Praying for Indonesia

Join the movement!

  • About Indonesia
    • Overview of Indonesia
    • Quick Facts About Indonesia
    • The Islands of Indonesia
    • Indonesia: Think Big!
  • Religion in Indonesia
    • Overview of Religions
    • Christianity In Indonesia
    • Buddhism in Indonesia
    • Hinduism in Indonesia
    • Islam in Indonesia
    • Folk Islam In Indonesia
  • Ethnic Groups
    • The People of Bali and Nusa Tenggara
    • The People of Java
    • The People of Kalimantan
    • The People of Maluku
    • The People of Sulawesi
    • The People of Sumatra
  • News
  • Testimonies
  • Get Involved
    • Prayer Resources
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy
You are here: Home / Ethnic Groups / The People of Sulawesi / Who are the Pannei?

Who are the Pannei?

The Pannei people live in the West Sulawesi province. They speak Pannei in their daily lives. This language has two dialects: Tapango and Bulo. The Pannei language is part of a larger linguistic grouping called the Pitu Ulunna Salu, which also includes Bambam, Dakka, and Ulumanda.

What are their lives like?

The Pannei make their living in various ways. They work as farmers, fishermen, craftsmen, traders/merchants, and government officials. The craftsmen are usually known as tukang or panre.

Other jobs include government positions and the military. In the past, guerilla-fighters were called pa’barani (courageous persons). Initially, these warriors served the Bugis kingdom against other kingdoms, but later they fought against the Dutch colonialists. The pa’barani were reputed to always be eager to fight, engaging in conflict or war without regard for personal safety, for the glory of the king and kingdom.

What are their beliefs?

Almost all Pannei people follow Islam. Their area has many mosques and prayer houses for worship. The goal of the Islamic leadership in the area is to have a mosque or prayer house within easy walking distance for each family.

At the same time, traditional animistic beliefs are still strong in daily life. The services of a dukun (shaman/healer) are often sought for many purposes, including healing the sick and exorcising evil spirits.

The Pannei believe in the power of spirits that inhabit sacred places and are thought to bring either misfortune or prosperity. They believe that the departed spirits of their ancestors are alive and able to watch over the behavior of both adults and children. Due to these beliefs, a system of veneration and worship of these spirits has emerged, typically taking the form of ceremonies and ritual offerings.

What are their needs?

The Pannei are viewed by outsiders as being “behind the times,” closed off, and impoverished. If this is accurate, and the Pannei are open to outside help, a wide variety of assistance could be given to help their progress.

A wide range of new employment opportunities needs to be created. Formal education and vocational training in a variety of skills would be helpful. There are also many infrastructure needs in the area that could be addressed to help the Pannei people.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Time limit is exhausted. Please reload CAPTCHA.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Get This FREE Prayer Guide!

Download this Free book today and also get prayer updates!

* indicates required

Newest Tweets

Twitter
praying4indonesia
praying4indonesia
@ipray4indonesia

A Tea Party ministry, an online group counseling of 5 or 6 women, provides a place where women with mission work backgrounds can come together for friendship and fellowship, and can be encouraged in their walk with the Lord. Please pray for more women will be blessed. pic.twitter.com/4FDn…

reply retweet favorite
10:00 pm · March 7, 2021
Twitter
praying4indonesia
praying4indonesia
@ipray4indonesia

A couple of new teams are leaving to serve in two different unreached people groups in Sumatra. Please pray for God’s provision, perseverance, safety and courage for these 2 new teams. Also pray for opportunities to share God’s Words to the people. pic.twitter.com/6wjt…

reply retweet favorite
10:00 pm · March 6, 2021
Twitter
praying4indonesia
praying4indonesia
@ipray4indonesia

"Above all, keep loving one another, since love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8) Father, may Christians in Indonesia love one another fiercely, covering a multitude of sins and painting a stark contrast with the culture surrounding them. pic.twitter.com/ixDA…

reply retweet favorite
3:30 am · March 6, 2021
Twitter
praying4indonesia
praying4indonesia
@ipray4indonesia

Praise the Lord for 25 new believers in north Sulawesi. Pray for strengthening their faith and eagerness in seeking God’s Words. Also pray for their transformation into Christ-like so they can be witnesses to their family and friends. pic.twitter.com/p9fI…

reply retweet favorite
1:30 am · March 5, 2021
Twitter
praying4indonesia
praying4indonesia
@ipray4indonesia

After Iman contacted a field worker for a hard copy of a bible, he started studying God’s Words together with the field worker. Pray for Iman to get a greater understanding of Your Word! Also pray for the field worker for wisdom in guiding Iman in studying God's Words. pic.twitter.com/Ftsl…

reply retweet favorite
10:00 pm · March 2, 2021
Follow @ipray4indonesia

Praying For Indonesia Facebook

Praying for Indonesia

Copyright © 2010–2021 · Praying For Indonesia · Privacy Policy · About Us