Which Indonesian Island Lies Northwest of Australia?

The Indonesian island situated just northwest of the Australian mainland is Bali. However, this statement requires clarification: Bali is actually part of the Lesser Sunda Islands and lies roughly 1,100 km (680 mi) north of Australia's Kimberley coast—not immediately adjacent.

Geographic Context

• Closest Indonesian territory to Australia: The island of Rote (part of East Nusa Tenggara) is only ~500 km from the Australian coast.
• Bali's position: East of Java, west of Lombok; latitude ~8° S, longitude ~115° E.
• Tourism fame: Bali is indeed one of the world's most visited islands, renowned for temples, rice terraces, surf breaks, and Hindu-Balinese culture.

Other Northwest Islands

If "northwest Indonesia" refers to the country's northwestern extremity, that would be Sumatra (specifically Aceh province) and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Indian territory) near the Strait of Malacca.

For travelers: direct flights connect Perth/Darwin to Bali (Denpasar) in 3–4 hours.