There are 5,700,000 Bugis in Indonesia and Malaysia.  Sometimes called the Buginese, this people group is one of the largest un-reached people groups in Indonesia and in South East Asia.

The Bugis are a proud people, bound to Sunni Islam mixed with all kinds of animistic belief.  They live by farming, fishing, and by doing business in the cities.  While the Ugi language is still the primary language in the home, bahasa Indonesia is just as important in everyday life outside.

The Bugis consider themselves strict Muslims, and are careful to maintain their obligations daily at the mosque as well as observing all of the usual holy days of Islam.  However, they do not hesitate to offer sacrifices to spirits or to the dead in order to gain favor, especially for blessing in the home, for pregnancy, or for healing.  Local dukuns use animistic ritual to drive away evil spirits or to bring good spirits to help.

There have been some Bugis Christians historically, but never many.  A strong church rose up among the Bugis and Makassar peoples during medical mission outreaches in the 1930's but the Japanese invasion destroyed most of the churches and leaders.  After WW2, a group called Dar-Ul Islam killed most of the survivors, leaving only a remnant by 1980.  Today there are only dozens of Bugis believers left, and new converts are rare.

Pray for the church in South Sulawesi to get a burden for winning the Bugis to Christ.  Many wars and tensions between cultures make it impossible for them to imagine Bugis brothers and sisters in the churches.  Pray for a strong, Spirit-filled group of Bugis Christians to grow up into a strong and powerful church.  Any Bugis who believes in Jesus is in danger of persecution and suffering for his or her choice.  Pray that the few who have believed will stand strong and find extra grace to witness to their families and friends.  Pray for revelation dreams and visions to come to Bugis men and women.  Pray for miracles, signs, and wonders to be evident wherever the gospel is preached in South Sulawesi.

Population:  5.7 million  ---  Religion:  Islam with animism  ---  Language:  Ugi

Christians:  0.05%  ---  Evangelicals:  A Few  ---  Resources:  Bible, Jesus Film

Location:  South Sulawesi, Indonesia - Malaysia - Singapore

Resource Links:  The Joshua Project

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