East Java

East Java Province

The Capital City of East Java Province is “Surabaya”

The Java’s biggest province, East Java, owns nature and mountain scenery which are among the most impressive on the island. With it’s beaches among the most picturesque. The East Javanese mountains, with their dry air and rugged beauty, are first rate for hiking. Java’s tallest mountain, 3,676 meters high Mount Semeru, is in East Java. Yet, scenic beaches, majestic volcanoes and nature reserves are only part of the attractions of East Java, the island’s biggest province. East Java’s most famous attraction, however, is Mount Bromo, the desolate volcanic massif offering the most spectacular sunrise in South East Asia.

East Java was the focus of Javanese civillation for several centuries when the Majapahit eclipsed the Mataram empire and ruins are scattered throughout the Brantas valley. As central Java’s power declined around the 10^th century, powerful kingdoms made their ascent in East Java. The first important king in East Java was Empu Sendok, whose name emerged in the 9^th century A.D. the 10^th century saw the rise to power of Airlangga, one of East Java’s greatest kings. The progession of powerful kings to dominate the scene continued until it reached it’s apex in the 13^th century, when Gajah Mada became prime minister of the kingdom of Majapahit.

Founded in 1214 by Raden Wijaya, Majapahit exerted a profound influence on life and politics barely half a century later. The empire reached it’s bloom in 1250 under the rule of Queen Tribhuawanottungadewi, with the aforementioned Gajah Mada as prime minister. It was in this period of history that practically the entire Indonesia archipelago came under Majapahit’s iron rule. The period of greatness lasted during the rule of the queen’s successor, Hayam Wuruk, one of the East Java’s most famous kings. After Hayam Wuruk’s death in 1311, the empire crumbled, and after 1373 nothing is heard of the Majapahit dynasty, Moslem began it’s peaceful ascent.

Although East Java’s culture and traditions are closely affiliated to those of Central Java, they nevertheless dear a distinctly East Javanese character. Hinduism, too presented a different face in East Java’s temple architecture differs markedly from that of the central part of the island. Eas Java’s distinctive character is preserved in the various apects of it’s culture from music and dance to language and folk temperament.East Java is a paradise for unorthodox visitors or travellers and for those who relish antiquities or breathtaking views. Geographically and historically the provinece could be devided into trhee regions ; The North Coast including The Island of Madura, The Brantas River Valley, and Eastern Mountains with spectacular volcanoes, nature reserves and stunning scenery.

Sugar and coffee plantation blanketed East around Surabaya and Malang are dotted with hill resorts, including Tretes and Selecta, offering a cool and picturesque escape from the lowland heat. The arid savannah lands at Java’s North East tip have been declared a nature reserve. Baluran National Park is home to dozens of animal species along with over 150 types of bird. One of the best surfing sport in the world could be found in the Banyuwangi Selatan Reserve. Nature lovers should also visit the Meru Betiri Reserve and Sukamande Turtle Beach. Another exiting spectacle to be seen during August and September is the annual bull race on the island of Madura.

Surabaya

Surabaya is the seconnd biggest city in Indonesia and major port as provincial capital city of East Java after Jakarta, served for over half a millennium as trading port for the island empires of Java. Situated at the Brantas River, the city was officially founded in 1293 when Raden Widjaya established Majapahit, Indonesia’s most glorious empire on the site of a legendary battle between a shark (sura) and crocodile (baya), than combined “Surabaya”.

Surabaya is a booming metropolis of more tha five million people. As modern city, it boasts many good hotels, shopping centers, travel facilities and establishments for  entertainment. And Surabaya, known as the “City of Heroes” because of it’s role in the nation’s independence struggle, has grown into an elegant city of large, colonnaded building bordering broad, tree shaded avenues.The city’s historical sites include Kali Mas Harbor with it’s tall masted trading schooners and nearby, the narrow alleyways and shops of the Arab quarter, redolent of the Middle East. The historic Hotel Majapahit, where Indonesia’s war of independence was begun, and the elegant Grahadi State Buildings. An 18^th century mantion, have been restored as monuments to an era of colonial grace.

