The Duano, also known as the Orang Kuala ("People of the River Mouth"), are one of the nineteen Orang Asli people groups living in Indonesia and Peninsular Malaysia. They come under the Aboriginal Malay (officially and administratively called Proto-Malay) subgroup. Their ancestors were Muslim immigrants from the coasts of southern Sumatra and the Riau-Lingga archipelago in Indonesia.
The Duano live mostly in the villages located near the river mouths of the Batu Pahat, and Pontian districts of Johor. They speak their own language, also called Duano.
In the past, the Duano made their living in and along the sea as nomadic fishermen and hunters along the seashore. Today, they still make their living primarily by fishing, using a mixture of traditional and newer fishing methods. They specialize in harvesting the produce of the sea, shore, and mangroves for their own consumption and for trade. In addition, some of the Duano work on small-scale farms and plantations. In at least one village, some are recognized for being quite skilled in restoring and selling second-hand furniture.
The Duano are a peaceful group. They do not tend to embrace technology, and only a small percentage completes their secondary education. They have adopted many aspects of Malay culture and lifestyle.
The Duano are proud of their ethnic origin but suffer racial prejudice from some neighboring ethnic groups, who are typically better off economically than most of the Duano.
The Duano converted to Islam during the 19th century, but, like many Asian Muslims, they have retained many of their pre-Islamic religious beliefs and rituals. For example, they believe that failure to respect the environment - the abode of the spirits - results in illness, conflict and death. A fisherman who dares to cast a net during the rainy season without performing the prescribed ritual inevitably suffers. The only cure lies in exorcism and appeasement of the spirits. The Duano believe the world is full of environmental spirits that cause either sickness or good fortune. Many of them believe in evil spirits. They also believe that religious leaders, dwarfs, and traditional "medicine men" possess supernatural powers.
Because of their skepticism around technology and education, the Duano lag behind other groups in the areas of education and economic development.
Bible translation into the Duano language has begun, but no resources have yet been completed.
Pray for the completion of Bible translation into the Duano language.
Ask the Holy Spirit to create a hunger for the truth among the Duano, so that the gospel will bear much fruit among them.
Ask God to raise up loving workers to take the gospel to the Duano and to assist them in economic development and education.
Pray for a Church Planting Movement among the Duano that will create disciples who make disciples, and churches that plant churches.
Scripture Prayers for the Duano in Indonesia.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
