Karey in Indonesia

The Karey have only been reported in Indonesia
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Karey people live in the Maluku region of Indonesia and speak the Karey language, which is part of the Austronesian family. Their language is distinct and serves as a marker of their identity, though many also use Indonesian for wider communication. Historically, the Karey have lived in small communities along the coastal areas, relying on fishing and subsistence farming. Their cultural traditions are deeply tied to the rhythms of the sea and land, and their history reflects both resilience and adaptation to outside influences.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Karey people live in modest villages where daily life revolves around fishing, farming, and family responsibilities. Houses are often simple structures built from local materials, and communities are tightly knit, with extended families supporting one another. Education and healthcare are limited, and many Karey face challenges in accessing modern resources. Despite these difficulties, they maintain a strong sense of community and identity, passing down oral traditions and cultural practices to younger generations.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Karey people are primarily Christian, though there are also influences of Islam in the region. Christianity has taken root among them, but many still blend traditional practices with their faith. The gospel has reached their communities, yet discipleship remains shallow in many places. Evangelical witness is present but not widespread, and there is a need for deeper teaching and spiritual growth. The Karey people stand at a crossroads, with some embracing the mercy of Jesus Christ while others remain distant from His transforming power.


What Are Their Needs?

Access to healthcare and education is limited, leaving many vulnerable to preventable diseases and poverty. Economic opportunities are scarce, and families often struggle to provide for their children. Spiritually, there is a need for strong discipleship and faithful workers who can guide the Karey people into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. The presence of the gospel must move beyond nominal belief to vibrant faith that transforms lives and communities. The Karey people need encouragement to join the global body of Christ in missions, becoming bearers of the good news.


Prayer Items

Pray that the Karey people will experience the mercy of Jesus Christ in a personal and life-changing way. Ask the Lord to raise up workers who will live among them, teaching and discipling with patience and love.
Pray for improved access to healthcare and education, so that families may flourish physically as well as spiritually.
Intercede for the strengthening of local churches, that they may become centers of discipleship and mission.
Declare that the Karey believers will be mobilized to join the global discipleship force, carrying the gospel beyond their own communities to others who have yet to hear.


Scripture Prayers for the Karey in Indonesia.


References

Karey in Indonesia profile Joshua Project
PeopleGroups.org – Kerei PeopleGroups.org


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Karey
People Name in Country Karey
Alternate Names
Population this Country 700
Population all Countries 700
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier No
GSEC 6  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 12636
ROP3 Code 104857
Country Indonesia
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Maluku Province, southern area, South Aru Islands, Tarangan island, southeast coast, Karey valley.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Indonesia
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Maluku Province, southern area, South Aru Islands, Tarangan island, southeast coast, Karey valley..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
55.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
45.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Karey (700 speakers)
Language Code kyd   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Karey (700 speakers)
Language Code kyd   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Karey

Primary Language:  Karey

Bible Translation Status:  Translation Needed

Resource Type Resource Name Source
General Language Learning Phrasebook They Need the Bible
Map Source West Melanesia  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.