Editing Natuna Regency

{{Short description|Regency in Riau Islands, Indonesia}}
{{EngvarB|date=March 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2015}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Natuna Regency
| native_name        = ''Kabupaten Natuna''
| native_name_lang   = id
| settlement_type    = [[List of regencies and cities of Indonesia|Regency]]
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
| border                  = infobox
| total_width             = 250px
| perrow                  = 1/2/2/1
| image1                  = Natuna Sea.jpg
| image2                  = Mount Ranai in Natuna.jpg
| image3                  = Bandara-ranai.jpg
| image4                  = Green Iora (Aegithina viridissima).jpg
| image5                  = Scenery_at_Serasan_Harbor,_Natuna_Islands,_Riau_Islands_Province,_Indonesia.jpg
| image6                  = Panorama Pulau Laut yang dilihat dari Pulau Sekatung, Kepulauan Riau, 01022015.jpg
}}
| image_caption      = '''From top, left to right:'''<br>Natuna Sea, Mount Ranai, Ranai Airport, Endangered bird, Serasan Island harbour, Sekatung Island
<!-- transliteration(s) -->| translit_lang1     = Other
| translit_lang1_type = [[Jawi alphabet|Jawi]]
| translit_lang1_info = {{script/Arabic|كڤولاوان ناتونا}}
<!-- images, nickname, motto -->| image_shield       = Lambang Kabupaten Natuna.png
| motto              = ''{{langx|ms|Laut Sakti Rantau Bertuah}}''<br><small>(Sacred Ocean, Fortune Land)</small>
<!-- maps and coordinates -->| image_map          = {{maplink|frame=y|plain=yes|frame-align=center|zoom=6|type=shape<!--line-->|id=|stroke-color=|stroke-width=2|frame-lat=3|frame-long=108|frame-width=250|frame-height=250|}}
| pushpin_map        = Indonesia Riau Islands#Indonesia Sumatra#Indonesia#South China Sea
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of Natuna Regency
| map_caption        = Interactive map
| pushpin_label      = <!-- only necessary if "name" or "official_name" are too long -->
| pushpin_label_position = left
| coordinates        = {{Coord|4|0|0|N|108|15|0|E}}
| coor_pinpoint      = <!-- to specify exact location of coordinates (was coor_type) -->
| coordinates_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| grid_name          = <!-- name of a regional grid system -->
| grid_position      = <!-- position on the regional grid system -->
<!-- location -->| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = [[Indonesia]]
| subdivision_type1  = Province
| subdivision_name1  = {{flag|Riau Islands}}
<!-- established -->| established_title  = <!-- Founded -->
| established_date   = <!-- requires established_title= -->
| established_title1 = <!-- Incorporated (town) -->
| established_date1  = <!-- requires established_title1= -->
| established_title2 = Discovery by [[Yijing (monk)|I-Tsing]]
| established_date2  = 671 A.D.<ref name = "chinese-notes"/>
| established_title3 = [[Condominium (international law)|Condominium]] of [[Johor Sultanate]] and [[Pattani Kingdom]]
| established_date3  = 1597<ref name = "chinese-notes"/>
| established_title4 = ''Afdeeling'' van Pulau Tudjuh
| established_date4  = 1913
| established_title5 = Regency established
| established_date5  = 12 October 1999<ref name="establishment of regency">{{cite web |url = https://natunakab.go.id/upacara-peringatan-hari-jadi-kabupaten-natuna-ke-21-tahun-2020/ |language = id |access-date = 2021-07-18 |date = 2020-10-12 |title = Official Ceremony of 21st years of Regency of Natuna Islands' Anniversary on 2020 |website = Regency of Natuna |publisher = Government of Regency of Natuna Islands |author = Diana}}</ref>
| established_title6 = Incorporation of [[Tambelan Archipelago]] into [[Bintan Regency]]
| established_date6  = 18 December 2003<ref>{{cite web | url = https://bintankab.go.id/sejarah | access-date = 2021-07-20 | date = 2021 | title = History of Regency of Bintan | language = id | website = Regency of Bintan | publisher = Government of [[Bintan Regency]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Home/Details/44132/uu-no-31-tahun-2003|title = UU No. 31 Tahun 2003 tentang Pembentukan Kabupaten Lingga di Provinsi Kepulauan Riau &#91;JDIH BPK RI&#93;}}</ref>
| established_title7 = Creation of [[Anambas Islands]] Regency
| established_date7  = 31 July 2008<ref name="removing-anambas-from-natuna">{{cite journal | url = https://jmb.lipi.go.id/index.php/jmb/article/download/937/499 | language = id |date = 2020 | volume = 22 | issue = 1 | last1 = Setiawan | first1 = Budiana | title = Nationalism: The Case of People in Natuna | access-date= 2021-07-20 | format = pdf | pages = 44–45 | journal = Jurnal Masyarakat & Budaya}}</ref>
| extinct_title      = 
| extinct_date       = 
| founder            = 
| named_for          = <!-- seat, smaller parts -->
| seat_type          = [[Regency seat]]
| seat               = [[Ranai, Natuna Island|Ranai]]
| seat1_type         = <!-- defaults to: Former seat -->
| seat1              = 
| parts_type         = Administrative division
| parts              = 15 districts<ref name="KKP"/><br>77 villages
| p1                 = 
| p2                 = <!-- etc., up to p50: for separate parts to be listed-->
<!-- government type, leaders -->| government_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| government_type    = 
| governing_body     = Regency's Government of Natuna Islands
| leader_party       = 
| leader_title       = Regent <small>(''Bupati'')</small>
| leader_name        = {{Ill|Cen Sui Lan|lt=Cen Sui Lan|id}}
| leader_title1      = Vice Regent <small>(''Wakil Bupati'')</small>
| leader_name1       = {{Ill|Jarmin Sidik|lt=Jarmin Sidik|id}}
| leader_title2      = Council
| leader_name2       = [[:id:Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah Kabupaten Natuna|Regency Council of Natuna]]
| leader_title3      = [[:id:Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah Provinsi Kepulauan Riau#Daftar Anggota|Member of Provincial Parliament]]
| leader_name3       = {{Collapsible list
| title = List of MPPs
| frame_style=border:none; padding: 0;
| title_style =
| list_style  = text-align:left;display:none;
| 1=Hadi Chandra ([[Golkar]])
| 2=Ilyas Sabli ([[Nasdem Party|Nat.Dem.]])
| 3=Taufik ([[Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle|PDI-P]])}}
<!-- display settings -->| total_type         = Total
| unit_pref          = <!-- area -->
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="KKP"/>
| area_total_km2     = 28200.37
| area_total_ha      = 
| area_total_acre    = 
| area_land_km2      = 1978.49
| area_land_sq_mi    = 
| area_land_ha       = 
| area_land_acre     = 
| area_water_km2     = 26222.06
| area_water_sq_mi   = 
| area_water_ha      = 
| area_water_acre    = 
| area_water_percent = 99.25
| area_urban_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| area_urban_km2     = 
| area_urban_sq_mi   = 
| area_urban_ha      = 
| area_urban_acre    = 
| area_rural_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| area_rural_km2     = 
| area_rural_sq_mi   = 
| area_rural_ha      = 
| area_rural_acre    = 
| area_metro_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| area_metro_km2     = 
| area_metro_sq_mi   = 
| area_metro_ha      = 
| area_metro_acre    = 
| area_rank          = 
| area_note          = <!---- population with no point or commas ---->
| population_total   = 86760
| population_as_of   = mid 2025 estimate<ref name="Badan Pusat Statistik 2025">Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 28 February 2025, ''Kabupaten Natuna Dalam Angka 2025'' (Katalog-BPS 1102001.2103).</ref>
| population_density_km2 = 42
| timezone1          = [[Time in Indonesia|Western Indonesia Time]]/W.I.B
| utc_offset1        = +07:00
| timezone1_DST      = 
| utc_offset1_DST    = <!---- postal codes, area code ---->
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal codes in Indonesia|Postcodes]]
| postal_code        = {{unbulleted list|29775 to 29778 – [[Natuna Besar]]|29779 – [[Subi Island]]|2978x – rest of the islands}}
| area_code_type     = [[Telephone numbers in Indonesia|Area code]]
| area_code          = (+62) 773
| registration_plate_type = [[Vehicle registration plates of Indonesia|Registration plates]]
| registration_plate = BP 1234 N×<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.autobild.co.id/2020/09/plat-nomor-kendaraan-riau.html |title = Ini Plat Nomor Kendaaraan Kepulauan Riau Dan Daftar Kode Belakangnya |language = id |date = 2020-09-10 |access-date = 2021-07-17 |website = [[Auto Bild]] |publisher = Auto Bild Indonesia}}</ref>
| blank1_name        = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] (2020)
| blank1_info        = {{Increase}} 0.7275 <span style="color:#D3FF00;">High</span><ref>{{cite web | url = https://natunakab.bps.go.id/indicator/26/94/1/indeks-pembangunan-manusia.html | date = 2021-05-11 | access-date = 2021-07-18 | title = Human Development Index | language = id | website = [[Statistics Indonesia]] | publisher = Natuna Islands Regency Census Department}}</ref>
<!---- website, footnotes ---->
| website            = {{URL|natunakab.go.id}}
}}
'''Natuna Regency''' is an islands [[regency (Indonesia)|regency]] located in the northernmost part of the Province of [[Riau Islands]], Indonesia. It contains at least 154 islands, of which 127 of them are reported as uninhabited. This archipelago, with a land area of 1,978.49&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> out of a total area of 264,198.37&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> area,<ref name="KKP">{{cite web |url = https://kkp.go.id/SKPT/Natuna/page/1181-skpt-natuna |title = SKPT NATUNA |access-date = 2021-07-15 |language = id |website = [[Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (Indonesia)|Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries]] |publisher = Sentra Kelautan dan Perikanan Terpadu}}</ref> This area is divided into island clusters such as the Natuna Island Cluster and the Serasan Island Cluster. However, several other islands that are not located in the two clusters are spread over a wider area. This division reflects the geographical and administrative location of the district, but there are also other small islands that are outside these two main clusters and are not always included in the grouping.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Redaksi |title=Kondisi Geografis Kabupaten Natuna |url=https://natunakab.go.id/ekonomi-daerah-di-kabupaten-natuna/kondisi-geografis-kabupaten-natuna/ |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=PEMKAB NATUNA |language=en-US}}</ref> Administratively, this area is divided into 17 districts (''kecamatan'') which function to facilitate management and services for the local community and support the development of the potential of the region which is rich in natural resources and tourism.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-09 |title=Mengenal Kabupaten Natuna dan Segala Potensi Kekayaan Alamnya |url=https://marwahkepri.com/2024/02/09/mengenal-kabupaten-natuna-dan-segala-potensi-kekayaan-alamnya/ |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=Marwah Kepri |language=en-US}}</ref> This regency also plays an important role in maintaining Indonesia's sovereignty in the northern border area.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramdani |first=Dani |date=2023-12-30 |editor-last=Natuna Today |editor-first=Team |title=Sejarah Komando Armada I, Salah Satu Gugus Tempurnya Ada di Natuna |url=https://natuna.pikiran-rakyat.com/nasional/pr-3057534434/sejarah-komando-armada-i-salah-satu-gugus-tempurnya-ada-di-natuna |access-date=10 November 2024 |website=Pikiran Rakyat}}</ref>

