Singkil Malay People Group Profile

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many” (Matthew 7:13-14, ESV).

The 65,000 Singkil Malay live in the southern part of Aceh Province in northern Sumatra. The Singkil Malay Kingdom was once a rival power to the Acehnese Kingdom. Currently, the Acehnese culture dominates the entire province. However, the Singkil fondly harken back to days prior to Acehnese domination.

Most Singkil Malay make their livelihoods as farmers and fishermen. They adhere to a patriarchal society and give great value to the opinions of the elders in the village. Their language shows connection to the Minangkabau. The largest Singkil clans are the Berampu and Tinambunan.

The Singkil Malay follow Islam mixed with animistic beliefs. They especially revere the grave of Abdul Rauf, who was a great religious leader from their history. Like many people groups on Sumatra, the Singkil often seek the magical power of the shaman or dukun.

There is no indigenous Singkil Malay church. Churches in the area have often been the target of community persecution.

Pray that:

Believers in Singkil will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to show love even in the face of persecution.

Workers will hear the call of God to live among and share the Gospel with the Singkil Malay.

Members of fanatic religious groups will encounter the risen Christ and will become witnesses to their own people group.

Elders in Singkil Malay villages will have dreams and visions of Jesus and use their influence to reach their villages with the Gospel.

The influence of Acehnese culture will not hinder Singkil Malay people from hearing and responding to the Gospel.

The influence of animistic beliefs will be broken by the power of the Holy Spirit.

An indigenous, doctrinally sound, rapidly multiplying Singkil Malay church will soon come into being.