Rotinese, Tii in Indonesia

Introduction / History

Tii speakers live on Rote Island in Indonesia. Several other people groups live there also, in separate areas established by historic kings.

What Are Their Lives Like?

All Rotinese eat what their land produces. One of their basic foods comes from sap of the lontar palm, harvested during the annual dry season. It yields sweet syrup that they also make into sugar. Gardens yield vegetables during the intense but short, wet season. The Tii also fish and raise pigs, goats, sheep and water buffalo. Horses provide transportation.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Traders introduced the people of Rote Island to the Gospel in the 1700s. Impressed by the Christian religion, three rulers went to the larger, more populated island of Java a few years later to investigate it further. There they became Christians, were baptized and went to Bible school for three years. They returned to their island with a copy of the Bible written in their local trade language.

What Are Their Needs?

After starting schools, they taught people to read, and Christianity quickly spread throughout the island. Though proud of their faith and their churches, the Tii speakers still do not have God's Word in their own mother tongue. Pastors use the national Indonesian language Bible in services, but it is inadequate. Without Scriptures they can understand deeply, believers here lack access to foundational truths, which can lead them to practical applications for Christian living.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring revival fire to Rotinese families and churches.
Pray for Rotinese disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for them to soon become part of God's anointed workers among Muslims.

Text Source:   Joshua Project