Sumba Culinary Program

Safeguarding native food systems

Sumba Culinary Program (SCP) is an initiative dedicated to preserving and promoting Sumba’s rich culinary heritage through education, training, and community-based programs under the Sumba Culinary School. By exploring local ingredients, traditional recipes, and authentic cooking techniques, SCP empowers youth and local communities to safeguard culinary traditions while creating sustainable economic opportunities and fostering cultural pride.

Since 2022, SCP began by documenting and exploring traditional Sumbanese foods and recipes as the foundation of its curriculum development.

Today, SCP continues to grow. The program is currently progressing with the construction of the Sumba Culinary School building as a long-term learning hub for culinary education in Sumba. In parallel, SCP runs supporting outreach programs such as Chef Goes to Kampung, bringing chefs directly to villages to share knowledge, inspire local communities, and strengthen food literacy at the grassroots level. Additionally, SCP is expanding its agriculture program, focusing on local food production by working closely with local farmers to promote sustainable agriculture, strengthen local food systems, and ensure the availability of indigenous ingredients for future generations.

Through these integrated efforts, Sumba Culinary Program aims to connect education, culture, and agriculture creating a resilient culinary ecosystem rooted in local wisdom and driven by community empowerment.