With 69,003 inhabitants at the 2010 Census<ref name="Biro Pusat Statistik 2011">Biro Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 2011.</ref> and 81,495 at the 2020 Census,<ref name="Badan Pusat Statistik 2021">Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 2021.</ref> most of the population are [[Malay Indonesians|Malays]] with 11% of [[Javanese people|Javanese]] migrants, [[Chinese Indonesians|Chinese]], [[Minangkabau people|Minang]], [[Batak]], [[Banjar people]], [[Dayak people]], [[Buginese people]], [[Sundanese people]], and tiny percentage of migrants who come from [[Sulawesi]], [[Bali]], and other provinces across Indonesia.<ref>{{cite book |title = Natuna: Potret Masyarakat dan Budayanya |language = id |access-date = 2021-07-15 |date=November 2018 |url = http://repositori.kemdikbud.go.id/17211/1/Natunan%20Potret%20masyarakat%20dan%20Budaya.pdf |last2 = Swastiwi |first2 = Anastasia Wiwik |last1 = Arman |first1 = Dedi |location = [[Tanjungpinang]] |publisher = Balai Pelestarian Nilai Budaya Kepulauan Riau in [[Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Indonesia)|Ministry of Education and Culture]]}}</ref> The official estimate as at mid 2025 was 86,760 (comprising 44,580 males and 42,180 females).<ref name="Badan Pusat Statistik 2025">Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 28 February 2025, ''Kabupaten Natuna Dalam Angka 2025'' (Katalog-BPS 1102001.2103).</ref>

Some 80% of its inhabitants are of Malay origin, numerous being descended from [[Terengganuan Malay people|Terengganuan]], Johorean, and [[Thai Malays|Pattanian]] descent as results of contact established since 1597. The consequence of this is the usage of [[Terengganuan Malay]] beside the  [[Indonesian language]] as the official language and the [[Malay language]] as a [[lingua franca]] across the Province of Riau Islands.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.astroawani.com/berita-dunia/natuna-islands-malaysian-geography-indonesian-sovereignty-94430 |language = English |access-date = 2021-07-15 |date = 2016-02-15 |last1 = Mohd Rusli |first1 = Mohd Hazmi |last2 = Talaat |first2 = Izatul Asma |title = The Natuna Islands: 'Malaysian in geography', Indonesian in sovereignty |website = [[Astro Awani]]}}</ref>

