Overview

Dompu Regency is an administrative district on Sumbawa Island in the Indonesian province of West Nusa Tenggara. As a regency (Indonesian: kabupaten) within Indonesia, it combines coastal zones and inland highlands and is centred on the town of Dompu, which serves as the regency seat. The area is inhabited by a mix of ethnic groups and is predominantly Muslim, reflecting broader cultural patterns of the region.

Geography and administration

Dompu's territory includes beaches, lowland agricultural plains and hilly to mountainous interior terrain. Administratively the regency is subdivided into several districts (kecamatan) that manage local affairs, villages and small towns. Transport links connect Dompu to other parts of Sumbawa by road and by sea, supporting movement of people and goods across the island.

History and culture

The region has a long history of local polities and maritime trade typical of the eastern Indonesian archipelago. Over centuries Dompu interacted with neighbouring sultanates and later with colonial powers before becoming part of the modern Indonesian state. Local culture features traditional music, dance, customary ceremonies and crafts that reflect a blend of indigenous and island-wide influences.

Economy and environment

Economic life in Dompu is diverse and largely based on natural resources and smallholder production. Major activities include:

  • Agriculture: staple crops, horticulture and small-scale plantations.
  • Fishing: coastal and nearshore fisheries that support local livelihoods.
  • Livestock and artisanal production: cattle, poultry and traditional crafts.

Conservation of marine and upland environments is important for sustaining fisheries, soil stability and water supplies, and there are local efforts to balance development with environmental protection.

Notable aspects

Dompu is notable for its combination of shoreline scenery and interior landscapes, its role in Sumbawa island administration, and its living traditions. Visitors often encounter local markets, seasonal ceremonies and natural attractions. For more information on administrative status and regional context see the entries for regency, the Indonesian term kabupaten, the province of West Nusa Tenggara and the country of Indonesia.