Prosperity from Clean Energy
With a per capita income of Rp. 2,213,104, Sumba remains one of Indonesia’s and East Nusa Tenggara province poorest islands –a situation that has forced some villages to resort to criminal activities. Sumba Iconic Island’s alternative renewable energy has since brought significant changes to the isle: transforming dry savanna into vegetable gardens, seasonal craftsmen to successful artisans, and cattle raiders to diligent farmers.
Illuminating Sumba, Empowering Women
There’s more to Sumba Iconic Island program than providing alternative renewable energy. The initiative aims to kick-start community-based businesses, in particular helping those who had suffered the most from the lack of electricity: women. In Kamanggih, Kodi, Lewa and Waingapu we’re seeing maternal mortality rates declining, children studying in the evening, and people becoming more enterprising –setting a strong example for the rest of the country.
Burying the Hachet, Harvesting Light
SII and Donders Social Foundation partnership in Kodi is helping improve livelihoods in one of Southeast Sumba’s most economically-underdeveloped districts. The work-in-progress biogas project will allow children to study in the evening and discourage the villages’ adult men from roaming at night to steal and rob. Proof that there’s more to SII than alternative renewable project.