Taliabu

Taliabu is the largest and westernmost of the Sula Islands. It is located in the Pacific and belongs to Indonesia.

Geography

Taliabu is located east of Sulawesi, from the neighboring island Mangole it is separated only by the narrow Strait of Capalulu. The highest point is located on Taliabus 1157 m, the coastline of the island has a length of 410.5 km. Prior to the south-west coast is the smaller island Seho. Taliabu is mountainous, forested to a large extent and sparsely populated. The most important place is Lekitobi in the southwest of the island. Capital is Bobong.

History

Originally belonged to Taliabu Sultanate of Ternate. In 1683 it fell to the Netherlands. After the Second World War Taliabu belonged from 1949 to the newly independent Indonesia. First, it became part of Maluku province, after their division since 1999 it belongs to the province of Maluku Utara.

Population

The original population of Taliabu probably came originally from the eastern Sulawesi and similar ethnically and culturally the population of Buru and Seram. The majority of the people of Malayo - Polynesian origin is Taliabu. The official language is Indonesian, but in addition there are also local languages ​​such as one named after the island Taliabu. While in the past prevailed above all nature religions, today a growing number of people committed to Taliabu to Islam.

Economy

Of great importance is especially the plantations, forestry and fisheries. Above all, tobacco, corn, sago palms and rice are grown.