Introduction / History

The Asilulu live on the island of Ambon in the villages of Asilulu and Ureng, in the district of Leihitu, Central Maluku Regency, in the province of Maluku. The provinces of North Maluku and Maluku were created from the province of Maluku in 1999.
The Maluku Islands, historically called the Spice Islands, are a string of over one thousand islands scattered over the eastern portion of Indonesia. They include most of the islands between Sulawesi and New Guinea and between Timor and the Philippines. The Asilulu language is one of the original languages of the island of Ambon and is spoken by people who reside on the west coast. The people in the village of Negri Lima speak a similar language sometimes known as Henalima.
Transportation to the Asilulu area is available both by land and by sea. General transportation is available several times a day to the city of Ambon.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Fishing is the principal livelihood for the Asilulu; they also raise clove and nutmeg for cash crops. It is common for the community to base all activities and work in prayer, according to each individual's conviction. Before going to sea, the fishermen will first pray to God for blessings and protection. The fish they catch are used for daily needs and the excess is sold. The fishermen use various methods to catch fish. When using casting nets and dragnets, they may group together to fish; when using rattan fish traps, they fish individually.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Asilulu are Muslims. As such, they believe they will be judged based on their knowledge of the Koran, as well as what they did with their lives. The Asilulu have syncretized Islam with their traditional beliefs. They mix traditional cultural practices and Islamic teachings in many of their events, such as weddings, circumcisions, royal inaugurations and building of mosques.

What Are Their Needs?

To market their produce in the cities of Ambon and Hitu, the Asilulu need a satisfactory means of transportation, so that fish will still be fresh when they arrive. At present, transportation infrastructure is sorely lacking. In recent years, outside provocateurs have sparked a deadly cycle of violence and revenge between various groups on Ambon. Peace, order and restoration of the shattered island are desperately needed.

Prayer Items

Ask God to have mercy on the Asilulu, bringing peace to their lives and restoration to the island.
Pray for a translation of the New Testament into their primarily language (also called Asilulu).
Ask God to send gospel workers to the Asilulu who can help them build a sufficient and sustainable transportation infrastructure.
Pray for a hunger for truth among the Asilulu that will open their hearts and minds to the gospel.
Pray for a Jesus movement of multiplying disciples and churches to emerge among the Asilulu.

Scripture Prayers for the Asilulu in Indonesia.