese are 98 per cent Muslim. Many are “Santri”, who adhere strongly to Islam. However, there are numerous nominal Muslims called “abangan” who still hold to pre-Islamic practices such as visiting their ancestors’ tombs to pray, seeking out witchdoctors for good fortune, and reciting the Qur’an as a charm.
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Prayer points
* Pray for Christian workers (local and foreign) to have cultural sensitivity and wisdom in serving and reaching the Sundanese, especially in the villages (Rom 13:7–10).
* Pray for good, continuing cooperation among the Christian workers among the Sundanese.
* Pray that local non-Sundanese churches will have courage to pray for and witness to their Sundanese neighbours.
* Supernatural power is needed to counter demonic power and confirm and demonstrate the gospel (Luke 7:19–22). Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in such power.
* Pray for protection from Islamic fanatics in the area.
* There is some discussion about the government placing restrictions on Christians. Please pray that this will not be passed at national level.
The first Sundanese kingdom (called “Taruma Negara”) was established about AD600. This kingdom was strongly influenced by Hinduism. In 1527, its main city, Sunda Kelapa, fell to Islamic soldiers. This stopped much of the influence of Hinduism in the area.
The Sundanese language, one of the more complex in Indonesia, has three levels — high (polite), middle and low. However, because the Indonesian national language is studied in school, the younger, urban generation do not speak Sundanese.
“Whether rich or poor, the most important thing is to live together” is a saying among the Sundanese. They love to congregate during the cool evenings to relax and chat together. They also prefer living together as extended families.
The Sundanese are 98 per cent Muslim. Many are “Santri”, who adhere strongly to Islam. However, there are numerous nominal Muslims called “abangan” who still hold to pre-Islamic practices such as visiting their ancestors’ tombs to pray, seeking out witchdoctors for good fortune, and reciting the Qur’an as a charm.
<+><
Prayer points
* Pray for Christian workers (local and foreign) to have cultural sensitivity and wisdom in serving and reaching the Sundanese, especially in the villages (Rom 13:7–10).
* Pray for good, continuing cooperation among the Christian workers among the Sundanese.
* Pray that local non-Sundanese churches will have courage to pray for and witness to their Sundanese neighbours.
* Supernatural power is needed to counter demonic power and confirm and demonstrate the gospel (Luke 7:19–22). Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in such power.
* Pray for protection from Islamic fanatics in the area.
* There is some discussion about the government placing restrictions on Christians. Please pray that this will not be passed at national level.
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