Meet Island Sumba, an Indonesian island home to more than 650,000 people. Many of them do not have access to energy, which makes living conditions difficult. At night there is no light to do homework for example, or to continue working. Electricity that is available is generated with diesel generators. This is going to change. Hivos, in collaboration with others such as governments, the energy company and anyone who wishes to cooperate, is going to supply Sumba of 100% sustainable energy. Access to energy is something everyone is entitled to, and furthermore a vital condition to create more prosperity.
Inhabitants of remote islands are mostly dependent on costly resources for their supply of energy. Diesel is mostly used for the production of electricity, which needs to be shipped to the islands. This is expensive and cumbersome. Wouldn’t power generated by the sun, water and wind be much better and inexpensive?
Sumba was not chosen without reason to become the Iconic Island. Sumba is one of the poorest areas of Indonesia. Inhabitants have virtually no prospect to economic advancement. Access to sustainable energy can lead to change.
Access to energy is of vital importance for people in developing countries to build a good life for themselves. Without electricity there is no lamp to do homework at night, or to keep medication in the refrigerator. On Sumba, the majority of the population still has no access to energy.
In 2011 Hivos started the first projects on Iconic Island. In Indonesia local partners and politicians are already enthusiastic to participate in the project. The Dutch Embassy and Agentschap NL also support the initiative. Add: In March 2011 (local) governments and the State Energy company (PLN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to express their support and involvement in the Iconic Island Initiative.