Indonesia's [[exclusive economic zone]] (EEZ) off the coast of Natuna is slightly overlapped by China's widely disputed [[nine-dash line|South China Sea claim]].<ref name=BBC14>[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29655874 The sleepy island Indonesia is guarding from China], BBC News, Karishma Vaswani, 19 October 2014</ref>

== History ==
===I-Tsing’s Notes===
The discovery of the Natuna Islands by I-Tsing (or [[Yijing (monk)|Yijing]]) has been disputed by some historians, who point to errors in interpreting his historical records. Although I-Tsing, a Buddhist monk from the Tang Dynasty, recorded his extensive travels through Southeast Asia and India, there is no strong evidence in his records that explicitly mentions the Natuna Islands. Many historians argue that I-Tsing only referred to the ''South Sea'' region in general, specifically [[Srivijaya]] (now [[Sumatra]]), as a center of Buddhist learning.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Chan |first1=Ven. Dr. Zhen |last2=Chun |first2=Ooi Han |title=I-Tsing's Legacy at the South Sea - A Combined Narrative and Humanistic Geography – Phenomenological Analysis (1) |url=https://ejournal.um.edu.my/index.php/joss/article/download/39953/15048/98143 |access-date=10 November 2024 |website=e-Journal UM}}</ref><ref>I-Tsing, ''A Record of the Buddhist Religion : As Practised in India and the Malay Archipelago (A.D. 671-695)'', Translated by J. Takakusu, Clarendon press 1896. Reprint. New Delhi, AES, 2005, ISBN 81-206-1622-7.</ref>

Most claims that I-Tsing discovered or mentioned Natuna come from misinterpretations of maps and documents related to the voyages of Chinese sailors such as [[Zheng He]] who came several centuries later. In his notes, I-Tsing emphasized his journey to India and his life in Srivijaya rather than exploring the sailing routes to specific islands.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-04 |title=Notes from Central Taiwan: Natunas past, present and future - Taipei Times |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2024/11/04/2003826336 |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=www.taipeitimes.com}}</ref>

Therefore, some critics suggest that the interpretation linking I-Tsing with the discovery of the Natuna Islands may be a historical misunderstanding. They point out that the shipping routes and records linking Natuna are more related to Persian ships and other sailors who had passed through the region long before I-Tsing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chun |first=Ooi Han |date=2019 |title=I-Tsing at the South Sea – The Buddhist Learning Journey |url=https://digital_collect.lib.buu.ac.th/dcms/files/58810157.pdf |access-date=10 November 2024 |website=Digital Collect BUU |publisher=Burapha University}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Guy |first=John |title=Rare and Strange Goods: International Trade in Ninth-Century Asia |url=https://asia.si.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/shipwrecked-02-guy.pdf |access-date=10 November 2024 |website=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>

===Became a Malay Sultanate Area===
The most notable history of Natuna Islands followed upon the decision of [[Alauddin Riayat Shah III of Johor]] and [[Raja Hijau|Green Queen]] of [[Pattani Kingdom]] to claim Natuna Islands as part of their condominium.<ref name="removing-anambas-from-natuna"/><ref>{{cite book | url = http://dx.doi.org/10.1355/9789814786331-005 | title = The Natunas | chapter = a Snapshot of the Natunas | first1 = Leo | last1 = Suryadinata | first2 = Mustafa | last2 = Izzuddin | access-date = 2021-07-20 | pages = 8 | date = 2017-07-11 | publisher = [[ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute|ISEAS]] | doi = 10.1355/9789814786331-005 | isbn = 9789814786331 | place = Queenstown, [[Singapore|SG]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = A History of Johore (1365—1895 A.D.) | volume = 10 | issue = 3 | journal = [[Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society]] | publisher = [[Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society]] | url = https://www.jstor.org/stable/41560456 | date = December 1932 | pages = 45 | access-date = 2021-07-20 | last1 = Winstedt |first1 = R.O.| jstor = 41560456 }}</ref> However, before the Sultan of Johor and the Pattani Monarch declared Natuna Islands as their condominium in 1597, its previous King, [[Alauddin Riayat Shah II of Johor|Alauddin Riayat II]], created Datuk Kayas'/[[Duke]]s' titles as follows:
# '''Datok Amar Lela''' for ruler of [[Jemaja Island]]
# '''Datok Kaya Dewa Perkasa''' for ruler of Siantan Island
# '''Datuk Kaya Indra Pahlawan''' for ruler of [[Natuna Besar|Serindit Island]], <small>(later known as Great Natuna Island)</small>
# '''Datuk Kaya Timbalan Siamah''' for ruler of Tambelan Islands.<ref name = "chinese-notes">{{cite book | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=2UUnEAAAQBAJ&q=natuna+1597&pg=PP1 | pages = 7–10 | access-date = 2021-07-20 | date = 2021-04-05 | publisher = Andi | place = [[Yogyakarta]], [[Special Region of Yogyakarta|D.I.Y.]] | title = Natuna: Selayang Pandang Wisata Bahari, Budaya, dan Kuliner | last1 = Mursitama | first1= Tirta Nugraha | last2 = Yi | first2 = Ying | last3 = Abbas | first3 = Bahtiar Saleh| isbn = 9786230103322 }}</ref>

;Natuna Under the Influence of the Riau-Lingga Sultanate
The Natuna Islands, located in the South China Sea, had close ties with the [[Riau-Lingga Sultanate]], especially after the collapse of the [[Johor Sultanate]] in the early 17th century.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Old Johor kingdom |script-title= |url=https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=36c71e6b-bfee-43ba-bc5c-086c15cd0df4 |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=www.nlb.gov.sg}}</ref> The Riau-Lingga Sultanate, established in 1718 after the Johor Sultanate collapsed due to Portuguese attacks and internal conflicts, controlled a vast territory, including the islands around the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea, including the Natuna Islands.<ref>The Rise and Fall of the Sultanates in the Malay Archipelago" – ''Asian Historical Review'', 2015.</ref>

