group of the northern Moluccas, Maluku Utara (North Moluccas) provinsi (province), Indonesia. They lie south of Halmahera Island, north of Ceram Island, and east of the Sula Islands. The principal island of the group is Obi Island, 52 miles (84 km) long and 28 miles (47 km) wide, which contains the only major village, Laiwui, located on the northeastern coast opposite Bisa Island. Obi Island is mountainous, with a peak of 5,285 feet (1,611 metres) and a coastal plain around most of the island. Other major islands in the group are Bisa, Obilatu, and Tobalai. Claimed by the Dutch in 1682, the islands were occupied by the Japanese during World War II and became part of the Republic of Indonesia in 1949. They produce some sago, a starchy substance obtained from the pith of sago palms, and forest products.