Flores, the forgotten beauty

Executive summary by Darmansjah

The name of the island of Flores comes from the Portuguese, "Copa de Flores" which means Cape of Flowers. This name was officially adopted since 1636 by the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies Hendrik Brouwer. Flores himself had a real name “Nusa Nipa “ that means Snake Island.

The island has an area of approximately 14,300 square kilometers is part of East Nusa Tenggara Province. The island is divided into eight districts. East Flores regency town in Larantuka there are thousands in the east end, while the West Manggarai regency capital of Labuan Bajo on the west end.

Flores has a wealth of natural and cultural extraordinary. A number of active volcanoes on the island makes the region fertile enough for farming. Kelimutu in Ende district that has three colored crater lake is a natural wonder not two.

Overlay savannas in Nagekeo and Ngada and mountain valleys in Ruteng presents a charming natural scenery. The discovery of the hominid at Liang Bua in inland valley Ruteng reinforces Flores as a place of life for thousands of years ago.

Ethnic groups in Flores is a mix of Malay, Melanesian, and Portuguese. Presents a unique blend of art and cultural diversity are reflected in the many traditions and ceremonies. In addition, one of the cultural richness of the range of visible Flores weaving (tenun-ikat)  pattern that is now starting ogled the fashion world.

However, behind the beauty of the island of Flores continues to sink into backwardness. The birth of many prominent scholars from Flores is expected to raise the dignity of their homeland. Finally, would not be heard again poverty, hunger and ignorance because Flores is rich in everything.