Siduan in Malaysia

Siduan
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People Name: Siduan
Country: Malaysia
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 1,200
World Population: 1,200
Primary Language: Melanau, Sibu
Primary Religion: Islam
Christian Adherents: 3.00 %
Evangelicals: 1.00 %
Scripture: Unspecified
Ministry Resources: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: No
People Cluster: Borneo-Kalimantan
Affinity Bloc: Malay Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Siduan people speak a language called Situ Melanau. They are probably among the original inhabitants of Sarawak. By the 19th century, they were settled in scattered communities along the Rajang River in Sarawak. Not surprisingly, they were fishermen and boat builders.

Where Are they Located?

The Siduan people live in Malaysia's state of Sarawak, in northern Borneo.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Those who speak a Malanau dialect like the Siduan people are switching to Malay, the main language of Malaysia.

What Are Their Beliefs?

A slight majority of the Siduan people are Muslim, though all of them cling to traditional animistic beliefs. In these beliefs, people attribute power to local spirits rather than to Allah.

What Are Their Needs?

There are virtually no Christian materials in the language of the Siduan people, which means that only those who speak Malay can hear of Christ's redeeming power.

Prayer Points

Pray that Siduan leaders will have dreams of Jesus where the Savior reveals Himself to them.
Pray for the Siduan people to have a spiritual openness to Jesus during this time of great change.
Pray for them to preserve their language and culture in their own churches.
Pray for a disciple making movement to emerge among the Siduan people.

Text Source:   Keith Carey