BANKA e BILLITON, APOSTOLIC PREFECTURE di. - Systematic evangelization began in 1912, when the islands of B. and B. (the Dutch East Indies), together with almost the whole of the Riouw archipelago, were incorporated into the apostolic prefecture of Sumatra, from which that of B. and B. was subsequently detached on 27 Dec. 1923. In 1824 the Picpus missionary fathers arrived there.
The area of the territory, comprising the aforesaid islands and archipelago with their dependencies, is 26,933 sq. km.; the total population is approximately 456,500 inhabitants, of whom 1,959 are Catholics and 95 catechumens; approximately 1,500 Protestants, approximately 275,000 Muslims (Malays), and approximately 180,000 pagans. In the six principal and five secondary stations there are 17 priests, with 11 brothers and 14 nuns. There are 4 elementary schools with 1,124 pupils. The new political situation creates considerable difficulties for the apostolate, especially in the educational field.