After studying Indonesian we plan to move to West Kalimantan and learn a language of a people group who have never heard about Jesus Christ and His wonderful plan of Salvation. Kalimantan, rich in resources and languages is on the largest of the islands, Borneo. Lying directly across the equator and the main gate way into the Province of West Kalimantan is the provincial capital of Pontianak. Canals crisscross the city and one of Indonesia’s longest rivers, the Kapuas 1143 km long, divides the town in two.

West Kalimantan is rich in a variety of minerals and precious stones and remains largely unexplored. Coastal areas are mainly swamp lands with more than 100 rivers sculpting the flat plains, but in the mountainous eastern parts of the province, away from the city and plains there are many Dayak villages.

The Dayaks have ancient traditions and beliefs which are expressed in various forms; earlobes elongated by heavy earrings, tattoos, intricate paintings, designs and carvings and diverse dances of respect, heroism, welcome and cure. A large Chinese population, Malays and other Indonesian ethic groups account for the rest of the inhabitants of the province.

New Tribes has 25 current missionaries in West Kalimantan with 9 current tribal works and the base in Pontianak. 4 of these current tribal works have no missionaries at the present time. There are many needs along the mighty Kapuas River and its many tributaries. We are praying for at least 12 new families to come within the next 2 years! Surveys have been done and many tribes are asking for the Gospel! There are many existing teams that need help as well as around 10 new tribes that are in need of teams.