Skip to main content

The Largest Islands in Indonesia: From Largest to Smallest


Indonesia, an archipelago in Southeast Asia, is the world's largest island country, consisting of more than 17,000 islands. These islands vary greatly in size, from massive landmasses like Sumatra and Borneo to tiny islets scattered across the oceans. Here's a detailed look at the largest islands in Indonesia, ranked from the largest to the smallest.

1. New Guinea (Papua)

  • Area: Approximately 785,753 square kilometers (Indonesian portion: 421,981 square kilometers)
  • Description: New Guinea, known as Papua in Indonesia, is the second-largest island in the world after Greenland. It is shared between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The Indonesian part comprises the provinces of Papua, West Papua, South Papua, Central Papua, and Highland Papua. The island is famous for its diverse cultures and rich biodiversity, with dense rainforests, rugged mountain ranges, and a significant number of endemic species.

2. Borneo (Kalimantan)

  • Area: Approximately 748,168 square kilometers (Indonesian portion: 544,150 square kilometers)
  • Description: Borneo is the third-largest island globally and is politically divided among Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. The Indonesian part, known as Kalimantan, covers about 73% of the island. It is characterized by vast rainforests, some of the oldest in the world, which are home to endangered species like orangutans, pygmy elephants, and clouded leopards. Borneo is also known for its rich mineral resources, including coal and gold.

3. Sumatra

  • Area: Approximately 473,481 square kilometers
  • Description: Sumatra is the largest entirely Indonesian island and the sixth-largest in the world. It is known for its rugged terrain, which includes mountains, volcanoes, and dense tropical rainforests. Sumatra is rich in natural resources such as oil, gas, gold, and coal. The island also has unique wildlife, including the critically endangered Sumatran tiger, rhinoceros, and orangutan.

4. Sulawesi

  • Area: Approximately 180,681 square kilometers
  • Description: Sulawesi, formerly known as Celebes, is the fourth-largest island in Indonesia. It has a distinctive shape, with four long peninsulas and a mountainous interior. The island is known for its unique biodiversity, including the endemic anoa (dwarf buffalo) and babirusa (deer-pig). The Togean Islands and Bunaken Marine Park, located off its coast, are famous for diving and snorkeling due to their rich marine life.

5. Java

  • Area: Approximately 138,794 square kilometers
  • Description: Java is the world's most populous island and the fifth-largest in Indonesia. It is home to more than half of Indonesia's population and the country's capital, Jakarta. Java is known for its fertile land, thanks to its numerous volcanoes, which have made it a central agricultural hub. It also has significant cultural and historical importance, with ancient temples like Borobudur and Prambanan, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

6. Sumba

  • Area: Approximately 11,153 square kilometers
  • Description: Sumba is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands and is known for its distinct culture and traditional villages with unique thatched-roof houses. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, surfing spots, and rich traditions, including the annual Pasola festival, a traditional war ritual involving horseback spear-throwing.

7. Flores

  • Area: Approximately 14,300 square kilometers
  • Description: Flores is known for its beautiful landscapes, which include volcanic mountains, lush greenery, and stunning coastal areas. It is also famous for the Komodo National Park, which is home to the Komodo dragon, the world's largest lizard. Flores has a predominantly Christian population and features a mix of cultures, languages, and traditions.

8. Bali

  • Area: Approximately 5,780 square kilometers
  • Description: Bali is one of Indonesia's most famous islands, renowned for its tourism industry. It is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and unique Hindu traditions. Bali attracts millions of tourists annually who come to enjoy its natural beauty, including rice terraces, volcanic hillsides, and coral reefs. The island also has a rich cultural heritage with numerous temples, ceremonies, and festivals.

9. Lombok

  • Area: Approximately 4,725 square kilometers
  • Description: Lombok is located to the east of Bali and is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands. It is known for its beautiful beaches, including the famous Pink Beach, and the towering Mount Rinjani, Indonesia's second-highest volcano. Lombok is less developed than Bali, offering a quieter and more laid-back atmosphere.

10. Timor

  • Area: Approximately 30,777 square kilometers (Indonesian portion: 15,007 square kilometers)
  • Description: Timor is divided between Indonesia and the independent nation of East Timor (Timor-Leste). The Indonesian portion consists of East Nusa Tenggara province. The island features rugged terrain, with high mountains and arid plains, and has a mix of cultures influenced by Portuguese colonial history and indigenous traditions.

