Kaidipang in Indonesia

People Name:	Kaidipang
Country:	Indonesia
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	12,000
World Population:	12,000
Primary Language:	Kaidipang
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	4.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.45 %
Scripture:	Unspecified
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	No
People Cluster:	Gorontalo of Sulawesi
Affinity Bloc:	Malay Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Kaidipang people live on the outskirts of the Bolaang Mongondow district of the North Sulawesi province, Indonesia. Historically, the Kaidipang formed their own kingdom. In 1910, they joined with the neighboring Bolang Itang kingdom. This enlarged kingdom lasted until 1950 when it joined the then recently independent Republic of Indonesia. The Kaidipang language is part of a larger linguistic grouping called the Gorontalic family.

Historically, the Kaidipang made a living through agriculture, using the traditional slash and burn method. They cleared a field, used it until the soil was depleted, then moved on and repeated the cycle.

What Are Their Lives Like?

More recently, the Kaidipang have begun to settle permanently, resulting in an increase in their population. They live in villages along roadways in the highlands. Many Kaidipang have become rice farmers, fishermen, day laborers and owners of small shops. They also raise livestock such as cattle, goats and chickens.

The Kaidipang trace their descent through both mother and father, with inheritance handled the same way for both male and female descendants. Unlike most other ethnic groups in Indonesia, the Kaidipang reserve no special treatment or rights for male family members.

What Are Their Beliefs?

As Muslims, the Kaidipang believe that they will be judged on their knowledge of the Islamic Holy Book (the Koran) and their way of life. Because of that, they strive to be devout Muslims. Despite this, many of the Kaidipang still practice elements of animism and various other superstitions, such as performing magic to control good and evil spirits to secure protection. The Kaidipang have intertwined traditional law with Islamic practice.

What Are Their Needs?

The Kaidipang greatly need employment opportunities to keep their villages stable. Many Kaidipang young people move to other cities such as Manado, Makassar and even Jakarta to find jobs.

Prayer Points

Pray for the translation of the New Testament into the Kaidipang language.
Ask God to give the Kaidipang a hunger for truth and to reveal to them the falsehoods of Islam and animistic practices.
Ask God to send gospel workers to the Kaidipang to introduce them to Jesus and to help them develop their economy.
Pray for a Disciple Making Movement among the Kaidipang.