Gorontalo in Indonesia

People Name:	Gorontalo
Country:	Indonesia
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	1,182,000
World Population:	1,182,000
Primary Language:	Gorontalo
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	1.80 %
Evangelicals:	0.04 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Gorontalo of Sulawesi
Affinity Bloc:	Malay Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Gorontalo live in the northern part of Sulawesi Island between the provinces of Central Sulawesi and North Sulawesi with the Sulawesi Sea to the north and the Tomini Bay to the south. In the year 2000, Gorontalo officially gained provincial status when North Sulawesi province was divided in two. This new province has two regencies: Gorontalo and Bualemo.

The area is composed of extensive coastlines, rugged mountains and a large central valley with beautiful Lake Limboto at its center. The Gorontalo have traditionally lived along the coast and in the fertile lowlands beside rivers and streams.

The Gorontalo language is part of a larger linguistic grouping called the Gorontalic family which also includes the Bintauna, Bolango, Buol, Kaidipang, Lolak and Suwawa languages. 90% of the Gorontalo speak the Gorontalo language; those in the extreme eastern district speak Suwawa.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Gorontalo make their living by farming or fishing. An important segment of the population participate in various businesses, from selling used clothing in the marketplace to running national companies. A number are powerful national figures.

Tourism is a significant industry in the area. Several airlines serve the newly expanded airport and the municipality of Gorontalo offers a number of budget hotels. Tourists enjoy the view of Lake Limboto from a cluster of three ancient Portuguese forts. Various districts feature handicraft centers; locally made crafts include rattan kopiah (a type of Muslim hat), distinctive Kerawang embroidery and woven mats.

Gorontalo genealogy is bilateral (traced through both parents). Children must treat their fathers and older adult relatives with seriousness and respect. Relationships are more open with grandmothers and older siblings.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Gorontalo have embraced Islam since the 16th century. They observe Friday prayers with colleagues from work. Many residents also walk to their neighborhood mosque for evening prayers. Each village contains one to three mosques. Fasting is widely observed during the month of Ramadan. Those of higher position or education tend to be more diligent in their religious observances than their poorer village counterparts.

Despite their strong Islamic adherence, many Gorontalo still believe in motolohuta (supernatural creatures) and hulobalangi (mysterious powers) of which they are both fearful and fascinated. Others believe that the graves of people who possessed supernatural power in ancient days are sacred. These graves are scattered about central Gorontalo.

The Bible has been translated into Gorontalo, but only a small minority of the people follow Jesus.

What Are Their Needs?

As a relatively new province, Gorontalo needs ongoing development in areas such as public works and infrastructure, opening of new businesses and communications. Gorontalo leaders actively seek outside investment to create jobs and train local workers.

At this point, most of the Gorontalo are dependent on the government or an associated agency to coordinate the distribution of their crops or products. Population pressure and the monetary crisis have resulted in widespread undernourishment. Illegal logging has opened the way for rampant erosion and infertile slopes.

Prayer Points

Pray for gospel workers to catch a vision for reaching the Gorontalo people for Jesus and that in God’s sovereign timing their hearts would be open and ready to follow him.
Ask God to fill them with a hunger for the truth.
Pray for Jesus movements to bless extended families so the gospel will spread rapidly among this people group.
Pray for the spiritual lives of the Gorontalo people to become fruitful as they follow Christ.
Pray for the lives and culture of the Gorontalo people to evidence the rule and reign of the Kingdom of God as they open to the gospel, and for the beauty of Jesus to be seen in them.