East Nusa Tenggara (Indonesian: Nusa Tenggara Timur) is a province of Indonesia, located in the eastern portion of the Lesser Sunda Islands, including West Timor. The provincial capital is Kupang, located on West Timor.
The province consists of about 550 islands, but is dominated by the three main islands of Flores, Sumba, and West Timor, the western half of the island of Timor. The eastern part of Timor is the independent country of East Timor. Other islands include Adonara, Alor, Ende, Komodo, Lembata, Menipo, Rincah, Rote Island (the southernmost island in Indonesia), Savu, Semau, and Solor.
Administration
After the declaration of Indonesia independence in 1945, the eastern part of Indonesia declared themselves as the State of East Indonesia by the statute of Staatsblad No. 143, 1946. The state was further included in the United States of Indonesia as one of the agreement of the Dutch to transfer its sovereignty to Indonesia in 1949.
In 1950, United States of Indonesia dissolved itself into a unitary state and began to divide its region into provinces. In 1958, by the Indonesian statute of law (Undang-Undang) No. 64/1958, three provinces were established in the Lesser Sunda Islands, namely Bali, West Nusa Tenggara and East Nusa Tenggara provinces. According to the law, East Nusa Tenggara province includes the western part of Timor island, Flores, Sumba and other several small islands in the region. The province was further divided into twelve regencies.
Following the fall of Suharto regime in 1998, several regional governments expanded its administrative divisions under the new regional autonomy policy. East Nusa Tenggara province observed several expansions in its administration. In 1999, the new Lembata Regency was formed after splitting East Flores Regency. In 2002, Rote Island was split from Kupang Regency, forming the new Rote Ndao Regency. The following year, Manggarai Regency is splitted into two and established the new West Manggarai Regency. In 2007, the administration of East Nusa Tenggara province was expanded more by the establishment of new four regencies. Therefore, as of 2007, there are nineteen regencies and only one city, that is Kupang, recognized in the province.
Closer look to the islands of East Nusa Tenggara
Name ↓ Capital ↓ Est. ↓ Statute ↓ Area (km²) ↓
West Sumba Regency Waikabubak 1958 UU 69/1958 702.72
East Sumba Regency Waingapu 1958 UU 69/1958 7,000.50
Manggarai Regency Ruteng 1958 UU 69/1958 1,545.97
Sikka Regency Maumere 1958 UU 69/1958 1,731.92
Ngada Regency Bajawa 1958 UU 69/1958 1,620.92
Ende Regency Ende 1958 UU 69/1958 2,046.62
East Flores Regency Larantuka 1958 UU 69/1958 1,812.85
Kupang Regency Kupang 1958 UU 69/1958 5,898.18
South Central Timor Regency Soe 1958 UU 69/1958 3,947.00
North Central Timor Regency Kefamenanu 1958 UU 69/1958 2,669.66
Belu Regency Atambua 1958 UU 69/1958 2,445.57
Alor Regency Kalabahi 1958 UU 69/1958 2,864.60
Lembata Regency Lewoleba 1999 UU 52/1999 1,226.38
Rote Ndao Regency Baa 2002 UU 9/2002 1,280.00
West Manggarai Regency Labuan Bajo 2003 UU 8/2003 2,947.50
Nagekeo Regency Mbay 2007 UU 2/2007 1,416.96
Central Sumba Regency Waibakul 2007 UU 3/2007 1,868.74
Southwest Sumba Regency Tambolaka 2007 UU 16/2007 1,480.46
East Manggarai Regency Borong 2007 UU 36/2007 2,642.93
Kupang * 160.34
Demographics
The population of the province was estimated to be 4,073,249 in 2003 (BPS NTT). The religious mix is atypical of Indonesia, with 91% Christian (majority Catholic, large Protestant population), 8% Muslim, 0.6% Hindu or Buddhist, and 0.4% holding traditional beliefs. East Nusa Tenggara has become a refuge for Indonesian Christians fleeing from conflict in Maluku and Irian Jaya.
The secondary school enrolment rate of 39% is dramatically below the Indonesian average (80.49% in 2003/04, according to UNESCO). Lack of clean drinking water, sanitation, and health facilities mean that child malnutrition (32%) and child mortality (71 per 1000) are higher than in most of the rest of Indonesia.
Economy
By several economic indicators, the province’s enconomy is weaker than the Indonesian average, with high inflation (15%), unemployment (30%) and interest rates (22-24%).
