Introduction / History

The Kalao, a very small tribal people group, live on the east end of Kalao Island in the South Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. They have probably lived on the island for hundreds of years.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The sea plays a major part in the lives of the Kalao. They make their living by fishing and marketing sea cucumbers, tortoise shells, coconuts, and cotton cloth. Kalao women weave the cotton they grow into colorful cloth and clothing. Tourists are starting to visit Kalao Island for the fishing, beautiful beaches and scuba diving in the warm, clear water.

The Kalao are gradually becoming part of the modern nation of Indonesia. Their children are learning to read and write Bahasa Indonesian, the national language. As a result, the Kalao language (spoken mainly or exclusively by adults) is in danger of dying out.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kalao became Muslims over 500 years ago, having learned of Islam from seafaring merchants. As is true of most Indonesian Muslim peoples, the Kalao mix their own folk religion with Islamic beliefs and practices. They believe in natural spirits, which must be appeased with sacrifices and rituals. They venerate their ancestors with prayers and ceremonies. The vast majority of the Kalao know very little of the contents of the Koran.

What Are Their Needs?

Workers can help the Kalao learn new job skills. The Kalao need to hear the truth about Isa or Jesus. He alone can forgive their sins and bring them the abundant life they desire.

There are no Christian resources in the Kalao language, but the entire Bible, the JESUS Film and many other resources are available in the Bahasa national language.

Prayer Points

Ask God to lead Kalao children to read the Bible in the Bahasa language and to encounter Jesus.
Pray that as they come to faith, they will lead their families to Jesus.
Ask God to send workers to the Kalao people and direct them to those whose hearts are open to the gospel. Pray for a hunger for truth among the Kalao.
Ask God to raise up a movement to Christ among the Kalao in the next decade.

Scripture Prayers for the Kalao in Indonesia.