Huaulu in Indonesia

Introduction / History

The Huaulu people live on the island of Seram off the east coast of West Papua Province in Indonesia. This tiny tribe may be absorbed into one of the larger tribes of the West Papua Province in the next few decades as their young people move to cities in search of a better life. Huaulu have their own language of Huaulu and a distinct culture. There are currently no Christian resources available in the Huaulu language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Huaulu people live a simple life revolving around their village. They live much like their ancestors did, without indoor plumbing or electricity. The Huaulu make their living farming, fishing and hunting. Their main crop is rice, and they also cultivate coconuts, palms trees, fruits and vegetables. Most families have a few goats, chicken and a water buffalo.

Huaulu women have a lower status than men in their communities. Adult sons take care of their elderly parents.

Small tribes like the Huaulu may not survive the 21st century. Lack of modern medicine leaves them vulnerable to TB or other disease epidemics. Their life expectancy is low. Most likely they will become integrated into the larger Indonesian society and lose their distinctiveness as a people.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Huaulu practice folk religion and ancestor worship. They believe that spirits inhabit the objects of nature such as tree, rocks, mountains, rivers and animals. One must appease these spirits or they can bring disaster to the community. The village shaman connects the Huaulu to the spirit world. He or she provides amulets and charms to protect the people from the spirits. The Huaulu live in constant fear of offending the spirits.

The Indonesian government is trying to bring Islam to tribal groups like the Huaulu. Meanwhile, the Huaulu leaders will likely feel that any spiritual change away from their traditional religion is a threat to them as a people. Only a handful of Huaulu claim to be followers of Jesus Christ.

What Are Their Needs?

Like many small tribes, the Huaulu would benefit greatly from modernization in multiple streams: modern medicine could extend their life expectancy; education could better equip them for the 21st century; solar panels and other appropriate technology could improve their way of living.

Prayer Points

Pray that the few believers among the Huaulu people will find each other and be established in the faith.
Ask God to give the Huaulu a hunger and thirst for righteousness and truth that will lead them to Jesus Christ.
Ask the Lord to send loving, Holy Spirit-anointed workers to the Huaulu.
Pray for Huaulu disciples to make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project