Sikka, Coastal regency in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Sikka is a regency in East Nusa Tenggara covering approximately 1,675 square kilometers across Flores Island and several smaller islands in the Flores Sea. The territory divides into twenty-one districts, with Maumere serving as the administrative center.
Catholic missionaries arrived in coastal communities during the 17th century and brought lasting changes to local life and beliefs. Mountain villages, however, maintained their traditional practices and continued their own ways independent of these influences.
Weavers in the Iwangete region create intricate ikat textiles by hand, producing fabrics decorated with lizards and flowers using methods passed down through families. This craft remains an important part of daily life and community identity in these villages.
The regency combines coastal areas with mountain villages, each requiring different travel approaches and routes to reach. Maumere serves as the main base for exploring the region and offers better services and facilities than other locations.
Mountain villages are arranged in circular patterns on steep slopes, while coastal settlements develop in straight lines along waterways and roads. These contrasting layouts reflect how different communities adapted to their particular landscapes.
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