Welcome to Sumbawa

It's the first thing we hear when we land in Bima, and it greets us everywhere we go on Sumbawa Island. I try to ask the local Mbojo people what it means. They say, it depends on the situation and context of the greeting. Some say it means 'patience', some say it's like horas for Batak people or yahouw for Nias people.

INDONESIA IS EPIC
Traveling from Aceh to West Nusa Tenggara, I am reminded again of Indonesia's epic diversity, not only in terms of language, but also culture, landscape, religion, and economic opportunity. I am joining my colleague Nonie Kaban to host a technology fair and conduct a needs assessment in Tambora sub-district. We have been invited by Yayasan Mitra, based in Mataram, through our partnership with ICCO.

Kawinda Nae and Kawindana Toi villages are chosen as the starting areas for the survey. The journey to these villages is adventurous. And by adventurous, I mean bad roads, broken bridges, crumbling cliffs, and treacherous river crossings. To top it off, dusty hot weather completes our journey.

But don't worry, there was plenty to enjoy along the way too. In the six hours from Bima to Kawinda Nae, we see blue sky, savannah, Sumbawa's wild horses grazing in the afternoon light, and the still, silent presence of Mount Tambora. We don't want to close our eyes even for a moment for fear of missing Sumbawa's unusual beauty.

FAR FROM THE CITY BUSTLE
The technology fairs in both villages are a success. We hoped that at least 50 people would join us. In fact, the audience far exceeded this target. It felt so great to help each other introduce these simple, clean energy technologies that are so needed by the people. Kawindana Toi doesn't have any electricity or telecommunications. So, far from the city bustle, we put our phones and sophisticated gadgets away, and simply enjoy nature. Kalembo ade, bro (whatever that means)!