Kluets are one of eight people groups that live in Aceh Province on the island of Sumatra. They are found in two districts of South Aceh Regency, namely North Kluet District and South Kluet District. These two districts are separated by the Krueng Kluet River, which originates in the Leuser Mountains and flows into the Indian Ocean. The area where the Kluets live is remote, about 20 kilometers from the main road, 50 kilometers from the town of Tapak Tuan and 500 kilometers from the provincial capital of Banda Aceh. The Kluet language has three dialects: Paya Dapur, Meunggamat and Krueng Kluet. It appears that the language developed from a combination of the Alas, Kuo, Aceh and Minangkabau languages.
During the time of Dutch colonialism they were often noted for their skill on the battlefield. It is likely that their skill as hunters is what prepared them to be such skilled warriors. They often used guerilla tactics to fight their enemies.
The Kluet area is very fertile and most Kluet make their living from farming irrigated and unirrigated rice fields or growing crops such as coffee, patchouli (which produces fragrant oils) and vegetables. Other means of livelihood include raising livestock and fishing. Fish are either fresh or preserved for storage, often by smoking. This type of smoked fish, called ikan saleh, is a specialty of the Kluet people.
The Kluet are famous for their hunting skills since they live at the edge of the forest. The meeting center (called a meursah) has a variety of functions. It is used as a place to read the Koran, say daily prayers, hold Islamic celebrations and hold meetings, or for young people to sleep if there is no religious school in the village. The women's center (called deyah) is a place where women say prayers. The Kluet prefer to live in groups and only in certain areas. They have a strong sense of ethnic identity and therefore do not spread out very far from each other. They find it difficult to mix with other people groups and as a result their culture is rather closed to outsiders.
Though the Kluet are Muslims, traditional animist beliefs remain deeply embedded in their daily lives. They fear evil spirits, and it is said that there is a mysterious tomb in their region imbued with supernatural power—visible only at certain times. To protect themselves from evil spirits, the Kluet carry amulets that have been blessed or enchanted. Only when wearing these charms do they feel a sense of safety.
Kluets do not place much value in education. Modern agricultural tools and methods would help keep them from feeling left behind and threatened by outsiders who come to their area. Medical assistance is greatly needed due to an increase in malaria and dengue fever as well as poor nutrition. Financial investment is very much needed.
Pray the hearts of the Kluet people would be stirred to hunger after God, to drink of living water.
Pray for family-based movements to Christ to soon transform Kluet society, blessing them spiritually and economically.
Pray for the Lord to move in the hearts of local believers to give up their own rights and sacrifice their lives to see the Kluet people blessed by the work of Jesus Christ, the only savior.
Scripture Prayers for the Kluet in Indonesia.
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IPN, 2011, Copyrighted © Used with permission.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