The Riau-Lingga Sultanate played an important role in managing the waters and trade routes in the region. The Natuna Islands were one of the areas controlled by the Riau-Lingga Sultanate, which was centered on [[Lingga Regency|Lingga]] and later in [[Riau]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2023-05-04 |title=NATUNA PADA MASA KESULTANAN LINGGA-RIAU |url=https://disbud.kepriprov.go.id/natuna-pada-masa-kesultanan-lingga-riau/ |access-date=2024-11-10}}</ref> The influence of this kingdom was clearly visible in the political and economic management of the region, including in regulating shipping routes between the Malay Peninsula and the coastal areas of Sumatra and Borneo.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Redaksi |title=Lintasan Sejarah Kabupaten Natuna |url=https://natunakab.go.id/lintasan-sejarah-kabupaten-natuna/ |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=PEMKAB NATUNA |language=id}}</ref> During the Riau-Lingga Sultanate, the official administrative name for the Natuna Islands was Natuna Region or ''Pulau Natuna'' (in Malay it is called ''Pulau Natuna'' or ''Daerah Natuna'' ). During the heyday of the Riau-Lingga Sultanate, the influence of Malay culture was very pronounced in the Natuna Islands. The Natuna people, who were mostly of Malay ethnicity, had close ties with this kingdom in the social, cultural, and economic fields.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Sunandar |first1=Heri |last2=Tamrin |first2=Husni |date=2015 |title=Aspek Sosio Politis Naskah Dan Arkeologis |url=https://ejournal.uin-suska.ac.id/index.php/al-fikra/article/viewFile/4003/2488 |access-date=10 November 2024 |website=E-Journal UIN Suska}}</ref> In terms of economy, Natuna became a strategic place for the trade of spices, fish, and other seafood. In addition, the Riau-Lingga Sultanate also protected its territories from external threats, such as colonization by European powers, especially the Netherlands.<ref>Riau-Lingga: History and Cultural Legacy" – ''Journal of Southeast Asian Studies'', 2019.</ref>

After the end of the Riau-Lingga Sultanate and the Dutch colonial influence in the region, the Natuna Islands remained an important part of Indonesia's maritime history. To this day, the historical and cultural heritage of the Riau-Lingga Sultanate is still very much felt in Natuna.<ref>"Mengenal Rumah Kuno dan Bersejarah di Natuna". ''RRI''. Retrieved 10 November 2024</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://kebudayaan.kemdikbud.go.id/bpnbkepri/natuna-potret-masyarakat-dan-budayanya-2/ |title=Natuna: Potret Masyarakat dan Budayanya |website=Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset, dan Teknologi |date=13 December 2018 |access-date=10 November 2024}}</ref>

Throughout most of its history since the reigns of [[Sultanate of Riau-Lingga]], the Natuna Islands were part of the Archipelago of Seven Islands/''Pulau-pulau Tudjuh/Tujuh'' which were consisted of the Anambas Islands (currently a separated regency in the province), the [[Badas Islands]] (part of Island District of Tambelan in [[Bintan Regency]]), Great Natuna/Bunguran Islands, Sejang, Serasan Islands, Subi Islands, and [[Tambelan Archipelago]] (part of Bintan Regency).<ref>{{cite web | url = https://permanent.access.gpo.gov/websites/pollux/pollux.nss.nima.mil/NAV_PUBS/SD/pub163/163sec01.pdf | date = 2005 | title = Sector 1: Borneo—Northwest Coast and Kepulauan Tudjuh | access-date = 2021-07-20 | publisher = [[National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency]] | website = [[United States Government Publishing Office]]}}</ref> Although government of Kawedanan of Tudjuh Archipelago was dissolved in 1964, its island districts/''kecamatan'' who formed Tudjuh Archipelago still existed until its dissolution in 1999, the sunrise of devolution era government in Indonesia.

===Annexation Period by the Dutch East Indies===
In the early 19th century, the [[Dutch East Indies|Dutch]] further expanded their colonial power in the Indonesian archipelago, including the Natuna Islands. In [[Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824|The Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824]] between  the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, the two colonial powers divided their territories in Southeast Asia, with the Netherlands controlling the Indonesian archipelago and England controlling the Malay Peninsula. With this agreement, the Netherlands felt they had rights over areas in the Riau Islands, including Natuna.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Signing of the Anglo-Dutch Treaty (Treaty of London) of 1824 |url=https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=5005d886-9c27-421e-a22d-44fb5965350c |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=www.nlb.gov.sg}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=James Robert Rush|title=Southeast Asia: A Very Short Introduction|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SU5WDwAAQBAJ|page=58|year=2018|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=9780190248765}}</ref>

However, due to its remote location and inaccessibility, the Dutch initially did not supervise the Natuna Islands directly. It was not until the mid-19th century that the Dutch East Indies began to explore the Natuna Islands further and officially annexed the islands into their colonial territory. The aim was to strengthen control in strategic waters and secure trade routes. The Dutch colonial government then designated Natuna as part of the [[Riau Residency]] under the supervision of the Riau Resident based in [[Tanjungpinang|Tanjung Pinang]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bintankab |title=Sejarah Kabupaten Bintan |url=https://bintankab.go.id/sejarah#:~:text=2.%20Afdelling%20Indragiri%20yang%20berkedudukan,Bunguran%20Barat%20dan%20Bunguran%20Timur. |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=bintankab.go.id |language=id}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sultan van Lingga en Riouw en Onderhorigheden, Abdoel Rachman Maädlam Sjah in Riouw (KITLV 82001) |url=https://catalogue.leidenuniv.nl/discovery/fulldisplay/alma9939051584902711/31UKB_LEU:UBL_V1 |access-date=10 November 2024 |website=Leiden University Catalogue}}</ref>

During the Dutch colonial period, life in the Natuna Islands remained largely agrarian and simple. The Dutch did little infrastructure development in the area, although they often patrolled the border to maintain security.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://repositori.kemdikbud.go.id/25040/1/SEJARAH%20WILAYAH%20PERBATASAN%20KEPULAUAN%20NATUNA%20MUTIARA%20DI%20UJUNG%20UTARA.pdf |title=Sejarah Wilayah Perbatasan Kepulauan Natuna: Mutiara di Ujung Utara |website=Repositori Kemdikbud |access-date=10 November 2024}}</ref>

===Japanese Occupation Period (1942-1945)===
When [[Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies]] during World War II in 1942-1945, the Natuna Islands were also under the control of the [[Empire of Japan|Japanese Empire]]. Japan saw Natuna as a strategic location for their military defense because of its location in the South China Sea. Therefore, Japan built several military bases on these islands as part of their defense plan in the Southeast Asia region.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rinovsky |first=Riky |title=Learn a Little History on The Island of Natuna Subi |url=https://www.kompasiana.com/rikyrinovsky/5500363ba333111d7251003a/learn-a-little-history-on-the-island-of-natuna-subi |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=www.kompasiana.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=MelayuPedia |date=August 23, 2021 |editor-last=Inge |editor-first=Nefri |title=Pulau Subi, Jepang dan Perang Dunia Kedua |url=https://www.melayupedia.com/berita/424/pulau-subi-jepang-dan-perang-dunia-kedua |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=www.melayupedia.com}}</ref>

The Japanese occupation brought many difficulties to the people of Natuna, because in addition to the heavy Japanese military presence, food was also difficult to obtain.<ref>Hendri F. Isnaeni, "Pangan Zaman Perang di Indonesia". ''Historia.id''.(16 Okt 2020).Retrieved 10 November 2024.</ref> After Japan surrendered in 1945, Indonesia proclaimed independence, but Natuna still had to face a complicated transition period as colonial rule ended.

