Butung

Butung, also Buton or Boeton, island, central Indonesia, part of the Malay Archipelago, in the Banda Sea, lying off the south-eastern extremity of Celebes. About 145 km (90 mi) long and 64 km (40 mi) wide, with an area of 4,556 sq km (1,759 sq mi), it is densely wooded and mountainous, with elevations higher than 1,070 m (3,500 ft). Asphalt mining, farming, fishing, and timber production are the chief occupations. The chief town is Baubau, at the south-western extremity of the island. The population (1989 estimate) is 91,800.