Bonerate

The Bonerate people mostly live on the islands of Bonerate, Selayar, Madu, Lalatoa, and Karompa in South Sulawesi Province in Indonesia.  They are Sunni Muslims, there are few if any Christian believers.  There are two dialects of the Bonerate language.

On the islands mentioned above, the people make their living fishing and farming.  Many of the younger generation are going now to large cities like Makassar looking for education and work.

Since they are somewhat remote from the main parts of Indonesia, they are generally very poor and not well educated.  A majority have never attended or finished even elementary school.  There is little work and the land they do have is not especially good.  Tourism is not developed and there is very little attention from the government regarding any kind of development.

While they are Sunni Muslims by birth, there is a very stong animistic component in their religion.  They believe there is a great spirit of the sea who controls the weather.  A lot of attention is paid to appeasing this spirit.

Pray that the Bonerate who are moving into cities like Makassar will hear and accept the gospel.  Pray for workers to go to the islands where they live and take the time and pay the price to reach them.  Pray that the Lord will pour out His Spirit on the islands where the Bonerate live and ave them soon.  Life for the Bonerate does not have much hope or future apart from God's blessings, only available when Jesus is Lord.

Population:  11,000  ---  Religion:  Islam  ---  Resources:  None  ---  Workers:  None

Churches:  None  ---  Christians:  0%

Photo source: PJRN - Indonesian National Research Network

Information Links:  Joshua Project Bonerate Pages