Places of Interest:
Komodo Island
A small island of 280 square km, Komodo is located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. The island is almost all hill and barren except for palm trees and some wood but it is famous for its giant lizards which are considered the last of their kind remaining in the world today. To many modern naturalists, East Nusa Tenggara is so particularly interesting, because of this unique species, called the Komodo Dragon.
Called “ora” by the local people, Komodo dragon (Varnus Komodoensis) is actually a giant monitor lizard. Growing up to 3 to 4 meters in length, its ancestors roamed the earth up to about half a million years ago. Komodo lives on carrions of goats, deer, and even the carcasses of its own kind. The only human population on the island is at the fishing village called Komodo who supplement their income breeding goats which are used to feed the lizards.
The Komodo is protected by law and though they are considered harmless, it is advisable to keep them at a distance. Komodo is now a nature reserve being part of a national park. It is home to a number of rare bird species, deer, and wild pigs, which are prey to the lizards as well. To see the lizards in the day time, baits have to be set in the hinterland where local guides are necessary.
The sea surrounding the island offers vistas of sea life, crystal clear waters, and white sandy beaches. The only accommodation available is in simple guest houses in the fishing village. lt is advisable to carry food supplies. The best time to visit the island is between March and June, and between October and December. Komodo is accessible from the sea only. Fly to Labuan Bajo, from where it is about 3-4 hours by boat to the island.
Kupang
The provincial capital of East Nusa Tenggara in western Tim with approximately 522 944 inhabitants makes it the large urban center of the province. It is the centre of governmen business, trade, and education. The only sandalwood oil factor in Indonesia is located in this town. Here one can see the distillation of sandalwood oil which is famous in East Nusa Tenggara.
The Museum in Kupang has on display items of historical and cultural value.
Lasiana Beach
An ideal tourist recreation spot, where the beach faces westward to watch beautiful sunsets.
Camplong
A lovely community about 45 km from Kupang with regular market days and a natural swimming pool, where traditionally people bathe, do their laundry, and sosialize. Camplong is also c forest reserve where some scarce animals, such as deer (Cervus Timorensis), parrots, monkeys, etc. in the reservation, are protected.
Semau Island
Thirty minutes by boat from Kupang and is certainly worth it to stay there one whole day. No noise and uncrowded is what this island place stands for. lt is a holiday village for everyone and a good place to relax as it offers a haven for those from the city. The surrounding waters is a paradise for snorkeling swimming, and other water sports. Barbeque on the beach is desirable, Bamboo cottages are available right on the white sandy beaches.
Maumere
A port town on the northeastern coast of Flores and a stopover on the way to Ende or to Larantuka.
It is well connected by air with Kupang, Denpasar, and Ujung Pandang, and noted for its good beaches. The bay of Maumere is considered the best diving spot (Floras-Marine Resort ) as it promises extremely rich marine life. The resort- is a paradise for all divers, underwater photographers, and for everyone interested in marine biology.
Ledalero museum at the outskirts of Maumere has an interesting collection of ethnological objects from the region. Visitors are welcome but advance arrangements should be made. Ledalero is also a name of a major catholic Seminary from where many of Florinese priests originated.
Ende
This town contains the home in-exile of former and first Indonesian president, Soekarno, while in banishment during the early period of nationalist movements in 1936. The house has been repaired and is today a museum.
Kelimutu Lake (Three-colors-lake)
East Nusa Tenggara’s natural wonder and one of Indonesia’a most mysterious and dramatic sights that can be found on top of this mountain, some 66 km from Ende, or 83 km from Maumere. It has a unique and spectacular view on its three crater lakes with their respective colours. The colours, however, have changed continually since the eruption of Mount Iya in Ende in 1969.
The surrounding villages are good places serving as bases for visits to Kelimutu, particularly those who wish to have a more leisurely pace and en joy the views along the road between Ende and Maumere, or spend more time in Kelimutu. Those little villages are also known for their excellent weaving-all hand-made, still using natural dyes.
Labuanbajo
A lime town inhabited by fishermen, lies at the extreme western part of Flores. The town serves as a jumping-off point for the trip to Komodo Island. lt is a beautiful area for water skiing, wind surfing, fishing, and many other marine activities. Pede Beach is an ideal place to do all this and from where sunsets are beautifully visible.
Larantuka
A little port nestled at the base of a tall hill at the eastern end of Flores, from where Solor, Adonara, and Lembata island ( the small islands near by) are visible across the narrow strait. An old Portuguese cultural heritage like the Easter Procession is held in this town, and worth seeing.
