Sumba

Sumba is an island in eastern Indonesia, part of East Nusa Tenggara province. It lies to the west of Timor and to the east of Flores, with the Sawu Sea to the south and the Flores Sea to the north. The island’s administrative center is Waingapu, located on the east coast. Sumba covers roughly 11,000 square kilometers and has a population concentrated in coastal towns and inland villages.

Geography and climate on Sumba range from rugged central highlands to dry coastal plains. The interior features hills and savanna-like landscapes, while the coastlines host beaches and coral areas. The climate is tropical with a pronounced wet season and a dry season, contributing to varied land use across the island.

People and culture: The Sumbanese are the island’s primary ethnic group. The Kambera language is widely spoken, alongside Indonesian. Traditional life is associated with Marapu, an ancestral belief system, and the pasola, a ceremonial horseback spear-throwing festival held during certain months. Weaving is a hallmark craft; tenun ikat textiles with geometric patterns are produced for ceremonial dress and everyday use, and Sumba’s textiles are traded beyond the island.

History and administration: Sumba has a long precolonial history of local kingdoms and external trade contacts. During the colonial era, the region experienced Portuguese influence in parts of the eastern archipelago and later became part of the Dutch East Indies. After Indonesian independence, Sumba became part of East Nusa Tenggara province. The island has seen growing attention from domestic tourism seeking culture, beaches, and natural scenery.

Economy: Agriculture and livestock are foundational, with crops such as rice, maize, cassava, and fruits. Handwoven textiles remain an important traditional craft and income source, while tourism is expanding, highlighting cultural heritage and coastal landscapes.