Introduction / History

Have you ever heard of the Bugi man? This came from the days when the Bugi people (aka, Buginese) were pirates, and they were greatly feared throughout what is now Indonesia. The Buginese began their pattern of moving to other parts of Southeast Asia during the 1700s when they were at odds with the Dutch East India Company which was becoming more powerful in Indonesia. Despite the efforts of foreign imperialists, the Buginese managed to establish their own centers of power in other parts of Indonesia like Selengor and Riau.

Today the Bugis are dynamic, highly mobile people, considered to be the dominant people group in South Sulawesi, and island in Indonesia. They are an aggressive people who can thrive in a fast-moving business-friendly environment like Singapore.

Where Are they Located?

Many Bugis have left their home in Sulawesi to seek success and wealth and have moved to Sumbawa, Java, Papua, and even Malaysia. Those who are more fortunate manage to make their fortune in modern Singapore.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Singapore is a fast-paced business-like environment. The Bugi people who do business there much have wealth to be able to afford the high cost of living.

The Bugis people are known for their fervent adherence to Sunni Islam, though many still follow their traditional system of animist beliefs.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Bugis are well known for their fervent adherence to Sunni Islam. However, many of them are still bound to their traditional system of animistic beliefs. Traditional culture has a significant impact on the Bugis due to its religious values.

What Are Their Needs?

The Buginese people need the humility and teachability to allow Jesus Christ to enter their lives. There are many believers in Singapore, and many mission agencies that can reach them. They only need to listen and open their hearts.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out more workers into his harvest field among the Buginese in Singapore.
Pray that the eyes of the Bugis will be opened to see Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Pray that many Bugis households will turn from strongholds of Islam to freedom in Christ.
Pray for a fast-moving disciple-making movement among the Bugi people in Singapore and Indonesia.

Scripture Prayers for the Buginese in Singapore.

References

Profiles by Keith Carey of Global Prayer Digest
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/10985/ID
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bugis
http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2013-08-12_113516.html
http://www.peoplegroups.org/Explore/groupdetails.aspx?peid=10691
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugis