| Batanta | |
| Pushpin Map: | Indonesia Raja Ampat#Indonesia Maluku |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location in Raja Ampat Islands##Location in Papua |
| Location: | Pacific Ocean |
| Coordinates: | -0.8678°N 130.6575°W |
| Archipelago: | Raja Ampat Islands |
| Area Km2: | 479.52 |
| Highest Mount: | 1184 m |
| Country Admin Divisions Title: | Province |
| Country Admin Divisions: | Southwest Papua |
| Population: | 4,001 |
| Population As Of: | mid 2024 estimate |
| Density Km2: | 8.35 |
Batanta is one of the four major islands in the Raja Ampat Islands in Southwest Papua province, Indonesia. Its area is 479.52 km2 (including smaller offshore islands) and its highest point is 1184 m. The Pitt Strait separates it from Salawati Island, while the Dampier Strait separates it from Waigeo Island. The population was estimated at 4,001 as at mid 2024.[1]
Dampier Strait is named after the English explorer William Dampier. In 1759 Captain William Wilson sailing in the East Indiaman Pitt navigated these waters and named the channel between Batanta and Salawati as Pitt Strait, after his vessel.
Islam first arrived in the Raja Ampat archipelago in the 15th century due to political and economic contacts with the Bacan Sultanate.[2] During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Sultanate of Tidore had close economic ties with the island. During this period, Islam became firmly established and local chiefs began adopting Islam.[3] Batanta was historically under the rule of the Salawati Kingdom, one of the Raja Ampat (Four Kings).
The following reptile, mammal, and bird species are found on the island:
