Tanimbar Islands

The Tanimbar Islands, also called Timor Laut, are a group of about 30 islands in the Maluku province of Indonesia.

Geography

The Aru Islands and Kai Islands lie to the northeast, and Babar Island and Timor lie to the west. The islands separate the Banda Sea and the Arafura Sea. The total land area of the Islands is 5440 km² (2100 sq mi).

The largest of the group is Yamdena. Yamdena Island has a range of thickly forested hills along its eastern coast, while its western coast is lower. Saumlaki is the chief town, located on the south end of Yamdena. Other islands include Larat, Selaru, and Wuliaru.

The population is approximately 61,000, of whom 44,000 are Christian, and 17,000 Muslim and unknown.

The tiny island of Tanimbarkei is part not part of Tanimbar, but of the Kai Islands and inhabited by less than 1000 very traditional people.

Economy

Important products are copra, tortoiseshell, and trepang (an edible sea cucumber).

See also

• Islands of Indonesia

In recent times offshore exploratory drilling by a Japanese led consortium has identified gas reserves that have the potential to support LNG production. Feasibility studies are currently being developed.