Batudaka is an island of the Central Sulawesi province, located in the Gulf of Tomini. The largest island in the Togian archipelago, it has a land area of over 110 square kilometers with smaller islands) and is divided administratively into villages which form the Batudaka District of the Tojo Una-Una Regency.
Geography
It is located in the Gulf of Tomini, separated from the island of Togean by only a narrow strait. The island has a forested, slightly hilly interior with a maximum elevation of 351 meters. Its land area is 151.91 square kilometers (including smaller offshore islands).[1][2]
Demographics
The island forms the main part of the Batudaka district.[1]
The populace largely consists of the Bajo people, referred locally as "boat men".[3]
Economy
The island attracts domestic and foreign tourists, and has seven guesthouses with a combined total of 57 rooms in Wakai.[1] There is a single cash office of Central Sulawesi Bank as well.[4]
The island is accessible from either Gorontalo (12 hour trip), Ampana or Luwuk (both 4 hour trips) by speedboat.[5] A hospital is also on the island.[6]
Agriculture is an important sector, with coconuts, cloves, corn and cocoa beans taking up the largest cultivation areas. Two markets - one daily and the other weekly - serve the local population.[1]
Notes
^Total area of 6 villages comprising the island, including surrounding islets