NIHI RESORT

Resort Protects Unique Culture and Empowers the Community

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Author

Agha S. Ganesha

Agha S. Ganesha

School

IPMI International Business School

IPMI International Business School

Professor

Amelia Naim Indrajaya

Amelia Naim Indrajaya

Global Goals

1. No Poverty 2. Zero Hunger 3. Good Health and Well-Being 4. Quality Education 5. Gender Equality

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Summary

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.

Innovation

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.

Resort Protects Unique Culture and Empowers the Community

Inspiration

  • The resort's visibility should be extended beyond the surfing community, while ensuring future profits will be channeled through The Sumba Foundation, which is the philanthropic foundation concerned with continuously supporting the Sumbanese people.
  • This includes tackling the very real issue of malaria, so far reduced by 86% within a 20km radius of Nihiwatu with a convincing strategy overseen by health director Dr. Claus Bogh.
  • But that is not the only strand of the foundation's work, it has already provided 172 villages with clean water and is also addressing education and malnutrition problems.

Overall impact

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.

Business benefit

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."

Social and environmental benefit

  1. No Poverty
  2. Zero hunger
  3. Good health & well-being
  4. Quality education
  5. Gender Equality
  6. Clean Water & Sanitation
  7. Affordable & Clean Energy
  8. Decent Work & Economic Growth
  9. Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
  10. Reduced Inequalities
  11. Sustainable Cities & Communities
  12. Responsible Consumption & Production
  13. Climate Action
  14. Life Below Water
  15. Life on Land
  16. Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
  17. Partnerships for the goals

Interview

Mr. Kenny, General Manager

Watch video on YouTube

Business information

NIHI RESORT

NIHI RESORT

Sumba, ID
Business Website: http://www.nihiwatu.com/
Year Founded: 1996
Number of Employees: 201 to 500
Nihiwatu was born out of a vision to protect and preserve the unique culture and empower the local communities to support themselves and their families and give them the opportunity to improve their own lives.