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East Java

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East Java is a large province in Indonesia.

East Java Province
East Java Province

It sits on the eastern third of Java island. To the north lies the Java Sea. To the south is the Indian Ocean. A narrow strip of water called the Bali Strait separates it from Bali.

Sub-region of East Java
Sub-region of East Java

The province also includes Madura island. A long bridge called the Suramadu Bridge connects Madura to Java. Other small island groups sit further east in the northern Bali Sea.

Many different groups of people live here. The Javanese, Madurese, and Chinese are some of the main ethnic groups. Most people follow Islam, which is practiced by about 94% of the population.

Apel Hari Santri 22 Oktober 2016
Apel Hari Santri 22 Oktober 2016

Other religions like Christianity, Buddhism, and Confucianism are also practiced. Some people, like the Tenggerese, follow Hinduism.

The Beauty of Bromo Mountains
The Beauty of Bromo Mountains

People use the Indonesian language for official things. However, many people speak Javanese or Madurese in their daily lives.

This land has a very long history. Humans lived here in prehistoric times.

Kertolo Statue 5136 (310d)
Kertolo Statue 5136 (310d)

Scientists found fossils of early humans in places like Mojokerto and Ngawi. Later, powerful kingdoms rose in this region. The Singhasari Kingdom was founded by Ken Arok in 1222. After that, the Majapahit Empire became one of the strongest in Southeast Asia.

Kertolo Statue 5136 (310d)
Kertolo Statue 5136 (310d)

It reached its peak under the rule of Hayam Wuruk and Gajah Mada.

As time passed, new religions and leaders arrived. Islam began to spread across the area.

Ampel Mosque in 2008
Ampel Mosque in 2008

By the 16th century, Islamic kingdoms became more powerful. European countries also began to arrive. The Dutch had a presence in the area for a long time. Later, Japan occupied the region during a war.

Surabaya, Netherlands East Indies, under attack, 17 May 1944 (NNAM.1996.488.024.025)
Surabaya, Netherlands East Indies, under attack, 17 May 1944 (NNAM.1996.488.024.025)

After much fighting, Indonesia gained its independence.

Today, East Java is a busy and beautiful place. Surabaya is the capital and the second largest city in Indonesia.

Central Surabaya view taken from JW Marriott Surabaya
Central Surabaya view taken from JW Marriott Surabaya

It is a major center for business and industry. The province is also famous for its many natural sights. You can visit the Ijen volcano or Baluran National Park.

Wild Deers near Bama Point, Baluran
Wild Deers near Bama Point, Baluran

There are also many caves, beaches, and waterfalls to explore. Many people live in the area, with over 41 million people in 2024.

Juanda Airport Apron
Juanda Airport Apron
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🖼️ Images & Media (20)
File:Kertolo Statue 5136 (310d).jpg
Kertolo Statue 5136 (310d).jpg
File:Ampel Mosque in 2008.jpg
Ampel Mosque in 2008.jpg
File:Surabaya, Netherlands East Indies, under attack, 17 May 1944 (NNAM.1996.488.024.025).jpg
Surabaya, Netherlands East Indies, under...
File:Global Forest Change tree-cover loss year in East Java, 2001-2024.png
Global Forest Change tree-cover loss year...
File:The Beauty of Bromo Mountains.jpg
The Beauty of Bromo Mountains.jpg
File:Frost at Ranu Pani on 4 August 2018 by Susanto Tan.jpg
Frost at Ranu Pani on 4 August 2018 by...
File:Sub-region of East Java.png
Sub-region of East Java.png
File:East_Java_Province.png
East_Java_Province.png
File:Central_Surabaya_view_taken_from_JW_Marriott_Surabaya.jpg
Central_Surabaya_view_taken_from_JW_Marrio...
File:Ruas Tol Pandaan-Malang..jpg
Ruas Tol Pandaan-Malang..jpg
File:Kereta Api Jenggala.jpg
Kereta Api Jenggala.jpg
File:Surabaya Johnny Walker-Anitha-Erlin-Gedung Kuno Syahbandar.jpg
Surabaya Johnny...

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