Introduction / History

Arabs live in multiple countries, including Indonesia. Before Islam came to Indonesia, Arabs had had contact with Indonesia for many years. The earliest Arab immigrants (the Totok) may have come to live in Indonesia first in the fifth century. Other Arabs came to Indonesia while the country was under Dutch rule. They looked after and increased their finances. Some Arab Indonesians joined the people's council of the Dutch East Indies called Volksraad.
Due to difficulties with native Indonesians and the Dutch, organizations for Arab Indonesians began in 1913. An Indonesian national movement called Persatoean Arab Indonesia began in 1934.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The prominent people among the Arabs gained wealth and power through investing in real estate. Many of the Arabs from Hadramaut were Sayyid and Sharif and had favorable positions among the Hadrami people. A non-Sayyid could not marry the daughter of a Sayyid but a Sayyid could marry a non Sayyid woman.
Arabs in Indonesia live in Java and South Sumatra mostly. They can also be found in Jakarta, Kalimantan, Maluku and Sulawesi. They speak Arabic and Indonesian.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Arabs in Indonesia are nearly all Muslims. They are usually Sunni Muslims and live according to Shafi'i Islamic law; however, the Shia minority are increasing in number. Children usually go to Madrasahs (Islamic schools). The Arabs living in Indonesia follow orthodox Islam, unlike the local inhabitants who often mix Islam with pre-Islamic beliefs and practices such as animism.

What Are Their Needs?

Portions of Scripture are available in Levantine Arabic, but a translation of the entire New Testament is needed.

Prayer Points

Pray for translation of the New Testament into Levantine Arabic and for God to give the Arabs in Indonesia a hunger for the truth of his word.
Ask Jesus to reveal himself in dreams and visions to heads of household among the Arabs as the only way to God.
Pray for God's protection of the believers among the Arabs and for vision to reach the unreached among them.
Ask God to raise up households of peace among the Arabs that will become multiplying house churches.

Scripture Prayers for the Arab, general in Indonesia.