11. Seram

  • Area: Approximately 17,100 square kilometers
  • Description: Seram is the largest island in Maluku province and is known for its rugged landscape, which includes mountains, rainforests, and beautiful coastal areas. The island is rich in natural resources and has a diverse ecosystem, including the Manusela National Park, which is home to a variety of bird species, including the endemic Moluccan cockatoo.

12. Bangka and Belitung

  • Area: Bangka - 11,413 square kilometers; Belitung - 4,800 square kilometers
  • Description: Bangka and Belitung are two islands off the east coast of Sumatra. They are known for their tin mining industries and beautiful beaches with unique granite rock formations. The islands have a mix of Malay, Chinese, and indigenous cultures, with a strong influence from the Chinese community, particularly in Belitung.

13. Nias

  • Area: Approximately 5,625 square kilometers
  • Description: Nias is located off the western coast of Sumatra and is known for its unique culture, including traditional stone jumping and war dances. The island is also famous among surfers for its excellent waves, particularly at Lagundri Bay.

14. Rote Island

  • Area: Approximately 1,200 square kilometers
  • Description: Rote is the southernmost island of Indonesia, located in East Nusa Tenggara province. It is known for its unique culture, traditional music, and handwoven textiles called "ikat." The island is also popular for its beaches and surfing spots.

15. Simeulue

  • Area: Approximately 1,754 square kilometers
  • Description: Simeulue is located off the western coast of Sumatra and is known for its surfing spots, beautiful beaches, and unique cultural heritage. The island has a mix of ethnic groups, including the Simeulue, Devayan, and Sigulai people, each with its distinct language and customs.

Conclusion

Indonesia's vast archipelago is home to a diverse range of islands, each with its unique geography, culture, and natural beauty. From the massive rainforests of Papua and Kalimantan to the vibrant culture and tourism of Bali and Java, these islands contribute to Indonesia's rich tapestry of landscapes and heritage.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Monumen Nasional

The Monumen Nasional (or Tugu Monas, the National Monument tower) is a 450 ft (137 m) tall tower in Central Jakarta, symbolizing the fight for Indonesia's Independence. Its construction began in 1961 under Sukarno and was not finished until 1975 under Suharto. It is topped by a 14.5 tonnes flame-shaped bronze plated in 35 kg (1,125 troy ounces) of gold. Visitors can take a lift up to a platform with a good view of Medan Merdeka Park, Istiqlal Mosque and the city, if it is not too foggy. Inside the base of the monument is an exhibition on the country's Declaration of Independence and several dioramas showing the history of Indonesia.
Post a Comment
Read more

Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie

Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie (born June 25, 1936), more commonly known simply as Rudy Habibie or B J Habibie, was the third President of Indonesia, holding office from 1998 to 1999. By May 1998, the increasing poverty caused by the Financial Crisis and political discontent had reached boiling point. On 13th May, the shooting of six students at Trisakti University in Jakarta, caused extreme anger which in turn caused widespread riots and lootings. There were now explicit calls for Suharto to step down as President of Indonesia. Suharto responded by saying that if he stepped down, the Vice President would become President and in a not too subtle jab to Habibie, said that he was not sure whether the Vice President could solve the problems facing the country .
Post a Comment
Read more

Sayur Bening Recipe

 **Sayur Bening Recipe** Sayur Bening is a simple yet nutritious Indonesian vegetable soup that is beloved for its clear broth and fresh taste. This dish is a staple in many Indonesian households, known for its ease of preparation and health benefits. Typically made with a variety of green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, along with corn and sometimes tomatoes, Sayur Bening is a light and refreshing dish p erfect for any meal. ### History of Sayur Bening Sayur Bening has its roots in the traditional Indonesian diet, which emphasizes the use of fresh vegetables and simple cooking methods. This dish is particularly popular in Java, where it is often served as part of a larger meal alongside rice and other side dishes. The simplicity of Sayur Bening reflects the agricultural lifestyle of many Indonesians, where fresh produce from local markets or home gardens is readily available. Over generations, it has become a comforting and reliable dish that families turn to for its ease of pr...
Post a Comment
Read more