Buka Buka Island


Buka Buka Island is a heavily wooded island located about northeast of Tanjung Api in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. The island rises to an elevation of and is surrounded by coastal waters in the Maluku Sea.

Geography

Buka Buka Island is a secluded, unspoiled island in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. It is approximately 2 kilometres wide and surrounded by fertile marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, that are part of Indonesia's diverse coastal ecosystem. The island is dense with tropical forests and coastal ecosystems and is therefore secluded and ecologically significant. Fresh water is scarce, with locals traditionally walking up through the bush for about an hour to collect water. In addition to providing a natural environment for activities like kayaking, snorkelling, and coral reef restoration, Buka Buka includes both marine and terrestrial biodiversity.

Economy

Buka Buka Island's economy is primarily driven by tourism, with several resorts operating on the island. These resorts attract visitors looking for a secluded and pristine destination, making tourism a key source of local income and employment.
Buka Buka Island faced a problem with fresh water scarcity during the development of a resort. Initially, the island relied on costly and unreliable water imports, making sustainable, year-round fresh water supply a major challenge. Addressing this scarcity was crucial for creating a self-sufficient and environmentally friendly living environment on the remote island.

Flora and fauna

Buka Buka Island is home to a range of marine fauna, as mentioned in several historical records. The island is noted as one of the recorded locations for Etrumeus albulina, a species of round herring, and forms part of the habitat range for Pinjalo pinjalo, a type of snapper. It is also included in the distribution range of Acanthurus pyroferus, a surgeonfish species, and Callyodon oviceps, a parrotfish documented by de Beaufort in 1910.