Marind, Bian in Indonesia

Introduction / History

The Marind, Bian are sometimes known as the Boven-Mbian, Bian, Northwest Marind, Boven Tor, or Boven Bian people. The people speak Marind, Bian at home and use Indonesian for trade communication.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Bian Marind primarily live by hunting (and selling game), gardening, and gathering food; as well as logging in this large southern swampy land. With their land at an altitude of less than 100 meters above sea level, the Marind people can best be accessed by boat. There are some asphalt roads and a number of non-paved roads are good to travel on in the dry season.
The people eat sago, fish, bananas, jambu, coconut, and meat among other foods. They enjoy carving and sometimes paint cloth or even their own body. Some Marind have boat motors; and many have knives, axes, shovels, rifles, and tableware. A few Marind people own motorcycles also. Horses, while rare in other parts of Papua are used in the Okaba district (east of Merauke). Remote village homes are often 1 room affairs, stilted or dirt floors, and a leaf roof. There are some roads in the area; PLN regular electricity is in Merauke and evening electric in Okaba.
There are a number of junior high schools and high schools in the language area (particularly in Merauke).
The "Samb-anim" ritual is for young people who have been initiated into the traditional knowledge and customs. There are a number of other spiritual ceremonies as well. Legend says the Marind people descended from Geb and Sami and came from Africa on a boat or giant raft.

What Are Their Beliefs?

It is estimated that less than half of the Bian Marind speakers have understood the gospel but there are several Protestant and a number of Catholic churches in the area. Besides the Catholic Church, there are Reformed churches in the language area.

What Are Their Needs?

There are some SSB radios, but no telephones outside the main city. Lack of good nutrition is common, as is malaria, skin diseases, leprosy, and typhoid. Many villages have a medical worker.

Prayer Points

Pray for hundreds to be raised up with an unwavering faith in Christ, one that will not be shaken, no matter what comes their way.
Pray for God to bring about his purpose for the Bian Marind people.
Pray for Christians to have love, joy, peace, and patience as they tell others about the King of kings.
Pray for a mighty Holy Spirit revival to permeate their families and churches, drawing them into greater love for God and for their neighbors.

Text Source:   Joshua Project