Surabaya is also home one of South East Asia’s oldest and largest zoos. The surrounding countysides offer the scenic beauties of the beaches, green rice paddy fields and colorfull landscape. One of the most exciting experiennces is watching a magnificent sunrise from the summit of  Mount Bromo. Surabaya serves as a convenient base for exploring the regions many charms, including Mount Bromo, the cool mountain retreats of Tretes and Malang also the natural wonders of several nature reserves. We are could visit there.

Suro & Boyo Monument

Suro and Boyo Monument is located opposite the entrance to the zoo. It’s designed as the symbol of Surabaya city as one of province in Indonesia.

Traditional Costumes

The East of Java's costume present traditional costume from Madura.The men wear black Pesa'an shirt that symbolize a bravery, firmness, and zestful.Pesa'an shirt is combined with T-shirt motif red-white stripe, balck loose pants, wide belt, a shawl cloth on the shoulder, and head cloth.The traditional head cloth called Odheng Santapan showing social status and culture identity.The women put on a short Kebaya knotted the edge and is combined with short Batik Sarong, two hair pins, earrings, Penggel (tarsus rings).

Surabaya Zoo

Surabaya Zoo is located at Jalan Setail 1. It’s to be the lrgest zoo in South East Asia. The zoo is well stocked and offfers a good selection of different kinds of animals, such as monkeys, deers, zebras, lions, elephants, camel, the famous komodo (The Giant Lizard) in the lesser Sunda chain is famous. The Nocurama section houses a collection of bats, flying squirrels and various other night animals.

Trowulan

The area around the village of Trowulan is believed to have been the site of the capital of mighty ancient empire of Majapahit. Excavations are still being made in an area where the old palace, is thought to have stood. Terracotta utensils, statues and many other items unearthed are put on display in a small museum on the excavation site. Authorized local craftmen sell replicas of statues to tourists.

The Red Bridge

The Red Bridge or Jembatan Merah, one of the most savage battles in Java’s history was fought around here. The ‘Battle of Surabaya’ began on 10 November 1945, less than three month after the proclamaton of independence of Indonesia had been read in Jakartamand it  was right here that Brigadier General Mallaby was killed. Further down the Red Bridge is Chinatown, an area packed with buildings of typical chinese contruction. It’s  still a crowded business and trade center.

The objects of interests are:

Mpu Tantular Museum, Loka Jala Crana Museum, DHD 45 Museum, Heroes Monument, Majapahit Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Kayoon Park & Flower Market, Submarine Monument, Blitar, Mount Bromo, Monumen Gerbong Maut, Mount Ijen, The Wurung Crater, Blawan Waterfall, The Tancak Kembar Waterfall, The Arabica Coffee Agro Tourism, Brass Handicrafts, Batik Tulis Handicraft, Home Industry “Tape”, Suwar Suwir, Kaliklatak Plantation, Malang, The Singosari Temples, The Jago Temples, The Kidal Temples, Mount Kawi, Madura Island& Suramadu, Bull Races, The Beaches, Lombang, Probolinggo, Jember &Watu Ulo Beach, Jember Fashion Carnival, Tretes, Baluran National Park, Banyuwangi, etc.  

Accommodation

Outside the city of Jakarta and the island of Bali, Surabaya has the largest number of big hotels with modern facilities. Surabaya with a variety of restaurants, nightclub, swimming pools, and also convention facilities. There are supperior standard, all with TV sets, restaurants, and refrigerator as well as telephones in the rooms, also air conditioning.

Transportation

Surabaya, the provincial capital, is Indonesian second largest city and an importan center of commerce and industry. Accordingly, it is well served by all sorts of means of air, land and sea transport as well as telecommunications with the rest of the island and the country.For flights coming from and going to Jakarta are consisted of aircrafts. Train and intercity buses run services to places all over Java. Fro trips insidethe city, there are the usual means of buses, minibuses, taxis, pedicabs, and also ferries to the island of Madura across the strait.

For complete information you could have on the “Text Book Guiding To Indonesia” By F. I. Fatrick.

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