Lembak People Group Profile

“And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:10, ESV).

The 208,000 Lembak [lem-BAUK] people live in Benkulu and in the areas north of the city. Their language is part of the Malay family. Most Lembak men work as rice farmers or as workers in rubber tree plantations. Some men also work producing bricks through small home-based factories. Women generally help out in the fields and manage the household. The Lembak are a patriarchal society. Neighboring peoples often call them bulang (turban) people.

Lembak culture has close ties to Rejang and Serawai. Villages are formed by family members living close together in adjoining houses. They often enjoy traditional Dangdut singing which combines a strong beat with Arabic lyrics that teach Islamic truths. Most Lembak are Muslim, but are still highly influenced by animistic and occult beliefs. The dukun or shaman is often consulted for health or family problems.

There are only a handful of Lembak believers and no indigenous Lembak churches.

Pray that:

More workers will reach out to the Lembak with the Gospel.

Lembak believers will have courage and boldness to reach out with the Gospel to their friends and family.
Strong discipleship and training for Lembak believers will take place.

Indigenous Lembak fellowships will be formed before the end of this year.

Lembak believers will cut all ties with occult and animistic beliefs.

The Gospel will be broadly sown among the Lembak.

Many intercessors will adopt the Lembak for passionate, persevering prayer until the church is established among the Lembak.