===Becoming Part of Indonesia===
After the [[Proclamation of Indonesian Independence|proclamation of Indonesian independence]] on August 17, 1945, the Natuna Islands became part of the newly independent Republic of Indonesia. Initially, Natuna was part of the [[Central Sumatra|Central Sumatra Province]]. However, due to its strategic position and location on the border of the South China Sea, the Indonesian government then decided to move the Natuna administration to [[Riau|Riau Province]] in 1957.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-15 |title=Undang-undang Darurat Nomor 19 Tahun 1957 |url=https://peraturanpedia.id/undang-undang-darurat-nomor-19-tahun-1957/#:~:text=Download%20UU%20Darurat%20Nomor%2019%20Tahun%201957,Tingkat%20I%20Sumatera%20Barat,%20Jambi%20dan%20Riau. |access-date=2024-11-10 |language=en-US}}</ref>

As Indonesia's territory expanded, in 2002 the Natuna Islands became part of the [[Riau Islands|Riau Islands Province]], after the province was formed as a separate province from Riau Province.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Biro Umum Provinsi Kepulauan Riau |url=https://biroumum.kepriprov.go.id/profil.phtml#:~:text=Provinsi%20Kepulauan%20Riau%20terbentuk%20berdasarkan,Kepulauan%20Anambas%20dan%20Kabupaten%20Lingga. |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=biroumum.kepriprov.go.id |language=id}}</ref> The formation of the Riau Islands Province provided greater autonomy for border areas such as Natuna, as well as greater attention to infrastructure, economic and defense development.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SEJARAH SINGKAT OTONOMI DAERAH - PPID Pemprov Kepri |url=https://ppid.kepriprov.go.id/daftar-informasi/lihat/2297 |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=ppid.kepriprov.go.id}}</ref>

==Geography==
The Natuna Islands are a 272-island [[archipelago]] of [[Indonesia]], located in the [[Natuna Sea]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2016-06-22/no-overlapping-claims-with-china-in-indonesian-waters-says-fm/7534498?pfmredir=sm|title=Natuna Islands: Indonesia says no 'overlapping' South China Sea claims with China|newspaper=ABC News|date=22 June 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-15/south-china-sea-territory-renamed-by-indonesia/8711346?pfmredir=sm|title=South China Sea: Indonesia renames part of maritime economic zone in defiance of Beijing|newspaper=ABC News|date=15 July 2017 }}</ref> between [[Peninsular Malaysia]] to the west and [[Borneo]] to the east. They extend in a NNW direction for 300&nbsp;km from Tanjung Api, the northwest extremity of [[Kalimantan]]/Borneo. The Natuna Sea itself is a section of the South China Sea.

The North Group consists of a large island ('''Pulau Laut'''), two small islands and several adjacent islets and reefs which lie about 50&nbsp;km NNW of [[Natuna Besar]] Island. Pulau Laut is about 11&nbsp;km long with a greatest width of 5&nbsp;km towards the south; it is generally hilly, rising to 273 metres near its north end.

The [[Bunguran Islands|Middle Group]] consists of '''[[Natuna Besar]]''' or '''Bunguran Island''', which contains the bulk of the area and population of the archipelago, together with small offshore islets and reefs; the '''Bodas Islands''' (''Kepulauan Bodas'') are a group of moderately high wooded islands lying close to the southwest coast of Natuna Besar, and are administratively classed as the districts of Pulau Tiga and Pulau Tiga Barat.

The [[South Natuna|Southern Group]] (''Kepulauan Natuna Selatan'') consists primarily of two groups of islands separated from the coast of Kalimantan by the Api Passage. The '''Subi Islands''' (''Kepulauan Subi'') of which the main islands are Subi Besar, Subi Kecil, Bakau, Panjang and Seraya, lie southeast of Natuna Besar. '''[[Serasan Island]]''' (''Pulau Serasan'') is the largest of the group of islands lying further to the southeast and nearer to Kalimantan, from which it is separated by the Serasan Strait. A third group - centred on [[Midai Island]] - lies to the west of the Subi Islands.

The highest point of the Bunguran Islands is Mount Ranai at {{convert|1035|m|ft}}. The islands had a population of 52,000 inhabitants according to the 2010 census; the estimated population in mid 2023 was about 64,250. The principal settlement is [[Ranai, Natuna Island|Ranai]]. The island can be reached by scheduled air services via [[Ranai Airport]].

===Natural resources===
Natuna has large reserves of natural gas (estimated at 1.3&nbsp;billion m<sup>3</sup>) that is exported to neighbouring countries such as Singapore and Malaysia.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} [[Matak|Matak Island]] located in [[Anambas Islands Regency|Anambas]] now functions as an offshore exploitation base.

===Ecology===
The Natuna Islands are part of the [[Borneo lowland rain forests]] ecoregion.<ref>[https://ecoregions2017.appspot.com "Ecoregions 2017" interactive map. Resolve 2017]</ref>

The Natuna Islands have a remarkable [[Bird|avifauna]] with 71 species of bird registered, including the near-threatened [[lesser fish eagle]], the [[Serpent-eagle|Natuna serpent-eagle]]. Other endangered species include the [[green iora]], the [[brown fulvetta]] or the [[green broadbill]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Natuna Islands bird checklist – Bird Checklists of the World | website=Avibase | date=2019-08-10 | url=https://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/checklist.jsp?region=IDstkrna | ref={{sfnref | Avibase | 2019}} | access-date=2019-10-30}}</ref>

The Natuna Islands is home to three [[species]] of non-human [[primate]]s: the slow [[loris]] (''[[Nycticebus coucang]]''), the long-tailed [[macaque]] (''[[Macaca fascicularis]]''), and the Natuna [[leaf monkey]] (a.k.a. Natuna pale-thighed surili, ''[[Presbytis natunae]]'').<ref>Lammertink, Nijman, and Setiorini, 2003. ''Oryx'' '''37'''(4):472–479</ref><ref>Brandon-Jones et al. 2004. Asian Primate Classification. ''International Journal of Primatology'' '''25'''(1):97–164.</ref> A small number of wild goats live on the island as well as sea birds. Over 360 species of bird have been recorded on the island.<ref name="lepage">{{cite web |last1=Lepage |first1=Denis |title=Natuna Besar |url=https://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/checklist.jsp?region=IDstkrnb&list=howardmoore&region=IDstkrnb&list=howardmoore |website=Avibase – Bird Checklists of the World | date = 2018 |access-date=10 September 2018}}</ref>

Colourful coral reefs are found in the neighbouring waters. The Natuna banded leaf monkey, ''[[Presbytis natunae]]'',<ref>Martjan Lammertink, Vincent Nijman and Utami Setiorini, [http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=186909 "Population size, Red List status and conservation of the Natuna leaf monkey Presbytis natunae endemic to the island of Bunguran, Indonesia."] Oryx / Volume 37 / Issue 04 / October 2003, pp 472 – 479</ref> is among the 25 most endangered primates on Earth.

