Introduction / History

Indonesians is a generic term for the hundreds of ethnic groups from Indonesia. There is a trade language, Bahasa Indonesia, but when it reaches the local level, it has so many borrowed words that Indonesians often cannot communicate with one another using that language.

Like most people, they are more likely to socialize with those from their country when they are in diaspora, despite cultural, religious, and linguistic differences.

The first Indonesians to migrate to the U.S. did so in the 1950s. Their numbers tripled in the 1980s. A high percentage of them live in California.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Indonesians in the United States often hold tech jobs in California’s Silicon Valley.

No matter where they live, Indonesians prefer to live with family members. Those in the diaspora often live apart from their families, something that takes them out of their comfort zone. They believe in showing respect to their elders and authority figures.

Indonesians like hot, spicy food, like what they are used to in their own country. There are plenty of hot chilis in Indonesian cooking. Some of their food is sweet, because of the coconut and sugar that is often part of their dishes.

Indonesians in the United States love to celebrate. They have both religious and non-religious celebrations for life events that bring together entire communities.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Indonesians are Sunni Muslims, though there is a large Christian minority among the ethnic Javanese and others. The only country where Indonesians are considered unreached is Vietnam. Indonesians in the U.S. can be used as a mission force to Muslims wherever they live.

What Are Their Needs?

Indonesians in the United States need the spiritual hunger it will take to obey the Lord of lords no matter what the cost.

Prayer Items

Pray for the Lord to provide them with all they need to thrive spiritually and materially.
Pray that Indonesians in the diaspora will put their identity in Jesus Christ, the one who offers dignity, purpose, and eternal salvation for all who call on his name.
Pray for Indonesians in the United States to disciple others, especially those from unreached Muslim and Buddhist communities.

Scripture Prayers for the Indonesian in United States.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesians
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/indonesia/articles/11-things-you-should-know-about-indonesian-culture
https://whatsnewindonesia.com/others/feature/lifestyle/10-things-you-should-know-about-indonesian-culture
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesian_Americans