West Nias, Administrative regency in North Sumatra, Indonesia
West Nias is an administrative regency occupying the western portion of Nias Island, with rugged terrain and an Indian Ocean coastline. The region borders three neighboring regencies and functions as an independent administrative unit centered around Lahomi.
The regency was created in 2008 following the division of the former Nias Regency under Law Number 46. This administrative split established a separate governmental unit with its own administrative structure.
The Mandrehe district contains megalithic structures dating from 500 to 2,500 years ago, representing ancient settlement patterns in the region.
The region is predominantly agricultural, with rice cultivation and maize farming as primary crops sustaining local livelihoods. Visitors should expect limited urban infrastructure and prepare for a rural setting with basic services.
Ancient stone structures can be found in the Mandrehe district, dating back several thousand years to early settlement times. These megaliths offer clues to how people first inhabited and organized settlements on the island.
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