Derawan Islands

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The Derawan Islands (Indonesian: Kepulauan Derawan) are in Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, Indonesia covering Derawan, Sangalaki, Kakaban, Maratua, Panjang, and Samama Island as well as several submerged reefs and small islets, are located in the Sulawesi Sea, on the coastal shelf of East Kalimantan (2°17'N - 113°13'E). The Derawan Islands have about 31 islands <smal>(see tabel)

Derawan Islands, between East Kalimantan and West Sulawesi
Derawan Islands, between East Kalimantan and West Sulawesi
Names every single island on Derawan Islands
No. Island Name Hectare (ha)
1. Semut 6.9
2. Andongabu 5.3
3. Bakungan 8.7
4. Bantaian 230.6
5. Besing 560.1
6. Bonggong 123.2
7. Bulingisan 4.5
8. Derawan 44.6
9. Maratua 2375.7
10. Nunukan 4.8
11. Panjang 565.4
12. Rabu-rabu 26.7
13. Sangalaki 15.9
14. Sangalan 3.5
15. Sapinang 241.3
16. Semama 91.1
17. Sidau 31.2
18. Tiaung 372.5
19. Pabahanan 2.0
20. Kakaban 774.2
21. Sodang Besar 6145.8
22. Telasau 1080.0
23. Tempurung 1291.2
24. Bilang-bilangan 25.2
25. Manimbora 2.0
26. Blambangan 22.0
27. Sambit 18.0
28. Mataha 25.8
29. Kaniungan Besar 73.3
30. Kaniungan Kecil 10.2
31. Bali Kukup 18.2

Contents

[edit] Biodiversity

Located in the global biodiversity hotspot, the Derawan Islands are featured by high diversity of reef fishes (347 species), corals (222 species), and invertebrates, including a considerable number of protected species (5 giants clam species, 2 sea turtles, coconut crab, etc). Some of the islands harbor the heavily exploited turtle eggs and yet the largest green turtle nesting site in Indonesia.

[edit] Resources Use

There are two islands inhabited, namely Derawan (1 village of 1,259 people) and Maratua (4 villages of 2,704 people). Fishing is an important income generating activity for the community. Since early 1990s, people have started to catch live groupers, napoleon wrasses, and lobsters, due to high demand and price. As a world class dive tourism destination, there are 3 international dive resorts on Derawan Islands , while more additional resorts or facilities are in the planning process.

[edit] Problems

Problems in Derawan Islands including:

  • Overfishing and overexploitation, including turtle egg collection
  • Destructive fisheries utilizing cyanide and explosives
  • Environmental degradation caused by diving related activities and unsustainable tourism development, especially around the Kakaban lake
  • The increase of sedimentation due to intensive logging activities in Berau estuary nearby and in the adjacent watershed areas.
  • The increase of sewage pollution cased by growing human population on small islands and the intensive tourism development.

[edit] See also

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