Bukat in Indonesia

Introduction / History

The Bukat people, an indigenous group in Indonesia, inhabit the remote interior regions of Borneo, specifically in the areas bordering Malaysia’s Sarawak state. Historically, the Bukat have lived as semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers, relying on the dense rainforests that surround their communities. Their history is one of adaptation and survival, shaped by their knowledge of the forest and its resources. Over time, external influences, including government resettlement programs and interactions with neighboring ethnic groups, have begun to change aspects of their traditional way of life.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Bukat people traditionally led a semi-nomadic lifestyle, centered around hunting, fishing and gathering forest products. They rely heavily on the rainforest for food, medicine and materials for building their homes. In recent years, however, many Bukat communities have become more settled, with some turning to small-scale agriculture to supplement their traditional practices. They cultivate crops such as rice, maize and vegetables though hunting and gathering remain integral to their diet and economy.

The Bukat live in longhouses, which are communal dwellings that house multiple families. These longhouses serve as the heart of their social and cultural life, where the community gathers for ceremonies, meetings and daily activities. Life in Bukat communities is highly communal, with a strong emphasis on cooperation and mutual support.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Bukat people practice animism, a belief system that sees the natural world as inhabited by spirits and ancestral forces. They believe that the forest is alive with spiritual beings that influence their lives and well-being. Rituals and ceremonies are an essential part of Bukat life, performed to honor these spirits, seek their protection and ensure the community’s prosperity.

In addition to their traditional beliefs, the influence of Christianity has grown among the Bukat in recent decades, largely due to missionary activities. Many Bukat now identify as Christian, while still maintaining some of their animist practices and beliefs.

What Are Their Needs?

The Bukat people face several critical challenges, particularly in the areas of healthcare, education and economic sustainability. Access to healthcare is extremely limited, with many Bukat suffering from preventable diseases due to the lack of medical facilities and clean water. Education is another significant need, as many Bukat children have limited access to schools, which hampers their ability to integrate into broader Indonesian society and secure better economic opportunities.

Economically, the Bukat would benefit from initiatives that support sustainable agriculture and alternative livelihoods. The increasing encroachment of logging and palm oil plantations threatens their traditional way of life, making it difficult for them to rely solely on the forest for their needs. Programs that help the Bukat develop sustainable farming practices, improve market access, and preserve their forest resources are crucial to their long-term survival and well-being.

Prayer Points

Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ among the Bukat people.
Pray for the Bukat people to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families and neighborhoods.
Pray for Holy Spirit anointed believers from the Bukat people to change their society from within.
Pray for a movement in which the Holy Spirit leads and empowers disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for a movement of Jesus to heal and strengthen Bukat communities.

Text Source:   Joshua Project