Obi (island)

Obi (also called Obira) is the main island in the Obi Islands group of Indonesia, south of the larger Halmahera in North Maluku. Its area is 2,542 km². Obi is the largest island located in the Obi Islands group. Obi Island is surrounded by many smaller islands, including Obilatu Island, Bisa Island, Gata-gata Island, Latu Island, Woka Island, and Tomini Island. Obi Island is bordered by the Molucca Sea to the west, the Seram Sea to the south, and the Strait of Malacca to the north and east. The larger nearby islands are Bacan Island in the north and Seram Island to the south. The topography of Obi Island is generally hilly with a short coastline. This hilly terrain provides the island with numerous springs and rivers that originate in the hills. Additionally, on the western side of Obi Island lies Lake Karo, the largest lake on the island. Obi Island is part of South Halmahera Regency. Administratively, Obi Island directly borders Maluku Province to the south and West Papua Province to the east. According to the 2010 South Halmahera in Figures data, the area of Obi Island reaches 3,048 square kilometers. Obi Island and the surrounding smaller islands are divided into several subdistricts, each of which is further divided into villages led by village heads. The lowest level of government is the hamlet, headed by the hamlet chief. The island is eponymous to the Obi Island Birdwing, an endemic species of butterfly. Extensive logging on the island has reduced its habitat, making the species' conservation a concern.