The Segai are an indigenous ethnolinguistic group in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, living primarily along the Kelai River and surrounding interior areas of Berau Regency. Their traditional language is Segai, an Austronesian language of the Kayanic subgroup also known locally as Punan Kelai.
Historically, the Segai have lived as small, village-based communities in the forests and river valleys of Borneo for generations, maintaining distinct cultural patterns and lifeways connected to the natural environment of East Kalimantan.
Segai people typically live in small river communities in the interior of East Kalimantan, where daily life revolves around subsistence activities, such as hunting, fishing, gathering forest products, and small-scale agriculture. The forests and rivers of their region remain essential for food, transport, and cultural identity.
Their traditional social structures are closely tied to family and village networks, and everyday life is shaped by seasonal cycles and environmental rhythms. Despite ongoing change in rural Indonesia, many Segai continue to practice longstanding customs and maintain knowledge of local plants, animals, and river systems.
Because their communities are remote with limited infrastructure, they have reduced access to formal healthcare, education, and economic opportunities compared with urban populations in Indonesia. This relative isolation also means that many aspects of traditional culture and language remain strong.
The Segai's primary religion is ethnoreligion (animism), reflecting a traditional worldview in which spirits of the land, rivers, forests and ancestors play a central role. Most community members follow indigenous spiritual practices and belief systems passed down through generations. Their communities are described as having limited access to evangelical churches or ministry focused on establishing self-sustaining Christian congregations. Traditional spiritual practices often include respect for unseen forces in nature, ancestral reverence, and ritual observances connected to hunting, river travel, and village life. Their faith is in these forces rather than God's power.
The Segai people have significant spiritual and practical needs that shape their current situation. One of their greatest needs is access to the gospel in their own language, as there are very limited scripture translations or Christian teaching resources available in Segai. Without heart-language materials, many struggle to understand biblical teaching in a meaningful way.
Because only a very small percentage of the Segai are evangelical believers, there is also a strong need for sustained evangelistic outreach, discipleship, and church-planting efforts that are culturally sensitive and community-focused. In addition, leadership development within the community is essential so that local believers can guide and disciple others rather than relying on outside workers. The Segai also faces related to their remote location, including limited access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, which increases vulnerability and isolation. Holistic ministry that combines compassion, development, and gospel witness would help address both physical and spiritual needs. Finally, any engagement with the Segai must respect their cultural identity and traditional worldview, ensuring that the message of Christ is communicated clearly.
Pray for God to raise disciples that would preach the message of the gospel and open the hearts of the Segai people.
Pray that their community needs for health, education and sustainability would be met by God's people.
Pray that soon Segai Christians will be equipped and sent to communities that deny the finished work of Christ.
Scripture Prayers for the Segai in Indonesia.
https://peoplegroups.org/people_groups/pg022609
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Segai_language
https://2eyeswatching.wordpress.com/2011/11/10/east-kalimantan-%E2%80%93-48-tribes
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
