Hitu in Indonesia

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

Introduction / History

The Hitu live in five village areas along the north coast of Ambon island: Wakal, Hila, Hitu, Mamala and Morela. These areas are in Lehitu county, Central Maluku Regency, Maluku Province. In 1999, North Maluku Province was divided from Maluku Province. In the past, Hitu village formed the commercial center and goods distribution point for Ambon island. Hitu can be reached by land or sea. Since the regional violence of 2000 and following, public transport usually comes and goes once daily from the city of Ambon. The only historical record of the Hitu people is found in their stories, about how in the past they lived at the edge of the jungle. Later developments caused them to begin moving out of the jungle and building beach-side houses. The Hitu people use Hitu language, consisting of various dialects. The Hitu language is part of a larger linguistic grouping called the Seram Straits which also includes the Laha, Tulehu, Paulohi, Amahai, Elpaputih, Nusa Laut, Watu, Saparua and Kamarian.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Hitu cultivate cloves, nutmeg, sago palm, coconut and various other spices. Their land, although fertile, remains sadly underutilized. Most of their land is governed by tribal law and is regarded as tribal land. Most Hitu live near the sea in beach-side houses, but some live along the road leading to the city of Ambon. The Hitu area has ample sources of fresh water, flowing from fissures in limestone rocks. These water sources form rivers flowing across the main road. Many Hitu combine both farming and fishing for income. In addition to the main crops are cassava, taro, cloves, nutmeg and coconut. They also cultivate fruits, such as banana, guava, durian and soursop. Sago palm grows well without even being cultivated. Some Hitu work as teachers or other government employees. Many Hitu women work as fish sellers (jibu jibu).


What Are Their Beliefs?

Hitu is the historical entry-point of Islam into the Malukus. For this reason, nearly all Hitu people are Muslim. They believe that later they will be judged both on their knowledge of the Qur'an and on their good works. But like most Muslim people in Maluku, the Hitu are strongly influenced by even more ancient animism.


What Are Their Needs?

Not all Hitu receive formal education. Even where schools exist, many finish only elementary school. In the whole Hitu area, there is only one agricultural school, one government Islamic school and the private Islamic boarding school, Madrasah Tsanawiyah. Apart from needing formal education, the Hitu also need general knowledge about health and public sanitation. The Hitu society needs good leadership and direction to develop their physical health and their agricultural potential. Appropriate small-scale technology could also help them become a more productive society. They have very few chances to improve their job skills. Lack of electricity and dependable clean water supply also hinder development of Hitu society.


Prayer Points

Scripture Prayers for the Hitu in Indonesia.


Profile Source:   IPN, 2011   Copyrighted ©   Used with permission  

People Name General Hitu
People Name in Country Hitu
Alternate Names
Population this Country 19,000
Population all Countries 19,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 0  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
People ID 12110
ROP3 Code 103839
ROP25 Code 303051
ROP25 Name Hitu
Country Indonesia
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 42  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Maluku Province, Maluku Tengah regency: Wakal, Hitu, Mamala, Morela, and Hila villages, Northeast Ambon island, Piru Sea coast, Hitu peninsula.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Indonesia
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 42  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Maluku Province, Maluku Tengah regency: Wakal, Hitu, Mamala, Morela, and Hila villages, Northeast Ambon island, Piru Sea coast, Hitu peninsula..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
1.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
99.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Hitu (19,000 speakers)
Language Code htu   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Hitu (19,000 speakers)
Language Code htu   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Hitu

Primary Language:  Hitu

Bible Translation Status:  Translation Needed

Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Photo Source Copyrighted © 2024  Anonymous  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source Anonymous   Copyrighted ©   Used with permission
Profile Source IPN, 2011  Copyrighted ©  Used with permission 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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