Tidung, Southern in Malaysia

People Name:	Tidung, Southern
Country:	Malaysia
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	3,500
World Population:	57,500
Primary Language:	Tidung, Southern
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	12.00 %
Evangelicals:	1.64 %
Scripture:	Portions
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Banjar of Kalimantan
Affinity Bloc:	Malay Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Southern Tidungs belong to the Dayak cluster, speak a Dayak Tidung dialect. The Southern Tidungs are also sometimes called Dayak Pantai (pantai means "beach"). Another group of Tidungs live in Kinabalu, Marudu, and Belud in Sabah district, Malaysia. Perhaps because they live on the beach, the Tidungs are more open to outsiders than other Dayak peoples. This openness has led to the Tidung being more influenced by outside cultures of the modern world. Transmigration areas in the traditional Tidung territory heighten outside influence.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Southern Tidung make their living as farmers. They grow sweet potatoes, cassava, lentils, fruits, and vegetables. Southern Tidungs practice migratory agriculture mainly because they cannot maintain the soil's fertility. Each time they move, neighbors work together to clear new farm land by cutting down trees and burning the underbrush. This farming method is often cited as the main cause of forest fires and damage. Although this process does cause damage, it is far less than the destruction done by industrialists who obtain forest management rights from the government.

Other Southern Tidungs are fishermen. Petroleum is also produced on Bunyu and Tarakan islands.

Generally the Southern Tidungs choose their own marriage partners, but some marry partners chosen for them by their parents. Southern Tidungs gladly welcome the birth of a child with a ritual feast, led by a religious leader. Neighbors are invited to come to the feast in which the child is given a name. The celebration is usually held after the child is one or two weeks old. At the party, there is a naik ayun (swing riding) ritual. In this ritual, the child's parents put the child in a swing, cut the child's hair and cover him/her with flour.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Tidung are typically Muslims who perform their religious ceremonies in Islamic ways, but at times with animist meanings. Islam was brought to the Tidung by merchants from Sulawesi. Their division of inheritance is based on orthodox Islamic laws. The animist side of their beliefs includes believing that spirits inhabit certain objects or places and can influence human beings. Thus, their traditional ceremonies are actually focused on seeking protection through magic by either appeasing or controlling both good and bad spirits.

A shaman plays an important role in Tidung society and is often asked to heal sicknesses with spells. Previously, a majority of Tidung people were Christian, but many have become Muslim due to trading and marriage with Bugis and Arab people. Southern Tidungs are generally friendly and not ethnocentric but seem not to be open to the gospel.

What Are Their Needs?

Most Southern Tidungs don't have opportunities for a formal education, which is only available to those who are settled. Their openness to modernization, however, can be used as an asset to improve and develop their resources. They also need assistance to be more creative in managing their plantations, farms and fisheries for greater productivity.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to bless Southern Tidung families and churches abundantly with a love for Christ.
Pray for the Lord to call and send Southern Tidung Christians to share faith in Christ with Muslims.
Pray that soon Southern Tidung disciples will make disciples of Malay Muslims.
Pray for Southern Tidung churches to be known for boldness and love.