== Government and politics ==
=== Administrative districts ===
As of 2010, the Regency was divided into twelve [[Districts of Indonesia|districts]] (''kecamatan''), but on 10 December 2014 three additional districts were created by dividing existing districts, and two further districts have subsequently been created by similar division. The seventeen districts are tabulated below from north to south with their areas and their populations at the 2010 census<ref name="Biro Pusat Statistik 2011"/> and the 2020 census,<ref name="Badan Pusat Statistik 2021"/> together with the official estimates as at mid 2023.<ref>Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 28 February 2024, ''Kabupaten Natuna Dalam Angka 2024'' (Katalog-BPS 1102001.2103).</ref> The table also includes the location of the district administrative centres, the number of administrative villages (70 rural ''desa'' and 7 urban ''kelurahan'') within each district and its postcodes.

{| class="sortable wikitable"
|-
! Kode <br>Wilayah|| Name of <br>District<br>(''kecamatan'')|| English name || Area<br />in<br />km<sup>2</sup> || Pop'n<br />2010<br />census|| Pop'n<br />2020<br />census
!Pop'n<br />mid 2023<br />estimate||Admin<br>centre|| No.<br>of <br>Villages||Post<br />code||No.<br>of<br>Islands
|-
| 21.03.10 || Pulau Laut <ref>Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 26 September 2024, ''Kecamatan Pulau Laut Dalam Angka 2024'' (Katalog-BPS 1102001.2103042)</ref>|| (Laut Island) || align="right" | 37.58 || align="right" | 2,169||align="right"| 2,319||align="right"| 2,370||Air Payang||align="center"| 3||29789||align="center"| 9
|-
| 21.03.08 || Bunguran Utara <ref>Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 26 September 2024, ''Kecamatan Bunguran Utara Dalam Angka 2024'' (Katalog-BPS 1102001.2103041)</ref>|| (North Bunguran) ||align="right"| 398.09 || align="right" | 3,817||align="right"| 4,525||align="right"| 4,061||Kelarik||align="center"| 6||29775||align="center"| 14
|-
| 21.03.24 || Pulau Seluan <ref>Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 26 September 2024, ''Kecamatan Pulau Seluan Dalam Angka 2024'' (Katalog-BPS 1102001.2103046)</ref>|| (Seluan Island) ||align="right"| 7.08 || align="right" | <sup>(a)</sup>||align="right"| <sup>(a)</sup>||align="right"| 845||Seluan||align="center"| 2||29775||align="center"| 1
|-
| 21.03.15 || Bunguran Timur Laut <ref>Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 26 September 2024, ''Kecamatan Bunguran Timur Laut Dalam Angka 2024'' (Katalog-BPS 1102001.2103051)</ref>|| (Northeast Bunguran) ||align="right"| 298.97 || align="right" | 4,306||align="right"| 5,372||align="right"| 5,679||Tanjung||align="center"| 7||29776||align="center"| 10
|-
| 21.03.16 || Bunguran Tengah <ref>Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 26 September 2024, ''Kecamatan Bunguran Tengah Dalam Angka 2024'' (Katalog-BPS 1102001.2103052)</ref>|| (Central Bunguran) ||align="right"| 85.83 || align="right" | 2,834||align="right"| 3,677||align="right"| 3,797||Harapan Jaya||align="center"| 3||29778||align="center"| 0
|-
| 21.03.07 || Bunguran Timur <ref>Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 26 September 2024, ''Kecamatan Bunguran Timur Dalam Angka 2024'' (Katalog-BPS 1102001.2103050)</ref>|| (East Bunguran) ||align="right"| 148.77 || align="right" |22,800||align="right"|27,806||align="right"| 28,286||Ranai||align="center"| 7 <sup>(b)</sup>||29777||align="center"| 8
|-
| 21.03.05 || Bunguran Barat <ref>Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 26 September 2024, ''Kecamatan Bunguran Barat Dalam Angka 2024'' (Katalog-BPS 1102001.2103040)</ref>|| (West Bunguran) ||align="right"| 247.95 || align="right" |10,893||align="right"|7,854||align="right"| 7,937||Sedanau||align="center"| 5 ||29782||align="center"| 15
|-
| 21.03.20 || Bunguran Batubi <ref>Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 26 September 2024, ''Kecamatan Bunguran Batubi Dalam Angka 2024'' (Katalog-BPS 1102001.2103044)</ref>||  ||align="right"| 214.45 || align="right" | <sup>(c)</sup>||align="right"|3,882||align="right"| 3,934||Batubi Jaya||align="center"| 5||29787||align="center"| 2
|-
| 21.03.18 || Bunguran Selatan <ref>Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 26 September 2024, ''Kecamatan Bunguran Selatan Dalam Angka 2024'' (Katalog-BPS 1102001.2103053)</ref>|| (South Bunguran) ||align="right"| 234.23 || align="right" | 2,537||align="right"| 3,349||align="right"| 3,507||Cemaga||align="center"| 4||29783||align="center"| 13
|-
| 21.03.11 || Pulau Tiga <ref>Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 26 September 2024, ''Kecamatan Pulau Tiga Dalam Angka 2024'' (Katalog-BPS 1102001.2103043)</ref>|| (East Tiga Island) ||align="right"| 41.68 || align="right" | 4,826||align="right"| 3,727||align="right"| 3,884||Sabang Mawang Barat||align="center"| 6||29788||align="center"| 14
|-
| 21.03.21 || Pulau Tiga Barat <ref>Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 26 September 2024, ''Kecamatan Pulau Tiga Barat Dalam Angka 2024'' (Katalog-BPS 1102001.2103045)</ref>|| (West Tiga Island) ||align="right"| 17.38 || align="right" | <sup>(d)</sup>||align="right"| 2,109||align="right"| 2,326||Pulau Tiga||align="center"| 4||29786||align="center"| 4
|-
| 21.03.04 || [[Midai]]<ref>Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 26 September 2024, ''Kecamatan Midai Dalam Angka 2024'' (Katalog-BPS 1102001.2103030)</ref>|| (Midai Island) ||align="right"| 13.77 || align="right" | 5,007||align="right"| 3,604||align="right"| 3,492||Sabang Barat||align="center"| 3||29784||align="center"| 2
|-
| 21.03.22 || Suak Midai <ref>Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 26 September 2024, ''Kecamatan Suak Midai Dalam Angka 2024'' (Katalog-BPS 1102001.2103031)</ref>|| (Midai Island) ||align="right"| 12.42 || align="right" | <sup>(e)</sup>||align="right"| 1,739||align="right"| 1,797||Batu Belanak||align="center"| 3||29785||align="center"| 0
|-
| 21.03.09 || Subi <ref>Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 26 September 2024, ''Kecamatan Subi Dalam Angka 2024'' (Katalog-BPS 1102001.2103061)</ref>|| (Subi Islands) ||align="right"| 139.12 || align="right" | 2,577||align="right"| 3,064||align="right"| 2,343||Subi||align="center"| 6||29779||align="center"| 24
|-
| 21.03.23 || Pulau Panjang <ref>Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 26 September 2024, ''Kecamatan Pulau Panjang Dalam Angka 2024'' (Katalog-BPS 1102001.2103063)</ref>|| (Panjang Island) ||align="right"| 7.12 || align="right" | <sup>(f)</sup>||align="right"| <sup>(f)</sup>||align="right"| 854||Pulau Panjang||align="center"| 2||29779||align="center"| 2
|-
| 21.03.06 || [[Serasan District|Serasan]]<ref>Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 26 September 2024, ''Kecamatan Serasan Dalam Angka 2024'' (Katalog-BPS 1102001.2103060)</ref>|| (West Serasan) ||align="right"| 44.72 || align="right" | 4,506||align="right"| 5,266||align="right"| 5,236||[[Serasan]]|| align="center" | 7||29781||align="center"| 31
|-
| 21.03.19 || Serasan Timur <ref>Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 26 September 2024, ''Kecamatan Serasan Timur Dalam Angka 2024'' (Katalog-BPS 1102001.2103062)</ref>|| (East Serasan) ||align="right"| 29.36 || align="right" | 2,731||align="right"| 3,202||align="right"| 3,320||Arung Ayam||align="center"| 4||29780||align="center"| 10
|-
| 21.03 || ''Totals'' || ||align="right"| ''1978.49'' ||align="right"| ''69,003''||align="right"| ''81,495''||align="right"| ''86,760''||''Ranai''||align="center"| ''77''|| ||align="center"| ''159''
|}

