Sumatera

Sumatera, also known as Sumatra in English, is the westernmost major island of Indonesia and one of the Sunda Islands in Southeast Asia. It covers about 473,481 square kilometers, making it the sixth-largest island in the world. The island is home to roughly 58 million people and is divided into eight provinces: Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, Bengkulu, and Lampung. The Mentawai Islands lie off its western coast and are part of West Sumatra.

Geography and environment: Sumatera lies along the Sunda Shelf, with the Barisan mountain range running along its western edge and hosting several volcanoes, including Kerinci (3,805 meters). The equator passes near the central region. Major rivers include the Musi, Siak, and Batang Hari. The coastline is lengthy and varied, featuring tropical rainforest, peatlands, and lowland plains. Protected areas such as the Leuser Ecosystem and sections of the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflect the island’s biodiversity.

People and culture: The island is ethnically diverse, with communities such as the Acehnese, Batak, Minangkabau, Melayu, and Lampung. Islam is the dominant religion, alongside minority Christian and Hindu communities. Prominent urban centers include Medan (North Sumatra), Padang (West Sumatra), Pekanbaru (Riau), Palembang (South Sumatra), and Bandar Lampung (Lampung).

Economy: Key sectors are agriculture, forestry, and mining. Major crops include palm oil, rubber, coffee, and pepper, while petroleum, natural gas, and coal contribute to energy resources. The economy centers around coastal and inland towns with ports and industrial areas.

History and environment: Sumatera has a long history of regional trade and Dutch colonial rule. Ongoing environmental challenges include deforestation and peatland drainage, impacting biodiversity, including iconic species such as the Sumatran tiger and orangutan.