The return of locust outbreak in Sumba, Indonesia: A rapid situational analysis

This paper provides a rapid explanation of what happened during the locust outbreak on Sumba Island, Indonesia, which started on 10 June 2017. It documents the scale of the events, where are the hotspots are and what emergency action has been taken by stakeholders, and what needs to be done in short and longer term. It briefly highlights the fifty-year history of locust outbreaks on Sumba Island. It further highlights lessons learnt from these events while providing insights what can be done to de-escalate the outbreak today and in the future.

This paper also calls for cheaper technology such as unmanned aerial systems for monitoring pests that can be fit for the job of monitoring and control pest outbreak. The challenge is how to transform local governance system to be more adaptive and responsive not only to the dynamic changes in local environmental condition but also in making use of new technology for efficient monitoring and effective intervention.