SELAYAR

also spelled Salayar, or Selajar, also called Kabia, largest of an island group off the southwestern tip of Celebes (Sulawesi), constituting Selayar kabupaten (regency), administered from Makasar as part of Sulawesi Selatan provinsi (province), Indonesia. The other islands are Pasi, Bahuluang, Pulasi, and Tambulongang. The islands are mountainous, but fertile lowlands exist on Selayar and cover 259 square miles (671 square km) of the island's total area of 347 square miles (899 square km). The population is mainly a mixture of Makasarese and Buginese. The area produces coconuts, corn (maize), pepper, salt, and sea cucumbers. On the western coast are Benteng, the main port, and Padang. Pop. (1980) 95,484.