Muko-Muko People Group Profile

“In that day man will look to his Maker, and his eyes will look on the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 17:7, ESV).

The Muko-Muko live in the northern part of Bengkulu Province. Their area is adjacent to West Sumatra, the territory of the Minangkabau. The 50,000 Muko-Muko are related by the language and culture to the Minangkabau. Like the Minangkabau, the Muko-Muko are matrilineal, meaning land and inheritance is passed from mother to daughter. They live among many rivers, the largest of which is the Muko-Muko River.

Most of the Muko-Muko work as farmers or fishermen. They often have communal farms of rubber, cloves, and coconut oil. Their community is governed by a village chief called a pasirah. His job is to maintain harmony and stability according to cultural norms.

The Muko-Muko are predominately Muslim. They are also heavily influenced by occult beliefs in magic to appease and control evil spirits. They especially fear the spirits of mothers who die during childbirth. Muko-Muko venerate large trees, stones, river sources, and ancestral tombs. There are no known believers from among this group. There are very few believers living near the Muko-Muko. This is one of the most isolated people groups on Sumatra.

Pray that:

The Muko-Muko will look to their Maker with eyes of faith.

Believers with agricultural know-how will come and help the Muko-Muko with their communal farms and share the Gospel with them.

The few believers in the area will be burdened by the Holy Spirit to share the Gospel broadly with the Muko-Muko.

The Holy Spirit will bring deep conviction of sin and of righteousness among the Muko-Muko to prepare them to hear and receive the Gospel.

Muko-Muko will soon come to faith, be effectively grouped together, and taught to be obedient followers of Jesus Christ.

Workers will be called, trained, and sent out to serve the Muko-Muko.

Demonstrations of the Spirit’s power will break the strongholds of occultism among the Muko-Muko.