Natuna Islands Kepulauan Natuna |
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Islands and Regency | ||
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Motto: Laut Sakti Rantau Bertuah | ||
Natuna location in the South China Sea. |
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Country | Indonesia | |
Province | Riau Islands | |
Capital | Ranai | |
Area | ||
• Total | 1,992.79 km2 (769.42 sq mi) | |
Population (2010 Census) | ||
• Total | 69,319 | |
• Density | 35/km2 (90/sq mi) | |
Time zone | WIB (UTC+7) | |
Website | www |
Coordinates: 4°00′N 108°15′E / 4.000°N 108.250°E
The Natuna Islands archipelago (272 islands) is located in the South China Sea in the larger Tudjuh Archipelago, off the northwest coast of Borneo. Administratively, the islands (including the nearby Bunguran Islands) constitute a regency within the Riau Islands Province of Indonesia and are the northernmost non-disputed island group of Indonesia. The Natuna Islands themselves are divided into three groups: North Natuna, which includes Laut Island (Pulau Laut); Middle Natuna, which includes Bunguran (or Natuna Besar); and South Natuna, which includes Subi Besar.
The Regency is divided into twelve districts (kecamatan) – tabulated below with their 2010 Census population:
Indonesia's exclusive economic zone off the coast of Natuna slightly overlaps with the large part of the South China Sea controversially claimed by China within its nine-dash line. In 2014–2015, the presence of the Indonesian army on the islands is being reinforced, which the Indonesian government hopes will reduce the chance of any conflict.