Koroni in Indonesia

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

Introduction / History

The Koroni are a small ethnic group in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, whose identity has been shaped by rural village life, close ties to the land, and strong communal values. Though modernization and national culture increasingly influence daily life, traditional family structures, work patterns, and beliefs remain central. Historically rooted in subsistence farming and local trade, Koroni culture emphasizes community harmony, respect for elders, cooperation, and the passing down of values through oral tradition, even as younger generations engage more fully with wider Indonesian society.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Daily meals are simple and centered on rice, vegetables, and locally available fish or meat. Sharing meals is an important expression of hospitality, especially during festivals and family gatherings. Family life is central to Koroni society. Extended families frequently live close together, and decisions are often made with the input of elders. Marriage strengthens ties between families, and children are taught from an early age to respect authority and contribute to household responsibilities. Community celebrations mark important moments such as weddings, harvests, and religious holidays. These gatherings often include shared meals, traditional music, and communal work. Such events reinforce unity and mutual support within the village.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Koroni are influenced primarily by Sunni Islam, which shapes daily routines, moral values, and community life. Prayer, fasting, and religious holidays play an important role in shaping the calendar and social expectations. Alongside formal religious practices, traditional beliefs about spirits, nature, and ancestral influence still affect how many Koroni understand illness, protection, and blessing.

Faith is lived out communally, with religious leaders and elders holding respected positions. Spiritual life is closely tied to maintaining harmony within the family and the wider community.


What Are Their Needs?

The Koroni are a small, indigenous people group in Indonesia whose lives are shaped by their endangered language, traditional farming, and deep cultural ties to their land. They face challenges of modernization, limited economic opportunities, and the risk of losing their heritage. Their reliance on subsistence farming keeps them in poverty; they need better economic opportunities which would help them to find more sustainable ways to live. Many of little or no exposure to Christian teaching in their heart language. They are located in a remote geographical area which give them limited access to medical care and healthcare.


Prayer Items

Pray for economic opportunities that lift families beyond subsistence farming.
Pray for education and healthcare access for Koroni their communities.
Pray for spiritual openness, that they may encounter God's salvation in ways meaningful to their culture.
Pray for local leaders and elders, that they may have dreams and visions of the risen and victorious Christ.


Scripture Prayers for the Koroni in Indonesia.


References

https://www.ethnologue.com/language/xkq/
https://www.hisfeet.com/indonesia-unreached-people-groups/
https://prayforindonesia.org/


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Koroni
People Name in Country Koroni
Alternate Names
Population this Country 1,000
Population all Countries 1,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached Yes
Frontier Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 12801
ROP3 Code 105241
Country Indonesia
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Sulawesi Tengah Province, Morowali regency, Bungku Tengah subdistrict, Unsongi village; on Tolo bay, east coast.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Indonesia
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Sulawesi Tengah Province, Morowali regency, Bungku Tengah subdistrict, Unsongi village; on Tolo bay, east coast..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
96.00 %
Non-Religious
4.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Koroni (1,000 speakers)
Language Code xkq   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Koroni (1,000 speakers)
Language Code xkq   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Koroni

Primary Language:  Koroni

Bible Translation Status:  Translation Started

Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Map Source Joshua Project / Global Mapping International  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.