Notes: (a) the populations of the new Pulau Seluan District are included in the figures for Bunguran Utara District, from which it was split off in 2022. <br>(b) comprising 4 ''kelurahan'' (Bandarsyah, Batu Hitam, Ranai Darat and Ranai Kota) and 3 ''desa''. (c) the 2010 population of the new Bunguran Batubi District is included in the figure for Bunguran Barat District, from which it was split off in 2014. <br>(d) the 2010 population of the new Pulau Tiga Barat District is included in the figure for Pulau Tiga District, from which it was split off in 2014. <br>(e) the 2010 population of the new Suak Midai District is included in the figure for Midai District, from which it was split off in 2014. <br>(f) the populations of the new Pulau Panjang District are included in the figures for Subi District, from which it was split off in 2022.

===Maritime administration and Chinese claim===
Indonesia's [[exclusive economic zone|EEZ]] extends 200 nautical miles (370&nbsp;km) from its shores (as per the 1982 UNCLOS), which, around Natuna, means it is slightly intersected by China's [[nine-dash line]], defining its widely disputed claim to most of the [[South China Sea]]. In 2014–2015, the presence of the [[Indonesian National Armed Forces]] on the islands was reinforced, which the [[Government of Indonesia|Indonesian government]] hoped would reduce the chance of any conflict.<ref name="BBC14" /> Then from late 2019, Chinese fishing vessels increased illegal activity within the EEZ, escorted by a [[China Coast Guard|Chinese Coast Guard]] vessel. Indonesia responded with a formal diplomatic protest to Beijing<ref>[https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2019/12/31/indonesia-issues-protest-to-beijing-over-chinese-vessel-trespassing-in-natuna.html Indonesia issues protest to Beijing over Chinese vessel trespassing in Natuna], [[Jakarta Post]], 31 December 2019</ref> and then deployed to the region a further 600 troops and eight [[Indonesian Navy|navy]] warships, along with aerial support. The naval presence included [[Ahmad Yani-class frigate|Ahmad Yani-class]] [[frigate]]s, [[Bung Tomo-class corvette|Bung Tomo-class]] [[corvette]]s, and [[Parchim-class corvette|Kapitan Pattimura-class]] [[Anti-submarine warfare|ASW]] corvettes, while aerial support came from [[Naval aviation]] [[CASA/IPTN CN-235|CN-235 MPA]] aircraft, four [[Indonesian Air Force]] [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16s]] and a [[Boeing 737|Boeing 737-2x9]], with [[British Aerospace|BAE]] [[BAE Systems Hawk|Hawk]] aircraft nearby on alert. A visit to the area by President Joko Widodo in early January 2020 reinforced Indonesia's resolve not to tolerate such incursions.<ref>[https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1501646-20200108.htm Indonesia deploys warships, jets amid China spat], [[RTHK]], 9 Jan 2020</ref>

During a November 2024 state visit by Indonesian President [[Prabowo Subianto|Probowo Subianto]] to China, Indonesia and China signed a memorandum of understanding for "joint maritime development" in the area of the two countries "overlapping claims" near the Natuna Islands.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2024-11-11 |title=Will Indonesia-China development pact validate Beijing's South China Sea claims? |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3286097/indonesias-china-pact-natuna-islands-criticised-grave-mistake-risks-territorial-rights |access-date=2024-11-12 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref> Indonesia's Foreign Ministry subsequently issued a statement that the memorandum did not impact Indonesia's sovereignty or rights in the area and stating that in Indonesia's view the Chinese claims do not have a legal basis.<ref name=":4" /> Critics of the memorandum who were quoted by the [[South China Morning Post]] contended that the wording could support China's position regarding the South China Sea claims.<ref name=":4" />

