Masalembu Islands

This article is about the archipelago in the Java Sea. For its largest island, see Masalembu Island.

Masalembu Islands

Masalembu Island
Geography
Coordinates	5°4′17″S114°35′56″E / 5.07139°S 114.59889°E / -5.07139; 114.59889
Area	40.85 km2 (15.77 sq mi)
Administration
Indonesia
Province	East Java
Regency	Sumenep
Subdistrict	Masalembu
Demographics
Population	25,809 (2020)

The Masalembu Islands (Indonesian : Kepulauan Masalembu) form a small archipelago in the Java Sea to the north of Madura in Indonesia. It is located about halfway between Madura and Borneo, and forms part of the Masalembu district in the Sumenep Regency of East Java. The archipelago consists of three main islands– Masalembu, Masakambing, and Karamian.

The islands are characterized by low sandy terrain with limited freshwater, tropical climate, and notable biodiversity. The economy is reliant on fishing, local agriculture, and tourism. The population consisted of about 25,809 individuals in 2020, from an ethnically diverse background.

Geography

Masalembu is a small archipelago in the Java Sea located about halfway between Madura and Borneo. It forms part of the Masalembu district in the Sumenep Regency of East Java. The archipelago consists of three main islands– Masalembu, Masakambing, and Karamian. ^{[1] [2]}

The islands cover an area of 40.85 km² (15.77 sq mi), and consists of plains characterized by coastal lowlands, and central flat areas. The climate is largely tropical and the vegetation consists of natural vegetation interspersed with patches of agricultural lands. Various vegetation zones exists including rainforests, arid scrublands, and coastal mangroves contributing to a complex ecosystem. The soils are sandy, with no major lakes or rivers contributing to freshwater. The islands are biodiversity hotspots supporting varies species of flora and fauna. ^{[3] [4] [5]}

Demographics

The population consisted of about 21,705 individuals in 2010, which increased to 25,809 in 2020 and consisted of an ethnically diverse background. Nearly 79% of the population resided in urban settlements. ^{[6] [7]} The local inhabitants in the islands include the Maduras and Bugis people. ^[1]

Economy

The economy is reliant on fishing, local agriculture, and tourism. ^{[1] [2]} Agriculture include cultivation of coconuts, corn, cassava, and vegetables. Livestock, small trade, and eco-tourism also contribute to the economy. ^[7] The islands can be accessed by ferry from Sumenep, while small boats facilitate inter-island connectivity among the three islands. ^{[7] [8] [9]} The region is bio-diverse with various species including the endangered Abbotti’s cockatoo. ^{[10] [11]}

References

1. "Masalembu Islands". Indonesia Tourism. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
2. "Perceptions of Masalembu Island Communities on Importance and Threat Values of Small Island Resources". Antropologi Isu-Isu Sosial Budaya. 23 (1). June 2021. doi: 10.25077/jantro.v23.n1.p101-109.2021 .
3. "Pulau Masalembu Besar". World Islands. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
4. "Pulau Masalembu Kecil". World Islands. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
5. "Pulau Keramian". World Islands. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
6. "Masalembu". Citypopulation.de. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
7. "Kecamatan Masalembu Dalam Angka 2022" (PDF). BPS Sumenep. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
8. "FGD defines harbor lanes for safe transit". Ocean Week. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
9. "Rowboat and local boat access to islands". Petisi.co. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
10. "Project Abbotti cockatoo status". Indonesian Parrot Project. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
11. "Endangered Cockatoo Species Rediscovered". ScienceBlogs. 24 October 2008. Retrieved 17 June 2025.