an island of Indonesia, in the Lesser Sunda Islands (Nusa Tenggara) east of Java: came under Dutch rule in 1894; important biologically as being transitional between Asian and Australian in flora and fauna, the line of demarcation beginning at Lombok Strait (a channel between Lombok and Bali, connecting the Flores Sea with the Indian Ocean). Chief town: Mataram. Pop: 2 536 000 (2004 est). Area: 4730 sq km (1826 sq miles)