West Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara. A journey through the traditional village of Prai Ijing in West Sumba offers more than sweeping views of the island's rolling hills. It gives visitors a closer look at the daily life, traditions and local wisdom that have shaped Sumbanese culture for generations.

Rows of traditional houses with soaring thatched roofs, known locally as Umma Kalada, dominate the village landscape. Visitors can also watch Sumbanese textiles being woven, try traditional games and interact directly with residents as they explore the community.

Prai Ijing is being developed as one of the villages supported under Bank Central Asia's Bakti BCA program, with an emphasis on community-based tourism.

Rather than focusing solely on attracting more visitors, the initiative seeks to ensure that tourism generates economic benefits for local residents while helping preserve the village's cultural heritage.

Since receiving assistance from Bakti BCA in 2024, Prai Ijing recorded revenue growth of 26% by the end of 2025.

BCA spokeswoman Hera F. Haryn said the program focuses on strengthening human resources and local institutions so residents can take the leading role in managing their tourism potential.

“Through mentoring and the development of local potential, BCA wants to encourage communities to become the main actors in managing their villages,” Hera said in a statement on Saturday.

Experiencing Prai Ijing
Visitors who want to explore the village in greater depth can choose between two tour packages offered by the local tourism awareness group, or Pokdarwis, in cooperation with Bakti BCA.

The Prai Ijing Full Day Tour provides a six- to eight-hour experience for Rp 430,000 ($24) per person.

The package includes a guided village tour introducing visitors to the history and architecture of its traditional houses, opportunities to play traditional games, a local meal and snacks, a weaving workshop, traditional Sumbanese clothing and a souvenir.

For travelers with less time, the Prai Ijing Heritage Tour lasts up to three hours and costs Rp 250,000 per person.

The shorter package includes a historical tour of the traditional village, a weaving workshop, local snacks, a photo session in traditional Sumbanese attire, a local guide and a souvenir.

One of the activities visitors can try is Kagorokana Alu, a traditional bamboo game that tests agility and coordination while reflecting the communal spirit of the local community.

Another highlight is the opportunity to learn how Sumba's distinctive woven textiles are made. Visitors can observe and participate in parts of the weaving process, from arranging the threads to creating the finished fabric.

The textiles are more than decorative products. Their production techniques, motifs and patterns are closely connected to Sumbanese cultural traditions and carry meanings passed down through generations.

Tourism activities in Prai Ijing also generate income beyond the tours themselves, benefiting local food providers, traditional clothing rental businesses, weavers and souvenir makers.

Staying with the Community
Visitors looking for a more immersive experience can extend their stay through the village's homestay program.

For Rp 300,000 per person per night, including three meals, travelers can stay with local residents and experience everyday village life beyond the hours of a conventional sightseeing tour.

The homestay offers visitors an opportunity to see Prai Ijing from a different perspective -- not simply as tourists passing through, but as temporary guests within the community.

Using a local guide is also recommended, particularly for visitors who want to understand the history of the village, its distinctive architecture and the cultural meanings behind traditions they encounter.

That local knowledge can transform seemingly simple sights -- the shape of a house, the making of a textile or a traditional game -- into a deeper introduction to Sumbanese culture.

With its combination of dramatic landscapes, traditional houses, handwoven textiles, local cuisine, traditional games and interaction with residents, Prai Ijing offers a form of cultural tourism that goes beyond simply seeing Sumba.

It allows visitors, however briefly, to experience how its traditions continue to live within the community.

Add as a preferred source on Google +