Obi (island)

Obi
Obi
Geography
LocationSouth East Asia
Coordinates1°30′S 127°45′E / 1.500°S 127.750°E / -1.500; 127.750
ArchipelagoObi Islands
Area2,542 km2 (981 sq mi)
Administration
Indonesia
ProvinceNorth Maluku
Demographics
Population29,642 (2010)

Obi (also called Obira) is the main island in the Obi Islands group of Indonesia, south of the larger Halmahera in North Maluku. Its area is 2,542 km².

The island is eponymous to the Obi Island Birdwing, an endemic species of butterfly. Extensive logging on the island has reduced its habitat, making the species' conservation a concern.

In July 2016, provincial governor Abdul Ghani Kasuba successfully negotiated with the China-based Jinchun Group for the building of a nine-trillion rupiah nickel smelter on the island.