Palembang People Group Profile

“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!” (Proverbs 16:16, NIV).

The majority of the 1.6 million Palembang people live in and around the city of Palembang in Southern Sumatra. They are linguistically related to the Malay people groups, and are proud of their heritage from the Sriwijaya Kingdom of the 7^th-11^th centuries. The Musi River runs through their territory, and is still a major source of trade, livelihood and transportation for the Palembang people.

Because of the petroleum industry many Palembang people make a better than average income. However, those outside the petroleum industry do not always fare so well. Other livelihoods include factory workers, fishermen, teachers, technical workers and government employees. Over the past five years the city of Palembang has become more modern and prosperous due to success in attracting regional sporting events and tourism.

 

The Palembang are direct and forthright, which sometimes makes other people groups fearful of them. Family linage is traced on both sides of Palembang families. When a Palembang couple marries they are free to choose either name from their parents. They are also free to choose the place where they will live, although this is often decided before the marriage. The marriage ceremony is very important in Palembang culture – it is one key way they maintain a sense of unity and cultural togetherness.

The Palembang people are equally proud of their cultural traditions and their adherence to Islam. However, as one proverb states, “Tradition wins over religion.” Bible translation work in the Palembang language is currently being done, and the Jesus-Film is available. There is no indigenous Palembang church, and only a handful of Palembang people claim a personal relationship with Christ.

Pray that:

Believers living among the Palembang will overcome their fear and begin to share the Gospel more boldly.

The Holy Spirit will bring deep conviction of sin to the Palembang people so that they are prepared to hear and receive the Gospel.

Wisdom and courage will be given to believers who are actively sharing the Gospel with the Palembang people.

Palembang believers will be obedient to the Word and bold to share with family and friends.

God will call out laborers to live among and share their lives with the Palembang people.

Satan will be bound so that the Palembang people will no longer be blinded to the Truth.

Since the city of Palembang has become more prosperous and modern over the past five years, their prosperity will not lull them into a dangerous contentment with the status quo.