I am currently discussing with Dr. Ioannis Spilanis from University of the Aegean, Greece, about theoretical impact of island studies: How are islands connected with each other? I propose that 'island-connectedness' is also affected by ethnic issues -particularly in multi-ethnic Indonesia. Dr. Spilanis is currently considering this.

3. Geographical
Distance to Core
Cities
Geographical
Distance to Service
Centers
Population Size of
Islands

5. • Aegean Islanders are ethnically
homogenous.
• Therefore, we can presume that island
connectivity could be attributed to
geographical factors.
• However, Indonesian islands are
ethnically-complex and heterogeneous.

6. • Sebatik Islanders have been known to
be socially and economically-
dependent to Tawau, Malaysia.
• Here, people still feel ethnic
connections between Sebatik islanders
and the Malays of Tawau –both of them
mostly are of Bugis ethnic descent.
• Therefore, I propose that ethnicity is
also an important factor of island
connectivity, particularly in ethnically-
diverse islands.