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Malang

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Malang is a major inland city in the East Java province of Indonesia.

Historically known as Tumapel, the city serves as a vital economic and educational hub. It is the third largest city by economy in East Java, following Surabaya and Kediri. In 2016, the city's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was estimated at Rp. 44.30 trillion. The city is also famous for its mild climate. This pleasant weather made it a popular destination for Europeans during Dutch colonization. Today, Malang remains a significant center for international tourism.

Idjen Street, Malang, 2019
Idjen Street, Malang, 2019

The geography of the Malang region has changed significantly over millions of years. During the Pleistocene era, the area was a deep basin. It was surrounded by intense volcanic activity from nearby mountains. These included the Karst Mountains, Mount Kawi, Mount Butak, and the Kelud volcano. The Arjuno-Welirang complex and the Tengger Mountains also shaped the landscape.

Mount Arjuna
Mount Arjuna

At that time, the basin was filled with lava flows. It was not yet suitable for human habitation. As time passed, rainwater from mountain slopes filled the basin. This created ancient swamps and large lakes. Eventually, these lakes dried up during the Holocene era. This process transformed the region into a high plateau.

Early human history in Malang began on the surrounding mountain slopes. During the era of hunting and collecting food, people lived in natural caves. Archaeologists have discovered Paleolithic and Mesolithic artifacts in these high areas. These include stone tools like chalcedony tools and andesite axes near Mount Kawi. As the ancient lakes disappeared, humans moved down to the plateau. They began to establish agricultural settlements near rivers. Researchers found artifacts known as "Watu Gong" in Dinoyo. These stone pieces likely served as the foundations for stilt houses. These early settlements were the precursors to advanced civilizations in the region.

The political history of Malang is marked by several powerful kingdoms. The Kanjuruhan Kingdom is one of the earliest recorded governments. The Dinoyo inscription, dated to the year 760, provides evidence of this era. It mentions King Gajayana, who ruled an Indianized Hindu kingdom. Later, the region fell under the influence of the Mataram Kingdom. During the reign of King Dyah Balitung, the area became a "watak," or a district. This meant it was a region under the authority of a king. The area also saw the influence of the Singhasari Kingdom. Many historical relics, such as Jago Temple, remain from these periods.

Candi Jago C
Candi Jago C

The name "Malang" itself is a subject of historical debate. One theory links the name to the word "Malangkuçeçwara." This term refers to a legendary sacred building. The name translates to "God has destroyed the false and enforced the right." This concept is used as the official motto of the city. Some experts believe the building was located near Mount Buring. Others suggest it was in the Tumpang area. Another theory involves a 1614 military assault by the Mataram Sultanate. According to folklore, the name comes from the Javanese word "halangi," meaning to block. This refers to local residents who blocked the arrival of Mataram troops.

Malang is currently a very large and diverse urban center. As of mid-2024, the city's population was approximately 889,359 people. The population includes 442,076 males and 447,283 females. Most residents are Javanese, but the city also has Madurese and Chinese or Peranakan groups. The wider Malang Metropolitan area, or Malang Raya, is even larger. It includes the city of Batu and 22 surrounding districts. This metropolitan area is the second largest in East Java. It is home to over 3 million inhabitants as of 2024. The city has shown steady growth following the Asian financial crisis.

Modern Malang is widely recognized as a premier educational center in Indonesia. It hosts two of the country's top universities: Brawijaya University and Malang State University.

MonumenTuguUB
MonumenTuguUB
Muhammadiyah University of Malang, 2019
Muhammadiyah University of Malang, 2019

This academic focus brings many students to the city. The city also preserves its rich heritage through various cultural activities. The Malang Tempo Doeloe Festival is one such event. Visitors can also see Dutch colonial architecture, such as the Ijen Cathedral.

COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Kerk van het Heilig Hart te Malang. TMnr 60005904
COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Kerk van het Heilig Hart te Malang. TMnr 60005904

Landmarks like Tugu Malang serve as symbols of the city's long history. From ancient temples to modern universities, Malang connects the past with the present.

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🖼️ Images & Media (19)
File:Miniatur Dataran Tinggi Malang.jpg
Miniatur Dataran Tinggi Malang.jpg
File:Kediri Kingdom id.svg
Kediri Kingdom id.svg
File:Candi Jago C.JPG
Candi Jago C.JPG
File:Majapahit Core and Provinces.svg
Majapahit Core and Provinces.svg
File:COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Kerk van het Heilig Hart te Malang. TMnr 60005904.jpg
COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Kerk van het...
File:Coat of Arms of Malang (1921).svg
Coat of Arms of Malang (1921).svg
File:Malang._(Reproductie_van_een_foto,_genomen_onder_de_Japanse_bezetting.)_De_Japan,_Bestanddeelnr_344-5-4.jpg
Malang._(Reproductie_van_een_foto,_genomen...
File:Mount Arjuna.jpg
Mount Arjuna.jpg
File:Seorang Pemotor Melintasi Jembatan Suhat, Kota Malang. April 2021.jpg
Seorang Pemotor Melintasi Jembatan Suhat,...
File:Idjen Street, Malang, 2019.jpg
Idjen Street, Malang, 2019.jpg
File:Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport.jpg
Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport.jpg
File:MonumenTuguUB.jpg
MonumenTuguUB.jpg

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