Indonesian Merantau

DAY 19 – JUNE 24th, 2016

Merantau – An Indonesian Journey

Judges 18:6 “And the priest said to them, “Go in peace. The journey on which you go is under the eye of the Lord.” 

Among the more simple, rural class of people on the Island of Sumatra, Indonesia, the idea of merantau is very popular. Merantau simply means, “to wander about”.

The Indonesian concept of merantau usually involves a young person leaving home for an uncertain period of time to seek fame and fortune, or just to gain experience from both work or life.

Often unclear as to what he is looking for a wanderer is often more open and feels much less social pressure from family, friends and neighbors while on their merantau.  It is easier and less risky to share the gospel with these young people outside their villages, as often where they have come from is quite staunchly Islamic.

The reverse is also true. It is possible to send young Indonesian missionaries to new places and have them simply show up and explain to the local people that they are on a merantau or journey.  This is an acceptable way to start getting to know a new community and share the message of Jesus.

How to Pray

• Pray for Indonesians on a merantau – that those wondering aimlessly would wander right into the Kingdom of God.
• Pray that Christians, particularly businessmen, would see these types of young men as potential people they can invest in, both for a business experience and for the Kingdom of God.
• Pray for the release of young enthusiastic missionaries to go on a merantau to tough unreached areas to see God’s kingdom established in areas where at this time there is no witness of the gospel!