Vision & Mission

The Sumba Hospitality Foundation (SHF) believes that all young people should be given a chance to develop and create a better future for themselves. For this, we believe that education is the key ingredient.

By providing vocational hospitality training, we can give young people on Sumba the skills they need and create employment opportunities on the island.

Our aim is to:

  1. Provide Sumbanese youth high-quality education to give them the chance of a new career
  2. Give our students real-life work experience in our hotel, Maringi Sumba, and restaurant, Makan Dulu
  3. Create a model for responsible tourism that respects the cultural history of Sumba


Maringi Sumba is located in the heart of the idyllic Hospitality School campus. The engagement and interaction of the students helps to create a unique experience for all guests who visit us. Makan Dulu restaurant is a 5-minute drive from the airport and is home to another group of students who are eager to share their passion for hospitality with you.

By investing in youth now, SHF believes we can have a positive impact on generations to come.

“Kami berharap Sumba dapat tumbuh sebagai contoh pengembangan pariwisata yang bertanggung jawab, melibatkan masyarakat sekitar, menjaga lingkungan, laut dan keindahan alam pulau.”

— INGE DE LATHAUWER, PENDIRI

Mengapa Sumba?

Yayasan Perhotelan Sumba percaya bahwa pendidikan adalah pencegahan terbaik melawan pekerja anak, prostitusi dan perdagangan manusia di Pulau Sumba.

Kami ingin memberikan akses pendidikan yang sama dan tidak mendiskriminasi berdasarkan keyakinan agama atau asosiasi suku. Kami berharap dapat mengembangkan kemampuan siswa kami untuk berkomunikasi dalam bahasa Inggris, untuk memecahkan masalah dan menerapkan metode berpikir kritis dalam prosesnya, sambil juga mengajari mereka berbagai keterampilan teknis yang diperlukan dalam spesialisasi pilihan mereka.

Mengapa Sumba membutuhkan bantuan?

  • Salah satu daerah termiskin di Indonesia
  • Malnutrisi dan kekurangan makanan
  • Kurang dari 50% anak muda menyelesaikan sekolah dasar
  • Kasus reguler pekerja anak & perdagangan anak
  • Investasi asing yang tinggi & tanda-tanda perkembangan ekonomi baru

Awards & Recognition

Our ongoing efforts to provide high-quality vocational training to Sumbanese youth have been recognized by various institutions over the years. These awards and accolades serve as a motivation for our team to continue their work, while also supporting the Foundation by raising awareness and attracting financial aid through prizes and donations.

UNWTO Awards for Innovation

The Sumba Hospitality Foundation was selected as one of 14 finalists from 128 applicants across 55 countries for the 14th UNWTO Awards for Innovation in Tourism in 2018. Competing in the NGO category, the Foundation was honored with 3rd place, recognizing its impact on sustainable tourism and vocational training.

Founder Inge De Lathauwer and Ketua Yayasan Redempta represented the Foundation at the awards ceremony in Madrid, Spain, attended by over 500 guests.

Experientialist Awards | Most OutThere Community, Conservation & Sustainability

We have been named the winner of the Most OutThere Community, Conservation, and Sustainability category at the 2025 Experientialist Awards by OutThere, announced in London.

This prestigious recognition celebrates the Foundation’s impact in empowering local communities through sustainable hospitality education. Featured in the latest issue of OutThere, this award highlights the Foundation’s commitment to creating opportunities, empowerment, and sustainable change in Sumba.

Future Icons Award | Best Culture, Travel & Lifestyle Local, Community & Charity Initiative

The Sumba Hospitality Foundation has been honored as the winner of the Best Culture, Travel & Lifestyle Local, Community, and Charity Initiative at the inaugural Future Icons Awards 2024 by Country & Town House.

Recognized for its commitment to sustainability, education, and community empowerment, the Foundation was selected among visionary initiatives that set new standards for responsible leadership. As part of Country & Town House’s Journey to Zero sustainability initiative, these awards celebrate organizations that drive meaningful change for both people and the planet.