Modang in Indonesia

People Name:	Modang
Country:	Indonesia
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	28,000
World Population:	28,000
Primary Language:	Modang
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	5.00 %
Evangelicals:	2.00 %
Scripture:	Translation Needed
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Borneo-Kalimantan
Affinity Bloc:	Malay Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Modang people live in the interior regions of East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo in Indonesia. Historically, they have been forest dwellers, relying on the abundant natural resources of the dense tropical rainforest. The Modang have lived in this region for generations and their way of life is intricately connected to the land. Over the years, they have interacted with neighboring ethnic groups and external influences, yet they have maintained their distinct language and cultural practices.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Modang people sustain themselves through a combination of farming, hunting and gathering. They cultivate crops such as rice, cassava, and various vegetables in small, slash-and-burn gardens, a practice that allows the forest to regenerate. Hunting and fishing supplement their diet, while gathering forest products like rattan, resins and medicinal plants provides additional resources for trade. The Modang live in longhouses, which accommodate extended families and foster a strong sense of community. Life in Modang villages is communal, with people working together to meet their daily needs and maintain their traditional practices. However, they face challenges related to modern development, including deforestation and the encroachment of industrial activities on their lands.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Modang people practice a blend of animism and Christianity. While many have converted to Christianity through missionary influence, traditional beliefs continue to play a significant role in their spiritual lives. The Modang believe in the presence of spirits in nature, particularly in the forests, rivers and mountains that surround them. They conduct rituals to honor these spirits, seeking their protection and blessings for their crops, health and community well-being. These beliefs are integrated into their daily lives and influence their relationship with the natural world.

What Are Their Needs?

The Modang community faces several critical needs, particularly regarding land rights and access to basic services. The expansion of logging and palm oil plantations poses a significant threat to their land, which is vital for their survival and cultural practices. Securing land rights and protecting their environment are urgent concerns for the Modang. Additionally, access to education is limited, with few schools available in their remote locations, resulting in low literacy rates and limited opportunities for younger generations. Healthcare services are similarly scarce, forcing many to rely on traditional medicine or travel long distances for treatment. Economic opportunities are minimal, leaving many Modang families in poverty and struggling to improve their living conditions.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord’s protection of the Modang people in the decades to come.
Pray that the sheer wonder of knowing Jesus and the impact he has on their lives and the joy he brings spur believers to share Christ with the Modang people.
Pray the hearts of the Modang people would be stirred by a sovereign work of the Holy Spirit readying them for the time when they hear the gospel message being shared with them.
Pray they will experience dreams and visions of Jesus leading them into a saving relationship with him.