Minangkabau People Group Profile

“Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from far” (Psalm 138:6, NIV).

The Mingangkabau are proud of their heritage. They are proud of their economic prosperity and influence. They are proud of their tradition of merantau, which means going to a distant area to seek success. They are proud of their matrilineal family structure. They are proud of their religion – to be Minangkabau is to be Muslim.

While the Minangkabau are proudly Muslim, they are also strongly drawn to seeking spiritual power through animistic rituals. They routinely consult the dukun (shaman) for assistance with daily problems. This tendency crosses many people groups on the island of Sumatra.

 

There are approximately 5.5 million Minangkabau living primarily in West Sumatra. They are the fourth largest ethnic group in the country of Indonesia. They have their own language and outsiders are often viewed with suspicion. The scriptures have been translated into the Minangkabau language, but distribution has been difficult. Those who seek to share the Good News with the Minangkabau are often met with resistance.

After a major earthquake in 2009, many Christian relief workers were able to enter traditionally closed areas to show the love of Christ through service to the victims of the natural disaster. It is hoped that the impression that these workers made on the Mingangkabau people will open doors for further witness.

Pray that:

God will open the eyes and hearts of the Minangkabau people to see and receive His Good News of salvation.

Doors will open for believers to enter into and live among Minangkabau communities.

The preaching of the Gospel will be accompanied with power so that the Minangkabau will learn that Christ is more powerful than the spirits they consult with their life problems.

The blood of Christ will break the spiritual strongholds that keep the Minangkabau from being willing to receive the scriptures.

God will call laborers with a heart to reach the Minangkabau with the Gospel.

The Holy Spirit will convict the Minangkabau of sin and righteousness so that their hearts will be soft to God’s calling for repentance.

Believers seeking to reach the Minangkabau will be guided to people of peace who will become door openers to the rest of this people group.