Agha S. Ganesha
IPMI International Business School
Amelia Naim Indrajaya
Keep this story going! Share below!
The story of NIHIWATU is a rare and fascinating tale that began when Sumba’s ancestors, the ‘Marapu,’ landed on its secluded beach centuries ago. Beliefs about their powers vary, but the Marapu spirit has remained a benevolent force on the island, protecting the way of life and attracting custodians who honor and carry forth the heritage and stories of the Sumbanese people, past and present.
CULTURE
Nihiwatu combines the ultimate luxury of tourism in comfort with the opportunity to embrace the local tradition and flavor and enjoy the rich symphony of Sumba's daily life.
ADVENTURE
Its unique location on the West Coast of Sumba offers a great opportunity to explore the Indian Ocean and enjoy world-class surfing and a thriving marine ecosystem for fishing or diving.
ENVIRONMENT
Guests can give back to the local community, by fostering village-based projects that impact health, education, water, and income-generation, while preserving and respecting the fragile Sumba culture and traditions.
The overall impact is huge relief felt by the island communities. Kenny the leader commented, "This has started since more than 20 years ago. The first time I came here, the rawness and the tribal culture found here make me feel like I was in the outback of Africa."
The aim is to provide humanitarian aid by fostering village-based projects that give impact to better health (including access and malaria control), education, water, and income-generation, while preserving and respecting the fragile culture and traditions of the Sumbanese people.
Kenny added, "Indeed, there's still much to do: there's a chance malaria can be eradicated island-wide." In a bold statement, Kenny said, "I ensure that Nihiwatu have begun to feel their profit past year or so - and attracts the kind of traveller who might engage with local issues."
Providing sustainable cities & communities for all stakeholders.
More than 15 primary schools are renovated by Nihiwatu, The Sumba Foundation and partnership with local government and NGOs.
Of course, this is not an easy thing for Nihiwatu and the Foundation to run this business. A lot of investments, some of them are not measurable in order to develop this business not only for the interest of the company, but rather because of the focus on developing the infrastructure of the island of Sumba, providing a means of education of the public in cooperation with local governments, providing a clean water supply for the entire community and Nihiwatu itself. "Imagine, before, each family had to walk 50 km just to get clean water, and we tried for years to create a water system for the community and also for the company," said Kenny.
Especially the main problem in this area is the number of mosquitoes. We invite several doctor licensed for malaria to overcome this, aided by The Sumba Foundation. Each community who want to get the vaccine, can directly visit our clinics and in some areas can get it for free.
Kenny added that the business has become embedded with the surrounding community, hand in hand to improve the standard of living not only for business but also for the society.
"There are more than 300 people who helps us including the people who live more than 20 km from Nihiwatu are working to help us. We really appreciate and always give the best for them because they also give their best for us," said Kenny.
"This is a huge benefit for our business not just for now but for the future for all stakeholders."
Get stories of positive business innovations from around the world delivered right to your inbox.
