Anambas Islands Regency


Anambas Islands Regency is a small archipelago of Indonesia, located 150 nautical miles northeast of Batam Island in the North Natuna Sea between the Malaysian mainland to the west and the island of Borneo to the east. Geographically part of the Tudjuh Archipelago, it is administratively a regency within the Riau Islands Province. It covers a land area of 590.2 km2 and had a population of 37,411 at the 2010 Census. The administrative centre is at Tarempa on Siantan Island.

Islands

Main islands

The principal islands are Siantan, Matak, Mubur, Jemaja and Kiabu.

Matak island

The Anambas archipelago contains a large reserve of natural gas that is exported to countries such as Singapore and Malaysia. The island of Matak is the main base for oil exploration.

Pulau Bawah

Pulau Bawah, formerly known as Leeward island, is a clustered archipelago of six islands with an exclusive resort accessed by the seaplane. It is located about 150 nautical miles northeast of Singapore and Batam, is a cluster of islets that collectively surround three lagoons, each of which suitable for snorkelling, scubadiving and coral beach activities. CNN rates the Anambas Islands are one of Southeast Asia's most spectacular coastal spots, with good snorkelling and diving spots, and Pulau Bawah in particular has good tourism potential.
Whilst the majority of the population generates their income from fishing and fishing-related industries, tourism has been gaining traction. Hostel and hotel rooms are available in Jemaja and Tarempa, along with some homestay locations.

Diving

The shipwrecked vessels Seven Skies and Igara attract a variety of indigenous marine life and offer diving opportunities.

Administration

The Regency is divided into seven districts - tabulated below with their areas and 2010 Census populations:
NameEnglish
name		Area
in km2		Population
2010 Census		No. of
Villages		Post
Code
Jemaja78.95,621929792
Jemaja Timur155.32,028429793
Siantan Selatan117.13,177729790
Siantan50.89,920729791
Siantan Timur88.33,290629794
Siantan Tengah121.12,755629795
Pal Matak2126.010,6201529796

Notes: