The development of small islands in the last few decades has not shown optimal and sustainable results. This problem occurs on small islands with a high population density coupled with high socio-cultural and economic activities with dense settlements as estimating indicators. This study aims to determine the variables and indicators that are able to formulate an index of the sustainability of small island development. This research method uses a scientific literature study approach related to the sustainability of development and management of small islands so that from the literature review, the most appropriate variables and indicators are used to formulate a new index in determining the sustainability of small island development.