The island of Biak forms part of the Schouten Islands, and dominates the entrance to Geelvink Bay, near the western end of New Guinea; its terrain and location about   from Hollandia and  from Sarmi (where the Japanese had begun concentrating supply bases and airfields), made it well suited to airfield construction, particularly in the flatter southeastern area.
The island of Biak is part of the Schouten Islands and its strategic position near Hollandia and Sarmi, where the Japanese were building supply bases and airfields, made it a suitable location for airfield construction, especially in the flatter southeastern area.