People
Who they are
The Sumba live on the island of the same name in the Lesser Sunda Islands of eastern Indonesia. Known for their traditional hilltop villages, houses with tall, tower-shaped roofs and rich handcrafted textiles, they maintain a strong sense of cultural and community identity.
Kambera is widely spoken in the eastern part of the island, preserving oral traditions, ritual poetry and family stories passed down from generation to generation.
Where they live
1
Country
293K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Indonesia Significantly reached
|
100%
|
291.000 |
How they live
Village life revolves around subsistence farming, with the cultivation of corn, rice and cassava, as well as the raising of buffalo, pigs and Sumba’s renowned horses. Horses hold great social value and take part in traditional festivals and rites. Ikat cloth, handwoven by women in elaborate patterns, represents the prestige and history of each clan.
What they believe
Although most of the population profess the Christian faith, the traditional ancestral religion known as Marapu still strongly influences the local worldview. Elaborate funeral rituals, offerings and efforts to appease ancestral spirits often coexist with formal Christian practice, highlighting the need for greater doctrinal clarity.
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.
Kambera
Complete Bible
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Done
- Whole Bible Current stage
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)98%
Evangelicals25%
Needs
Despite its strong Christian presence, the island faces prolonged droughts, shortages of drinking water and a lack of medical care in rural areas. Spiritually, there is a great need for consistent discipleship to help believers leave behind their fear of ancestral spirits and live out the fullness of the gospel in daily life.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pelo aprofundamento bíblico das igrejas locais, superando o medo espiritual e o sincretismo.
Pela formação e discipulado de novos líderes comunitários e pastores entre os sumba.
Por melhorias no acesso à água tratada e serviços de saúde nas aldeias mais isoladas.
Pela juventude sumba, para que encontre oportunidades de trabalho e firmeza na fé cristã.
Pelo alcance transformador da Palavra de Deus em todas as famílias que falam kambera.
Pray for Sumba
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar