BATU ISLANDS

Indonesian Kepulauan Batu, Dutch Batoe Eilanden group of three major islands and 48 islets, part of the Nias kabupaten (regency) of Sumatera Utara provinsi ("province"), Indonesia, west of Sumatra. The three largest islands are Pini, Tanahmasa, and Tanahbala; the total area is 6,370 square miles (16,500 square km). The administrative centre is Pulautelo on Sibuasi Island. The islands are generally low and forested, notably with coconut palm; copra and forest products predominate. The inhabitants are of Malay or Proto-Malay stock, akin to those of Nias Island. Only about 20 of the smaller islands are inhabited. Pop. (1971) 10,488.