Rotenese Culture

The communities of West Rote, specifically, Sedoen, Nemberala, Oenggaut, Tunggoen and Bo’a are experiencing rapid socio-cultural change due to the increasing arrival of tourists and foreign business interests. While improvements to the socio-economic conditions and infrastructure are welcomed by members of the Delha community, there are concerns for the potential loss of autonomy and decision making regarding the development of their community, loss of cultural traditions, and economic and environmental sustainability. There is a wealth of literature describing the effects of rapid development and change on developing regions of Indonesia (Barlow & Gondowarsito, 2007; Cole, 2008; Lewis & Lewis, 2009; Sahin et al., 2012). Including environmental degradation, loss of cultural traditions and cultural ‘corruption’ of young people.

Our hope is that we can come together and be a part of the solution to help the local community maintain autonomy over their home, livelihoods and culture.

Ikat weaving is one of the oldest traditions in this part of Indonesia, and we have been lucky enough to have Ibu Victoria coming in to the ILC once a week to run a workshop with both local and international children. This has so far been a huge success, both in encouraging the younger generation to learn this valuable skill, and in helping to unite the children of all different cultures and nationalities in having fun and learning together.