Since the downfall of former Indonesian President Suharto, Aceh has been much more than just Indonesia’s most fundamentalist Muslim province. As the country's only province under Islamic sharia law, it has been an inspiration to the extremist movements that are attacking Christian villages on the islands of Ambon and Sulawesi. It has equally been a safe haven for the Taliban-style training of Indonesia's own insurgency.
What do the Deli Malay need?
Most importantly, the Deli need to know the truth of faith in Isa al Masih (Jesus Christ). They need people to come alongside them and chat to them in a context which is relevant to their understanding and worldview. If the Deli are to come to faith in Isa al Masih, it is vital that there are well-trained national workers to live alongside them and share the gospel with them in an appropriate way.
The Jambi Malay are Muslim, known for their Islamic fanaticism. Islam was established as a religion in Jambi in the 16th century when Arab traders arrived on the island. Today, every village and nearly every “kampung” (close-knit neighborhood)...
A large influx of Javanese into Lampung province through transmigration has caused the Lampungese to hold even more tightly to their culture and especially their religion. The churches that exist in Lampung province are mostly Javanese. Many Christians in Lampung province are paralysed with fear and are unwilling to share the Good News because of possible persecution.
In earlier times the Rejang practiced animism. They believed that all natural things have undying souls. Islam was brought to Sumatra, Indonesia by Muslim merchants at the end of the 13th century; since the 20th century, almost all Rejang have converted to Islam
The Lintang Muslims of Indonesia and Sumatra are generally farmers, cultivating rice and coconuts. The Lintang have been faithful followers of Sunnite Islam for centuries, and there are numerous mosques in every town and village. They observe all Islamic holidays, including the celebration of "Eid al-Fitr" (Feast of Breaking the Fast) at the end of the month of Ramadan.
