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East Java

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East Java is a large province located in the easternmost third of Java island in Indonesia.

East Java Province
East Java Province

It is bordered by Central Java to the west and the Java Sea to the north. The Indian Ocean forms its southern coast. To the east, the narrow Bali Strait separates the province from the island of Bali. The province also includes Madura island, which is connected to Java by the Suramadu Bridge, the longest bridge in Indonesia. Other island groups, such as the Kangean islands and the Masalembu archipelago, are also part of this region.

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

Surabaya serves as the capital of East Java. It is the second largest city in Indonesia and functions as a major business and industrial center.

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

The province is highly populated and growing. In 2010, the population was 37,476,757 people. By 2020, this number rose to 40,665,696. Official estimates for mid-2024 placed the population at 41,914,499 people. This includes 20,848,660 males and 20,965,880 females. Almost one quarter of these residents live within the Greater Surabaya metropolitan area.

The culture of East Java is shaped by many different ethnic groups. These include the Javanese, Madurese, and Chinese people. Islam is the most common religion, practiced by approximately 94% of the population.

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

Other faiths like Christianity, Buddhism, and Confucianism are also present. These are often practiced by the Tionghoa people and immigrants. Hinduism is practiced by the Tenggerese people in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. It is also practiced by the Balinese people in the east and Indian Indonesians in Surabaya. While Indonesian is the official language, Javanese and Madurese are used most frequently. The Surabaya dialect of Javanese is common in the capital.

History in East Java stretches back to prehistoric times. Fossil remains of early humans have been found in several locations. These include Pithecanthropus mojokertensis in Mojokerto and Homo wajakensis in Tulungagung. During the Hindu-Buddhist era, the Dinoyo inscriptions from 760 CE recorded political events in the Kingdom of Kanjuruhan. In 1222, Ken Arok founded the Kingdom of Singhasari. This era saw many shifts in power through various rulers. Eventually, the Kingdom of Majapahit was founded by Raden Wijaya in 1294. Under the leadership of Hayam Wuruk and the Mahapatih Gajah Mada, Majapahit became a very strong empire in Southeast Asia.

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

Islam began to influence the region as the Majapahit Empire declined. Some experts estimate Islam entered Java around the 11th century. The tomb of Fatimah Binti Maimun in Gresik dates to 1085 AD. This suggests Arab traders frequented the north coast of Java during that time. By the 16th century, Islamic kingdoms had defeated the Majapahit Empire. This led to many aristocrats fleeing to Bali. However, some groups stayed in the mountains. The Tenggerese people continue to practice Hinduism in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.

Ampel Mosque in 2008
Ampel Mosque in 2008

European influence arrived through colonization. The Portuguese had a limited presence, but the Dutch arrived in 1596. An expedition led by Cornelis de Houtman marked the start of Dutch influence. Later, the British briefly controlled Java in 1811 under Governor-General Sir Stamford Raffles. The region also faced Japanese occupation. During this time, there was significant resistance, such as the PETA uprising in Blitar.

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 the Japanese surrender, a major battle occurred in Surabaya on 10 November 1945. This conflict between residents and allied forces was a key moment in the struggle for independence.

Today, East Java is known for its diverse natural beauty. The province features mountains, beaches, caves, and waterfalls. Tourists visit the Ijen volcano in Banyuwangi and Baluran National Park in Situbondo.

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

The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is another major destination.

The Beauty of Bromo Mountains
The Beauty of Bromo Mountains

Modern infrastructure, such as the Pandaan–Malang Toll Road, helps people travel through the region.

Ruas Tol Pandaan-Malang.
Ruas Tol Pandaan-Malang.

From major airports like Juanda to busy commuter lines, the province remains a vital part of Indonesia.

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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