Balau in Malaysia

Introduction / History

The Balau are a distinct sub-group of the Iban people, one of the major Dayak indigenous peoples of the island of Borneo. Ibans who originated from the Sri Aman area of Sarawak are called Balau. According to oral tradition, the Iban Balau trace their founding to a leader named Gelungan, who guided his followers from Merakai into the Undup region, eventually settling at Bukit Balau—a place from which the group takes its name. They are found only in Malaysia, concentrated in the state of Sarawak on the northwestern coast of Borneo.

The people groups under the Iban cluster, in addition to the Iban of Sarawak and Brunei, include the Balau, Remun, and Sebuyau. All these Iban people speak different languages which are classified as a subgroup in the Malayic-Dayak family of languages. The Balau dialect, while distinct, is mutually intelligible with other Iban dialects across Sarawak.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Balau live today much as their broader Iban kin do, blending longstanding agricultural traditions with the realities of modern Malaysian life. Farming is the primary occupation of the Iban community, but few are self-sufficient, as they must purchase additional food to supplement what they grow. They grow cash crops such as pepper, rubber, cocoa, oil palm, and fruits.

Family life is centered around the longhouse, where multiple generations live under one roof. Nowadays, the Ibans tend to become more urbanized, as most longhouses are built using modern materials such as concrete and brick, and equipped with not only basic domestic necessities of sewage, electricity, and running water but also accessibility to modern facilities such as roads, telephone lines, and the Internet. They also celebrate festivals in their community.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The primary religion practiced by the Balau is animism, a religious worldview that natural physical entities—including animals, plants, and even inanimate objects—possess a spiritual essence. Augury—reading signs from birds, animals, and dreams—remains woven into daily decisions even for those who profess Christianity.

After the arrival of James Brooke, many Iban were influenced by European missionaries and converted to Christianity, although many continue to observe both Christian and traditional ceremonies, particularly during marriages or festivals. The result is a community where Christian faith and animist tradition often coexist within the same household or longhouse.

What Are Their Needs?

While the Balau are designated as no longer unreached, the work of genuine, rooted discipleship is far from complete. The mixing of Christian profession with deep-seated animist practices means that many have a form of faith without a transforming knowledge of Christ. Rural longhouse communities often lack consistent access to trained pastoral leadership, and those who remain in remote areas of Sarawak face ongoing challenges in accessing quality healthcare and education. They also need aid in breaking the cycle of rural poverty and having adequate access to medical resources.

Prayer Points

Pray that Balau believers who profess Christian faith would enter a transforming relationship with Jesus Christ, forsaking the fear-based spirit appeasement.
Pray for the raising up of strong, biblically grounded Balau Christians who will disciple their community and others with cultural sensitivity.
Pray that young Balau men and women would grow into mature disciples who carry the gospel back to their people and outward to unreached ethnic groups in Malaysia.
Pray for improved access to healthcare and quality education for Balau families still living in rural Sarawak.

Text Source:   Joshua Project