Tambolaka
Tambolaka (Waitabula) | |
|---|---|
  Tambolaka (Waitabula) Location in Indonesia  Tambolaka (Waitabula) Tambolaka (Waitabula) (Indonesia) | |
| Coordinates: 9°26′S 119°14′E / 9.433°S 119.233°E | |
| Country | Indonesia |
| Region | Lesser Sunda Islands |
| Province | East Nusa Tenggara |
| Regency | Southwest Sumba |
| Area | |
• Total | 98.95 km2 (38.20 sq mi) |
| Population (2020 Census) | |
• Total | 35,790 |
| • Metro density | 361.7/km2 (937/sq mi) |
| [1] | |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (WITA / UTC) |
Tambolaka is the administrative capital of the Southwest Sumba Regency on the island of Sumba in the East Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia. It serves as a key administrative and economic center for the western part of Sumba, particularly known for its airport which facilitates access to the region. The economy of is largely agrarian, with a focus on subsistence farming and livestock, alongside a growing tourism sector based on beaches, and cultural festivals.
Geography
[edit]Tambolaka is tje capital of the Southwest Sumba Regency, on the island of Sumba, which is part of the East Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia. It was called as Waitabula in native language, before being known by the name of the airport.[2] The town covers an area of 98.95 km2 (38.20 sq mi).[3] The area around Tambolaka features a combination of coastal and inland highlands such as the Mount Setengah Dewa and the high plateau of Lendungara to the east of the city.[2][4] The Sumba region supports various bird species.[5]
Climate
[edit]Tambolaka has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw) with moderate to little rainfall from May to November and heavy rainfall from December to April.
| Climate data for Tambolaka | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 30.7 (87.3) |
30.1 (86.2) |
30.7 (87.3) |
31.1 (88.0) |
30.7 (87.3) |
30.2 (86.4) |
30.1 (86.2) |
30.6 (87.1) |
31.3 (88.3) |
31.9 (89.4) |
31.5 (88.7) |
30.9 (87.6) |
30.8 (87.5) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 25.7 (78.3) |
25.3 (77.5) |
25.7 (78.3) |
25.6 (78.1) |
25.0 (77.0) |
24.3 (75.7) |
23.6 (74.5) |
23.9 (75.0) |
24.8 (76.6) |
25.9 (78.6) |
26.3 (79.3) |
25.9 (78.6) |
25.2 (77.3) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 20.7 (69.3) |
20.6 (69.1) |
20.7 (69.3) |
20.2 (68.4) |
19.4 (66.9) |
18.4 (65.1) |
17.2 (63.0) |
17.3 (63.1) |
18.4 (65.1) |
19.9 (67.8) |
21.2 (70.2) |
21.0 (69.8) |
19.6 (67.3) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 301 (11.9) |
280 (11.0) |
233 (9.2) |
133 (5.2) |
65 (2.6) |
47 (1.9) |
19 (0.7) |
17 (0.7) |
19 (0.7) |
44 (1.7) |
70 (2.8) |
236 (9.3) |
1,464 (57.7) |
| Source: Climate-Data.org[6] | |||||||||||||
Economy and infrastructure
[edit]The town has a cathedral, a hospital and a monastery. It also hosts the largest permanent market on Sumba and is a major trading center for west-facing villages.[2] The town is served by Tambolaka Airport, located north of Tambolaka and the coastal and harbour town of Waikelo.[2][7] Ground connectivity is there with other settlements within the island and ferry links to Bali.[8][9] The economy of is largely agrarian, with a focus on subsistence farming and livestock, alongside a growing tourism sector based on beaches, cultural sites, handicrafts and festivals. The annual Pasola festival is a spear-throwing battle by men on horseback, to celebrate the harvests.[10][11]
References
[edit]- ^ Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 2021.
- ^ a b c d "Waitabula". Sumba information. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ^ "Area of Kota Tambolaka district". Badan Pusat Statistik. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Sumba Ecosystem - Wildlife Conservation Society". Wildlife Conservation Society. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Explore Sumba". The Jakarta Post. 5 June 2018. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Climate: Tambolaka". Climate-Data.org. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
- ^ "Tambolaka Airport specifications". Business Air News. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Local transport and ferry access". Social Expat. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Airport overview and location". Explore Sumba. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Culture". Sumba guide. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ^ R. Fanggidae (2023). "Potential Development Strategy for Creative Economy-Based Ecotourism on Sumba Island, Indonesia" (PDF). Atlantis Press Proceedings. 280. Retrieved 17 June 2025.