Bawean, Madurese in Singapore

People Name:	Bawean, Madurese
Country:	Singapore
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	29,000
World Population:	194,000
Primary Language:	Madura
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	2.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.30 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Madura of Java
Affinity Bloc:	Malay Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The island’s (Bawean) name originated from Kawi which means "having the sunlight." In 1350 sailors saw a glimpse of light around it. In the 18th-20th centuries the island was named Lubok by the Dutch, but the name Bawean continued to be used among locals. The name Lubok was abandoned in the 1940s. The island can also be known as Boyan and its inhabitants known as Boyanese. The island officially joined the Republic of Indonesia in 1950.
Bawean is north of Java Island. It is a small island (only 15 km in diameter) and is home to an extinct volcano. About one-third of their population lives outside their island home, including Singapore.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Bawean in Singapore work and send money back to relatives. Their relatives remain on the island engage in farming and fishing. They need the funds from family members working in Singapore.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most of the islanders are Sunni Muslim with some remnants of the traditional local beliefs.

What Are Their Needs?

Baweans in Singapore need steady work so they have enough to provide for their families. They also need Christian friends who will help them adjust to their new lives in Singapore.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Holy Spirit would begin to work in Bawean hearts.
Pray for the Bawean who work in Singapore would meet authentic Christian friends who would share their lives and the message of Christ.
Pray that God would raise Christians among those who work in Singapore.
Pray that they would be discipled and have a heart to return to their island to spread the gospel.