Hitu in Indonesia

People Name:	Hitu
Country:	Indonesia
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	19,000
World Population:	19,000
Primary Language:	Hitu
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	1.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Translation Needed
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	No
People Cluster:	Maluku-Central
Affinity Bloc:	Malay Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Hitu live in five village areas along the north coast of Ambon island: Wakal, Hila, Hitu, Mamala and Morela. These areas are in Lehitu county, Central Maluku Regency, Maluku Province. In 1999, North Maluku Province was divided from Maluku Province. In the past, Hitu village formed the commercial center and goods distribution point for Ambon island. Hitu can be reached by land or sea. Since the regional violence of 2000 and following, public transport usually comes and goes once daily from the city of Ambon. The only historical record of the Hitu people is found in their stories, about how in the past they lived at the edge of the jungle. Later developments caused them to begin moving out of the jungle and building beach-side houses. The Hitu people use Hitu language, consisting of various dialects. The Hitu language is part of a larger linguistic grouping called the Seram Straits which also includes the Laha, Tulehu, Paulohi, Amahai, Elpaputih, Nusa Laut, Watu, Saparua and Kamarian.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Hitu cultivate cloves, nutmeg, sago palm, coconut and various other spices. Their land, although fertile, remains sadly underutilized. Most of their land is governed by tribal law and is regarded as tribal land. Most Hitu live near the sea in beach-side houses, but some live along the road leading to the city of Ambon. The Hitu area has ample sources of fresh water, flowing from fissures in limestone rocks. These water sources form rivers flowing across the main road. Many Hitu combine both farming and fishing for income. In addition to the main crops are cassava, taro, cloves, nutmeg and coconut. They also cultivate fruits, such as banana, guava, durian and soursop. Sago palm grows well without even being cultivated. Some Hitu work as teachers or other government employees. Many Hitu women work as fish sellers (jibu jibu).

What Are Their Beliefs?

Hitu is the historical entry-point of Islam into the Malukus. For this reason, nearly all Hitu people are Muslim. They believe that later they will be judged both on their knowledge of the Qur'an and on their good works. But like most Muslim people in Maluku, the Hitu are strongly influenced by even more ancient animism.

What Are Their Needs?

Not all Hitu receive formal education. Even where schools exist, many finish only elementary school. In the whole Hitu area, there is only one agricultural school, one government Islamic school and the private Islamic boarding school, Madrasah Tsanawiyah. Apart from needing formal education, the Hitu also need general knowledge about health and public sanitation. The Hitu society needs good leadership and direction to develop their physical health and their agricultural potential. Appropriate small-scale technology could also help them become a more productive society. They have very few chances to improve their job skills. Lack of electricity and dependable clean water supply also hinder development of Hitu society.