The Natuna Islands are located in the South China Sea, closer to Malaysia than to Indonesia. However, they are currently administered as part of the Riau Islands province of Indonesia. The reason for this lies in historical and geopolitical factors.

1. Historical context: The Natuna Islands have been part of the Indonesian archipelago for centuries. They were historically part of the Sultanate of Johor, which included parts of present-day Malaysia and Indonesia. When the Dutch colonized the region, they gradually gained control over the islands, and they became part of the Dutch East Indies, which later became Indonesia.

2. International recognition: The international community recognizes the Natuna Islands as part of Indonesia's territorial sovereignty. This recognition is based on various factors, including historical claims, international law, and agreements between nations. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) also plays a role in determining maritime boundaries.

3. Geopolitical considerations: The Natuna Islands are strategically important due to their location in the South China Sea, which is rich in natural resources and a major shipping route. The area is also subject to territorial disputes between several countries, including China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Indonesia's administration of the Natuna Islands helps maintain its territorial integrity and assert its sovereignty in the region.

Cultural similarities between the Natuna Islands and Malaysia can be attributed to their geographical proximity and historical connections. However, political and administrative boundaries do not always align perfectly with cultural or ethnic boundaries.