Lamalera Whale Hunting
Lamalera on Lembata Island is a whaling village. The months of May to September make up the whale hunting season for the people of Lamalera. Using simple traditional tools as small row boats and the handthrown harpoons, the hunters sail out to hunt these giant creatures of the sea. The catch is either consumed or sold.
Waikabubak
A neat little town in Western Sumba, full of old graves carved in motifs of buffalo- horns, man-heads, horses, nude men or women symbolising social status or the wealth of the people.
Right in the capital city of Waikabubak, you can see the following tombs: Kadung Tana, Watu Karagata, and Bulu Peka Mila. Tarung village, an important ceremonial centre, is located on top of a hill, just a half kilometre to the west of Waikabubak.
There are several megalithic tombs. The front of many traditional houses are decorated with huge water buffalo horns from the animals sacrificed during rituals of years gone by.
Anakalang
The village is about 20 km from Waikabubak with its large graveyard Ithe largest megalithic tombs in Sumba ). The tombs are always with unusual carvings. Anakalang is the site of the “Purung Takadonga Ratu”, an important mass mariage festival held every two years, on a date determinated by the full moon.
Pasola
The most exciting ritual western of Sumba is to be witnessed right here. Where else in the world can you see colourful horsemen trying to kill each other.
The ceremony is in February in Lamboya and Kodi, and in March in Gaura and Wanukaka. The main activities start several days after the fullmoon and coincide with the yearly arrival to shore of strange, multihued seaworms.
East Sumba
Although perharps 40% population of East Sumba follows the “merapu” religion as their brothers in the western part the out ward manifestations are not nearly as spectacular of frequent.
This region 14 better known for its “ikat” weaving. Near Waingapu, Kuta Beach is a Good. place to relax, and further down coast, near Baing (125 km from Waingapu), there is great surfing at Kalala Beach. The waves are best from December to May.
MENIPO ISLAND
Menipo Island is not shown in any geographical map. It is only 571 hectares large or 7,328 meters long and 700 meters wide. It is separated from Timor Island by a narrow strait.
Menipo Island is part of Enoraen Village, Kuarasi District, in the Kupang Regency. This island is occupied by various kinds of animals, such as Timor deer (Cervus Timorensis), wild pigs, turtles, alligators, bats, small birds, pigeons and turtle- doves. It is a popular place for recreation on weekends and holidays. One can go fishing, snorkeling, swimming or surfing.
OENESU
The waterfall spot in beautiful natural panorama located on the middle of Kupang and Tablolong.
TABLOLONG
A beautiful place, about 23 Km from Kupang, with white sandy beach and crystal water good for water sport recreation. Tablolong is also chosen as the base for Kupang Local Bill fish Fishing Tournament.
ROTE ISLAND
Rote Island is a part of Kupang Regency and is the southernmost island of Indonesia. It is located in the west coast of Kupang. This exotic island can be reached only in four hours.
From Kupang by inter-island ferry to dive and tour this untouched beautifully rugged land. The hills, valleys, and escarpments are mirrored underwater by spectacular walls and caverns. The marine life is so varied and profuse that is is hard to believe from
Fire-fish to Mantas. The architecture of Rote is unique, as is their exquisite ikat weaving. See the people is their traditional lifestyle which has remained unchanged for centuries.
Rote has many historical relies including fine antique Chinese porcelains, as well as ancient arts and traditions. Many prominent Indonesia nationalist leaders were born here. A popular music instrument is the Sasando, which is made of palm leaves.
According to legend, this island got it’s name accidentally when a lost Portuguese sailors arrived and asked a farmer where he was. The surprised farmer, not speaking Portuguese introduced himself, “Rote”.
Rote just off the southern tip of Timor island, consists of rolling hills, terraced plantations, palm of acacia, savanna and some forests.
The rotinese depend, like the Savunese, on the lontar palm for basic survival, but also. supplement their income with fishing and jewerly making.
Before Indonesia’s Independence, Rote, boasted the highest density of kingdom in the East Indies.
Even today the island, the Rotenese and their kingdoms are divided, following ancient tradition, into two domains. One known as Sunrise and one as Sunset. The domain is ruled by a “male” Lord a “female” Lord and several advisers, representing the clans within that domain. Each clan that possesses ceremonial rights performs it’s own rituals during the annual HUS celebration, a traditional New Year festival. At the HUS, Rotenese men wearing their unique hats make offerings to the clan ancestors and the women dance accompanied by sasando, The Rotenese guitar.
