People
Who they are
The Adonara inhabit the mountainous island of the same name, east of Flores in eastern Indonesia. They speak their own Austronesian language and maintain a strong cultural identity tied to the land of their ancestors. Although they belong to a region historically influenced by trade and colonial contact, they preserve distinctive traditions of kinship, community loyalty, and local leadership that define their way of life in the archipelago.
Where they live
1
Country
121K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Indonesia Partially reached
|
100%
|
120.000 |
How they live
Most Adonara make their living through subsistence farming, growing corn, cassava, upland rice, and coconut palms on volcanic slopes, while coastal fishing supplements livelihoods in seaside villages. Social life is structured around patriarchal clans, with a strong emphasis on family honor and traditional marriage agreements governed by local customary law.
What they believe
Although most of the population is affiliated with historic Christianity as a result of centuries of colonial influence, traditional beliefs remain alive in daily life. Respect for ancestral spirits, agricultural harvest rituals, and practices of spiritual protection frequently mingle with conventional religious ceremonies, reflecting a strong underlying animist heritage.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Adonara
Portions translated
- Translation started Done
- Portions Current stage
- 3 New Testament Still ahead
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Not available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)70%
Evangelicals6%
Needs
The island faces challenges such as limited infrastructure, geographic isolation in inland villages, and a shortage of specialized medical services. Spiritually, there is a need for ongoing discipleship and the training of local leaders who understand Scripture deeply and can teach the Christian faith clearly within their own language and culture.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pelo aprofundamento bíblico e discipulado genuíno entre as famílias adonara.
Por recursos e traduções das Escrituras que alcancem o coração na língua adonara.
Pelo desenvolvimento comunitário e melhores oportunidades de trabalho para os jovens da ilha.
Por obreiros locais que testemunhem com integridade e amor nas vilas do interior.
Pela reconciliação pacífica e cura de antigas disputas de terras entre clãs.
Pray for Adonara
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
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