Today was the day we were all excited, and also a little bit nervous about. We were all invited by the local government to present the findings of our field projects in West-Sumba!

Indonesian times

The day started quite early, a bus picked us up at the hotel, in which almost the whole group is staying at the moment. We arrived too early at the government building, but this gave us some time to set up our posters and presentations. As I already expected we started an hour later than planned. Although I have been in Indonesia for two weeks now, I still cannot get used to the Indonesian clock.

Language barriers and pictures

All six BSc Tourism research groups plus the research group of STP Bandung were invited to tell something about what their project is about, what they have done, what they found out, and to conclude, what they think opportunities for Sumba and tourism are. As most people from the local government did not understand or speak any English, so Mrs Matri almost simultaneously translated the presentations. We have encountered language barriers many times here in Sumba, but I expected that high ranked government officials would speak English.

After the presentations all groups went to the table with their poster. We wrote opportunities for the island on the poster, and the stakeholders that we had invited, could ask questions about it or comment on it. Most people gave a little feedback, but especially came to the poster to get a picture with us. Talking about pictures, I really don’t know how many photos were taken of me today! Especially with the group pictures, I did not know which camera I had to look at.

When we returned to the hotel, it was time for some relaxation! And to pack some of our stuff already, because we are flying back to Bali tomorrow! I had a great time here in Sumba, but it is time to move on to our next adventure in Belitung!

Terima Kasih Sumba!

Written by: Manon