THE agricultural land is totally dry, spread out before our eyes the entire two-hour journey on our way to Palakahemdi village—approximately 70 kilometers from Waingapu, capital city of East Sumba regency. A group of schoolchildren can be seen walking under the scorching sun. Going on foot for around 5-7 kilometers is the only way for them to reach school because there’s no money to take public transport.

In Palakahemdi, Tempo headed for a d