Culture, land and respect
On Sumba, land is tied to clans, ancestors and ritual. Disputes over coastal land for tourism have turned violent, so slow, respectful contact with the village matters as much as the paperwork.
- Marapu is Sumba's ancestral belief system. Most Sumbanese now identify as Christian, but many families still follow Marapu customs alongside their faith (Backindo, 2026).
- Traditional clan houses are spiritual centres. Ritual leaders called rato guide ceremonies, and funerals can involve buffalo and pig sacrifices (Backindo, 2026).
- In the past, village communities controlled the land and water sources around them, and kinship and inheritance pass through the male line (Wikipedia, Sumba people). Ask who in the clan must agree, not only who holds the paper.
- Since a 2017 Constitutional Court ruling, followers of native faiths can list their belief on their national ID card instead of one of the six recognised religions (Human Rights Watch, 2017).
- In April 2018, during a land measurement for a tourism project of about 200 ha at Marosi (Lamboya, West Sumba), police opened fire on residents who disputed the company's claim. One man was killed (Mongabay, 2018).
- In June 2026 the Waikabubak court sentenced surf camp owner Petrus Laja to one year in prison after a confrontation over development at Kerewe, in a wider dispute over customary land (Tracks, 2026).
- When visiting a traditional village, sign the guestbook if asked and leave a small donation, usually about IDR 10,000 to 40,000 per person. Ratenggaro charges about IDR 50,000 (Backindo, 2026).
- Always ask before you photograph people, and do not treat rituals as entertainment. Cover shoulders and knees, and follow your local host or guide (Backindo, 2026).
Sources: backindo.com, backindo.com, en.wikipedia.org, hrw.org, mongabay.co.id, tracksmag.com.au
Checked 2026-11-08. Not legal or financial advice.
More guides
Visas and residence permits
Indonesia has several long-stay permits for foreigners who want to live on Sumba. They differ in who qualifies, how much money you must show and whether you may work.
Opening a bank account
A personal account is much easier to open once you hold a KITAS. A company account for a PT PMA needs the company's full set of papers and, in most banks, the director in person.
Sending money to buy property
Large payments for property usually go by bank transfer and are paid in rupiah inside Indonesia. Banks report cross-border transfers, and cash over IDR 100 million must be declared at the border.
Annual property tax and running costs
The yearly land and building tax (PBB-P2) is set and collected by each regency, within a national cap of 0.5%. A foreign-owned company also has recurring reporting duties.
Building permits: PBG and SLF
Before you build you need a zoning approval and a building approval (PBG), and before anyone moves in or rents the building you need a certificate of fitness (SLF).
Solar, water and internet
Sumba has long, dry seasons and patchy grid power and mobile data. Many owners plan for their own solar, water storage and satellite internet.