Makassar in Indonesia

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

Introduction / History

The Makassar (also known as the Taena, Tena, or Goa) inhabit the southern part of the southwestern peninsula of Sulawesi. The heart of their area is Makassar, the capital city of the province of South Sulawesi. The Makassar also live in the Konjo highlands, the coastal areas and the Selayar and Spermo islands. They speak the language of Makassar which has three dialects Gowa: (Goa, Lakiung), Turatea (Jeneponto), Maros-Pangkep. Gowa is the most prestigious dialect. The Makasar language is part of a larger linguistic grouping called the Makasar which also includes the Konjo Pesisir (Konjo-coastal), Konjo Pegunungan (Konjohighland), Selayar, Bentong and Selayar.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The primary source of income among the Makassar is rice farming; however, they are also well known throughout Indonesia for their skill in trading and as fishermen. Their houses are often built on stilts, two meters above the ground. Makassar houses in the plains and beach areas are close to each other and those in the mountains are spread out. The fishermen living on the beaches build their houses in rows facing the sea or the main road. Villages like these are known kampung pajjaku (fishermen villages). Farmers build their houses around the fields and are known as kampung pamarri (farmer villages). Each village usually has a center (pecci tana) which formerly was considered a sacred place, marked by a sacred (banyan) tree. Division of labor among the Makassar is strict because of rigid separation of the sexes. Men are responsible for matters outside the house such as farming, working the plows and carrying rice bundles after the harvest. The household duties are assigned to women. The family structure is headed by the man. The wife and children must show respect for the head of the household while they are in public. Final decisions concerning the family are always the husband's responsibility. In rural locations, marriages are still arranged by the parents and/or close relatives. Communication between the prospective bride and groom is strictly prohibited. Polygamy (having multiple wives) is accepted; however, it is only practiced among the wealthy since a separate house must be provided for each wife. Siri (respect and honor) is the social code by which the Makassar live. Anyone seriously offending another person's siri runs the risk of being killed and the authorities will often refuse to become involved. The Makassar often work alongside their neighbors in matters of mutual concern, such building houses and working in the rice fields. They also gather for times of celebrations, such as birthdays and weddings.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Makassar are almost all Muslim. Nevertheless, traditional beliefs are still influential, especially in the remote areas. They maintain beliefs in gods and ancestral spirits, giving ritual offerings in the required manner. They believe the ancestral spirits have a direct influence on their daily lives. Special ceremonies are held at the beginning of the planting and harvest seasons.


What Are Their Needs?

Currently, the Makassar need training to increase their agricultural production. Medical personnel and nutritional information are also needed because nutrition is a common problem for those living in rural areas.


Prayer Points

Pray for the Makassar to understand and respond to Christ.
Pray God will have mercy on the Makassar doing whatever it takes to place them in a position to receive him.
Ask God to open the hearts of the Makassar to the gospel.
Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among them.


Scripture Prayers for the Makassar in Indonesia.


References

IPN, 2011, Copyrighted © Used with permission.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

The Waiting World - The Makassar

Source:  The Waiting World      Download

People Name General Makassar
People Name in Country Makassar
Pronunciation MAH-kah-sar
Alternate Names Macassar; Makassarese
Population this Country 2,456,000
Population all Countries 2,456,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 49
People ID 13235
ROP3 Code 106085
ROP25 Code 304980
ROP25 Name Makassar
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 Sulawesi Selatan Province, southwest corner of the peninsula, most of Pangkajene Dan Kepulauan, Maros, Gowa, Bantaeng, Jeneponto, and Takalar regencies.   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 Sulawesi Selatan Province, southwest corner of the peninsula, most of Pangkajene Dan Kepulauan, Maros, Gowa, Bantaeng, Jeneponto, and Takalar regencies..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Map of Makassar in Indonesia Ethnolinguistic map or other map

Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.02 %)
1.00 %
Ethnic Religions
2.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
97.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Makasar (2,456,000 speakers)
Language Code mak   Ethnologue Listing
Primary Dialect Makassar
Dialect Code 702   Global Recordings Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Makasar (2,456,000 speakers)
Language Code mak   Ethnologue Listing
Primary Dialect Makassar
Dialect Code 702   Global Recordings Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Makasar
Photo Source Ali Froghi - Wikimedia  Creative Commons 
Map Source People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.  
Video Source The Waiting World
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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