Sumbawa

Sumbawa is an Indonesian island in the province of West Nusa Tenggara, part of the eastern Lesser Sunda Islands. It lies to the east of Lombok across the Alas Strait and to the west of Flores across the Sape Strait. The island covers about 15,000 square kilometres. Much of its interior is rugged and volcanic, with a series of highlands and coastal plains. The highest peak is Mount Tambora, a stratovolcano that rose to prominence after its historic eruption in 1815, one of the largest eruptions in recorded history.

Historically, Sumbawa was home to independent polities and trading communities before becoming part of the Dutch East Indies and later Indonesia. In contemporary administration it is part of West Nusa Tenggara Province and is divided into several regencies, including Sumbawa, Dompu, and Bima; the main urban centers are Sumbawa Besar on the western side and the city of Bima on the eastern coast. The population is predominantly Muslim, with communities reflecting local customs and languages alongside national Indonesian influences.

The economy is based largely on agriculture, livestock, and fishing, with crops such as maize, rice, coffee, and sugarcane, along with livestock husbandry including cattle and buffalo. Tourism has grown around volcanic landscapes, beaches, and traditional villages. Transport connections include ferries and air links to other Indonesian islands, enabling movement to and from Lombok, Flores, and Java.

Cultural life centers on the Sumbawa people and other ethnic groups with distinctive languages and traditions. The island is known for its folk crafts, music, and horse and cattle husbandry traditions that play a role in local ceremonies and daily life.