Dusun Deyah in Indonesia

Introduction / History

The Deyah Dusun live in the South Kalimantan province of Borneo – the third largest island in the world and part of the Indonesia archipelago. While many along the coastline (especially in ports and near trade routes) converted to Islam, the Deyah Dusun and other people in the interior responded to Catholic missionaries. One theory is that the Dusun's cultivation of rice (and rice wine) and pork were better suited to Catholicism than Islam. Adopting Islam was also associated with becoming Malay, which many groups chose to resist.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Modern technology and economic pressure are taking a toll on Deyah Dusun culture. Their language is no longer taught in schools and is in the process of dying out. Young people are increasingly seeking education and jobs outside of Dusun culture.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Before the arrival of Islam and Catholicism, the Deyah Dusun, like other Dusun subgroups, engaged in animism. Many continue to mix these beliefs and rituals with Catholic or Muslim practices.

What Are Their Needs?

Though no longer considered "unreached," this people group continues to struggle with unorthodox and erroneous belief systems. They are also rapidly losing their ethnic identity.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Deyah Dusun to seek their hope, peace, and purpose in God.
Pray for the Lord to send workers who will assist them in discovering economic relief, as well as spiritual truth.
Pray for believers among the Deyah Dusun to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to make disciples among their people and the surrounding people groups of Indonesia.
Pray for entire families and communities to put their faith in Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project