LARANTUKA CITY (EAST OF FLORES)

Larantuka is a capital city of East Flores Regency located in most eastern of Flores. It was a strong hold of Portuguese influences, overwhelmingly 85% Roman Catholic area enjoys some international renown for its Holy Week celebration. Larantuka Malay (also know as Ende Malay), a local dialect over 80% cognate with Indonesian is used as a lingua franca in this area.
From the history resources said that before 1600 Portuguese traders left Solor island and settled in Larantuka. The traders were in conflict with the Dominicans in Solor, because they were more interested in trade than in Christinaization. In 1613 the Dutch occupied Solor and the Dominicans moved to Larantuka too. In the beginning Larantuka was an inter-station for the traders of sandalwood from Timor and became the Portuguese trading center of South East Indonesia. It became even a place of refuge for deserters of the Dutch East India Company (VOC)

MAUMERE CITY (CENTRAL NORTH OF ISLAND)

Maumere is the largest town of Flores island of Indonesia and become a prime centre of business on the island. It lies on the north coast of the island and the port is in the northwest part of the town. The Maumere airport is located in Maumere. As of 1992 Maumere had a total population of 70,000. The town suffered considerable damage in the 1992 Indonesia earthquake, with 90 percent of all buildings being destroyed. The reefs in in areas surrounding Maumere (the Maumere Gulf) were once considered some of the finest diving in the world. However, a 2007 report found that 75% of the coral reefs had been significantly damaged or destroyed by the practice of bomb fishing, the use toxic chemicals in fishing, and due to earthquakes.

ENDE (CENTRAL FLORES ISLAND)

Ende is the capital city of Ende Regency the central southern part of Flores island Indonesia with a population of 60.000 residents. Ende was the site of a kingdom that existed around the end of 18th century. The people of the area therefore known as Lio-Ende people. For many decades Ende has been a center of government, trade, education, and political activities. Rebellion against the Dutch was led by a certain Nipa Do known as the war of Watu Api and Mari Longa (1916 – 1917). In the 1934, the nationalist leader, Soekarno who later become Indonesia’s first presidents was exiled to wanes by the Dutch colonial government. The Bung Karno Museum is the old house occupied by Soekarno during his years of exile in Ende. Most of the old furniture are still there. While was exiled in Ende Soekarno wrote and held several plays, together with Tonel Kelimutu Theatre group. Among the plays were Rendorua Ola Nggera Nusa

 

BAJAWA (WEST PART OF CENTRAL FLORES)

Ngada Regency is one of the eight regencies which divided the island Flores, Bajawa is the capital city of Ngada regency with a total population of 133,406 (in 2008). It is one of the poorest regions in the country but is increasing in popularity among international tourists. The two most visited areas in the Ngada region are Bena and Wogo, both unique megalithic complexes with traditional housing. To Ngadha society, the traditional houses occupy an important role as organizational units, as villagers must each belong to a house, thereby a clan. Clan totems can be ornately crafted symbols of this social organization