East Java is one of the many diverse locations that make up the Indonesian archipelago. Located on the eastern side of the island of Java, East Java is home to a unique combination of geography, history, culture and economy that is distinct from other parts of the country. To understand East Java better and learn why it’s worth visiting, it’s important to get to know its various elements, including its geography and climate, political and administrative divisions, cities, cultural landmarks, natural resources, economic activity and its transportation infrastructure and tourism highlights. This article will explore all these features in detail so that you can get an accurate understanding of why East Java should be a place you consider visiting while in Indonesia.

Overview of East Java

East Java is a province of Indonesia located on the eastern portion of the island of Java. It borders Central Java to the west and is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the south. The province is the second most populous in Indonesia, with over 39 million people calling it home.

East Java is known for its rich cultural heritage, with many traditional Javanese arts and crafts still practiced today. The province is also home to some of Indonesia’s most beautiful beaches, with the popular tourist destination of Bali located just off the coast. East Java is also home to some of the country’s most important historical sites, including the ancient city of Borobudur and the ruins of the Majapahit Empire.

Historical Context of East Java

East Java has a long and rich history that dates back to the pre-colonial period. During this time, it was ruled by several kingdoms, most notably the Majapahit Empire in the fourteenth century. After colonization by the Dutch East India Company in 1682, East Java remained under Dutch control until 1945. This partly explains why East Java has such a diverse cultural and religious heritage.

The Dutch influence is still evident in East Java today, with many of the buildings and monuments in the region having been built during the colonial period. The Dutch also introduced a number of new crops and agricultural techniques, which have had a lasting impact on the local economy. Additionally, the Dutch brought with them a variety of religious beliefs, which have been embraced by the people of East Java and continue to shape the region’s culture and identity.

Geography and Climate of East Java

East Java covers a total area of approximately 47,800 square kilometers and is home to seven major mountain ranges, the highest of which is Mount Semeru at 3,676 meters above sea level. From a climate perspective, East Java has both tropical and dry seasons. The dry season usually lasts from May to September and is characterised by strong winds and little rainfall. The wet season generally runs from October to April.

The average temperature in East Java is around 25°C, with the highest temperatures occurring in the dry season. The humidity is generally high throughout the year, with the highest levels occurring during the wet season. The average annual rainfall in East Java is around 1,500 mm, with the highest levels occurring in the mountainous areas.

Political and Administrative Divisions of East Java

East Java is divided into 29 regencies (kabupaten) and 8 cities (kotamadya), with each regency or city having their own government and legislative body. The Governor of East Java is responsible for overseeing all the regencies and cities within the province.

The regencies and cities of East Java are further divided into districts (kecamatan) and villages (desa). Each district and village has its own local government and legislative body, which is responsible for managing the local affairs of the area.

Major Cities in East Java

East Java’s capital and largest city is Surabaya, with a population of almost 3 million. Other major cities include Malang, Kediri, Madiun and Pasuruan. These cities are often referred to as tiga kota (“three cities”) as they form their own metro area.

East Java is a popular tourist destination, with many attractions such as the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, the Ijen Crater, and the Madakaripura Waterfall. The cities of East Java are also known for their vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore.

Cultural Landmarks in East Java

East Java is home to a number of important cultural attractions including the majestic Buddhist temple of Borobudur, located near the city of Malang. Other attractions include Ijen Crater, Ubuduhan Javanese Temple, Candi Jago Temple, Trowulan Archaeological Park and several other cultural sites.

The city of Malang is also home to the Museum Angkut, which houses a collection of vintage cars, buses, and other vehicles from the 1950s and 1960s. The museum also features a variety of interactive exhibits and activities, making it a great destination for families. Additionally, the city of Surabaya is home to the House of Sampoerna, a museum dedicated to the history of the Sampoerna cigarette company.

Natural Resources in East Java

East Java is abundant in natural resources. The province’s forests are home to a wide range of plants and animals. The agricultural sector is also thriving. The province is known for its production of sugar cane, rubber, tobacco, coffee and seafood. Natural gas reserves have also been discovered near Surabaya.

In addition to these resources, East Java is also home to a number of mineral deposits. These include iron ore, copper, gold, and coal. The province is also known for its production of salt, which is used in a variety of industries. East Java is an important source of energy for the country, with several hydroelectric power plants located in the region.

Economic Activity in East Java

The economy of East Java is largely driven by industry, with its major cities hosting numerous factories that produce items ranging from cars to electronics. The province also has a large tourism sector because of its many cultural landmarks and natural features. Additionally, there is a thriving service sector in East Java.

The province is home to a number of large-scale industrial projects, such as the Surabaya-Gresik Toll Road and the Madura Strait Bridge. These projects have helped to boost the economy of East Java, providing jobs and investment opportunities. Furthermore, the province has seen an increase in foreign investment in recent years, with many companies setting up operations in the region.

Transportation Infrastructure in East Java

East Java has an extensive transportation network that includes both an international airport in Surabaya and two other regional airports in Malang and Tuban. The provincial government also operates an extensive network of bus and train lines that connect major cities throughout the province. Most tourists prefer taking bus or train rides during their visit to East Java.

Tourism Highlights in East Java

East Java is home to several attractions that draw tourists from all over Indonesia and beyond. These include its wonderful cultural landmarks such as Borobudur temple and Ijen Crater, as well as beaches such as Watu Dodol Beach, Pasir Putih Beach and Klayar Beach. Additionally, East Java has some of Indonesia’s most picturesque waterfalls, such as Jatim Park II’s Madakaripura Waterfall.

Conclusion: Why Visit East Java?

East Java is an exciting destination with a great combination of historical, cultural and natural attractions. There are numerous reasons why it should be at the top of your list when deciding where to go in Indonesia: its varied geography, rich historic background, abundance of natural resources, vibrant cities, cultural sites, beautiful beaches and waterfalls are all excellent aspects to consider when choosing where to visit during your trip. With so much to experience and explore, East Java is definitely worth considering when planning your next holiday in Indonesia!