==Economy==
Natuna Regency has great economic potential, especially in the marine, fisheries, and marine tourism sectors which are rich in natural beauty, such as beaches, coral reefs, and marine biodiversity. This potential can be the main source of regional income and create jobs for the local community. However, economic development in Natuna Regency faces challenges in infrastructure and inter-island connectivity as well as accessibility to other regions, which are still limited and affect the distribution of goods and public services.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Potensi Besar Perikanan dan Ekowisata di Natuna, Terganjal Akses |url=https://www.kppod.org/berita/view?id=1284 |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=www.kppod.org}}</ref> Therefore, the development of infrastructure such as ports, small airports, and adequate transportation routes is urgently needed to improve connectivity and accelerate regional economic development. In addition, to reduce dependence on natural resources and maintain long-term economic stability, diversification efforts into more sustainable sectors are needed. Increasing human resource capacity through training in the fisheries, tourism, and marine product processing sectors is also an important step to increase regional competitiveness and support the welfare of the Natuna community in a sustainable manner.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://lib.lemhannas.go.id/public/media/catalog/0010-092400000000102/swf/7867/88%20-%20Tunggul.pdf |title=Kajian Strategis Lemhannas RI |website=Perpustakaan Lemhannas RI |access-date=10 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=PIKP |first=Admin |title=Bupati Natuna Siap Teruskan Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan SDM Berkelanjutan |url=https://natunakab.go.id/bupati-natuna-siap-teruskan-pembangunan-infrastruktur-dan-sdm-berkelanjutan/ |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=PEMKAB NATUNA |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{bar box
|title=Religion in Natuna Regency (2023)<ref>{{cite web | url= https://e-database.kemendagri.go.id/dataset/1203/tabel-data?page=23| title=Religion in Indonesia |access-date=2024-08-25}}</ref>
|left1=religion
|right1=percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|Islam|Green|97.11}}
{{bar percent|Protestantism|Violet|1.39}}
{{bar percent|Buddhism|Golt|0.99}}
{{bar percent|Roman Catholicism|Purple|0.37}}
{{bar percent|Confucianism|Magenta|0.14}}
}}

=== Peoples ===
According to the 2010 census returns (released in 2011), the population of the islands stood at 69,003 people.<ref name="Biro Pusat Statistik 2011"/> 85.27% of the inhabitants were [[Malays (ethnic group)|Malays]], with the remainder consisting of [[Javanese people|Javanese]], [[Sumatra]]ns and [[Chinese Indonesian|Chinese]]. By the 2020 census, this had grown to 81,495,<ref name="Badan Pusat Statistik 2021"/> and by mid 2023 it had grown to 83,668.<ref>Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 26 September 2024, ''Kabupaten Natuna Dalam Angka 2024'' (sum of figures in the Katalog reports for the 13 districts, as referenced below)</ref>

===Religion===
Islam is the dominant religion in the islands,<ref>[http://www.mstar.com.my/lain-lain/rencana/2013/12/07/kepulauan-natuna-bergeografikan-malaysia-berdaulatkan-indonesia/ The Natuna Islands: Geographically Malaysian, politically Indonesian], mstar.com.my. 7 December 2013 (in Malay)</ref> with 96.97% of the total population identify themselves as Muslim. Other religions are Christianity, which forms 1.66% of the total population, Buddhism, which forms 1.23% of the total population, and Confucianism, which forms 0.14% of the total population. The largest mosque is located in the north-east corner of the islands. The [[:id:Masjid Agung Natuna|Masjid Agung Natuna]] was built over two years from 2007 to 2009, and is visited by at least 10,000 people every day.

==Transportation==
===Harbors and airports===
The military harbour was headquartered on Teuku Umar for Navy ships tasked on the Natuna Sea.

[[Ranai-Natuna Airport]] is located at [[Ranai, Natuna Island|Ranai]], the capital city of Natuna Regency. The airport is also a Type B airbase of the [[Indonesian Air Force]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jakartagreater.com/kenaikan-tipe-lanud-natuna-untuk-jawab-tantangan/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115220221/http://jakartagreater.com/kenaikan-tipe-lanud-natuna-untuk-jawab-tantangan/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=15 January 2016|title=Kenaikan Tipe Lanud Natuna, untuk Jawab Tantangan • JakartaGreater|date=13 January 2016|access-date=8 February 2017}}</ref> Other than that, the airport also serves civilian flights. The airport also accommodates large military aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://serantaunews.com/baca/8831/pesawat-tempur-mulai-disiagakan-di-lanud-ranai.html|title=Pesawat Tempur Mulai Disiagakan di Lanud Ranai|first=Serantau News dot|last=COM|access-date=8 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817021825/http://serantaunews.com/baca/8831/pesawat-tempur-mulai-disiagakan-di-lanud-ranai.html|archive-date=17 August 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> A new passenger terminal opened in October 2016, inaugurated by President [[Joko Widodo]].<ref>[http://news.detik.com/berita/d-3314760/presiden-jokowi-resmikan-terminal-bandara-ranai-di-pulau-natuna Presiden Jokowi Resmikan Terminal Bandara Ranai di Pulau Natuna]</ref><ref name="nasional.tempo.co">{{cite web|url=https://nasional.tempo.co/read/news/2016/10/07/078810309/jokowi-resmikan-terminal-bandara-ranai-natuna|title=Jokowi Resmikan Terminal Bandara Ranai Natuna|date=7 October 2016 |access-date=8 February 2017}}</ref>

The airport resides at an elevation of {{convert|2|m|0}} above [[mean sea level]]. It has one [[runway]] designated 18/36 with an [[Asphalt concrete|asphalt]] surface measuring 2,560 m x 32 m (8,399&nbsp;ft × 105&nbsp;ft). The runway is planned to be widened to 80 m in 2020. Moreover, the airport has an apron measuring 120 m x 60 m and a taxiway measuring 50 m x 32 m.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dephub.go.id/welcome/readPost/jelang-diresmikan-presiden,-menhub-cek-kesiapan-terminal-bandara-ranai-natuna|title=Jelang Diresmikan Presiden, Menhub Cek Kesiapan Terminal Bandara Ranai Natuna|first=Asep Muhamad|last=<asep.muhamad[at]torche.co.id>|access-date=8 February 2017}}</ref>

The recently built terminal at the airport has an area of 3,868 m<sup>2</sup>, many times larger than the old terminal which only had an area of 243 m<sup>2</sup>. The new terminal can accommodate around 13,850 passengers daily.<ref name="nasional.tempo.co"/> The parking lot has been expanded to 5,020 m<sup>2</sup> and can now cater to around 3,940 cars and 750 motorcycles. Other facilities inside the airport are the Aviation Accidents Rescue and Fire Fighting building, a generator and the pump house.

==See also==
{{Portal|Indonesia|Islands}}
* [[Anambas Islands]]
* [[Badas Islands]]
* [[Tambelan archipelago]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (2005) [http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/websites/pollux/pollux.nss.nima.mil/NAV_PUBS/SD/pub163/163sec01.pdf "Borneo: Northwest Coast and Kepulauan Tudjuh"] ''Sailing directions (enroute): Borneo, Jawa, Sulawesi, and Nusa Tenggara'' United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

== External links ==
{{Commons category|position=left|Natuna Regency}}
{{Wikivoyage|Natuna Islands|Natuna Regency}}
{{Natuna Regency}}
{{IslandsofRiauIslands}}
{{RiauIslandsProvince}}
{{South China Sea}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Natuna Regency| ]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1999]]
[[Category:Populated places in Indonesia]]
[[Category:Islands of Indonesia]]