Story
The local wisdom of the Sumba people serves as the philosophical foundation and symbol for all activities under
the Umaratu Foundation. In its work, Umaratu focuses on three main pillars.
I
SANDANG
The diversity of clothing reflects the richness of a society’s culture and traditions, and it also forms part of national identity and pride. Indonesia’s textiles, with their rich variety, can be distinguished by their types of threads, dyeing techniques, and methods of production. This diversity has given rise to regional garments that are vibrant in form and color. Clothing created through local wisdom does not need to be displaced by modernity both can coexist and move forward together, allowing traditions to be preserved while also improving the well-being of local communities.
II
PANGAN
The use of local food not only supports the local economy and preserves culture, but also reduces carbon footprints, improves nutrition, prevents stunting, conserves genetic resources, ensures food security, and fosters nationalism and a sense of identity. The government has issued Presidential Regulation No. 81 of 2023 on the Acceleration of Food Diversification Based on Local Resource Potential, which can serve as the foundation for local food utilization programs. Support is needed for ecological agriculture, resilient food systems, the regeneration of food producers, as well as research and innovation to transform the food system.
III
PAPAN
Located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, our ancestors had an awareness of living in harmony with nature. They developed various forms of earthquake protection in their dwellings. Traditional houses in Indonesia are generally earthquake-resistant, thanks to both their construction methods and the materials used. These homes typically use local materials such as wood and bamboo. Besides being earthquake-resistant, the use of local materials also helps reduce the economic burden on communities in accessing proper housing. There is a need for more examples of buildings that use local materials while still meeting the demands of modern lifestyles.
UMATANAHUMBA
Homes and land are places where generations gather and connect, protecting the earth through local traditions and wisdom. Every city and village across the archipelago carries ancestral customs that give birth to unique art and cultural knowledge. UMATANAHUMBA exists as a platform to nurture the potential of local communities and their cultures through creativity and art. It is a space for creating, sharing, and storytelling, aimed at building an intergenerational and interdisciplinary ecosystem that supports the growth of future local communities rooted in environmental care and sustainable economy.
East Sumba is known as a region that produces deeply meaningful ikat textiles. East Sumba Ikat is a cultural heritage passed down through generations, continuously preserved by women weavers. The women of Sumba are not only skilled in weaving but also serve as the economic backbone of their families. They are remarkable individuals who patiently create, protect, and sustain the tradition of ikat weaving with tireless dedication, introducing the world to the beauty of this ancestral heritage from Tana Humba.
