 The
People
- The true homeland
for the Javanese people is in Central and East Java. The western
third of the island is dominated by another ethnic group, the Sundanese,
who have their own separate language and customs. In East Java the
population consists mainly of native Javanese, together with a sizeable
number of settlers from the neighbouring island of Madura. The Madurese,
who form yet another distinct ethnic and linguistic group, account
for about 10 per cent of the total population of East Java. There
is a noticeable difference between the people living in East Java's
agricultural heartland and the north coast dwellers. Port towns like
Tuban, Gresik and East Java's capital of Surabaya have for centuries
been dynamic centres of trade and thus agents of change. The civilization
which has grown up in these towns is the result of a blending of many
different cultural influences. Chinese, Indians, Arabs and Europeans
have, in turn, contributed to the growth of these ports, which in
turn have influenced, and at times challenged the more conservative
and traditional community in land. Today, the historical harbour towns
of East Java are lively and colourful centres of commerce and industry,
where a variety of religious traditions live side by side in a spirit
of tolerance, where the sacred graves of early Islamic missionaries
can be seen alongside European style churches and colourful Chinese
temples (klenteng).
- Tourism
- For the tourist,
East Java has much to offer. The landscape is one of great variety
and natural beauty and includes, aside from its impressive volcanic
peaks and sparkling rivers, large areas of natural rain forest,
waterfalls, picturesque lakes, mysterious caves and secluded
beaches. There are eight national parks, preserving a wide selection
of native animals and plants. There is also history to be found
in East Java, beginning with the fossilized remains of pre-historic
animals and mankind's early ancestors at sites such as Trinil.
Evidence of ancient megalithic culture can be seen in the regions
of Situbondo and Mt. Argopura in the eastern part of the province.
Then there are the numerous temple ruins from the classical Hindu/Buddhist
period (7th - 15th C.), as well as the historical sites dating
from the early days of Islam and Dutch colonial times. More recent
history, concerning Indonesia's struggle for independence and
the birth of the modern nation can be seen in several well arranged
museum displays and in the many monuments which stand in cities
and towns throughout the province. Arts, crafts and cottage industries
are plentiful in East Java and each region has its own speciality.
Tuban and Madura, for instance, are well known production centres
of batik, the cloth for which Java is especially famous.
At Tulungagung there is a marble industry, at Pacitan agate,
at Situbondo shell handicrafts and at Nganjuk the speciality
is onyx and brassware. 'Adventure ', or 'special interest' touring
is still in its infancy in East Java, yet there is enormous potential
in this area. Mt. Bromo, of course, is already a well known destination,
but other remote and exciting places to visit, such as the crater
lakes of Ijen and Kelud, or the forested slopes of Semeru, Lawu
and Argopura, receive comparatively few visitors. There are also
many small islands Iying off the coasts of East Java and Madura,
among them the Kangean group , as well as Bawean Island, with
its unique species of deer. For rest and relaxation there are
beach resorts like Pasir Putih, Prigi or Slopeng; hill towns
such as Batu and Sarangan, or the lake areas of Karangkates and
Selorejo, to name just a few. Whether one's taste be swimming,
sailing, horse riding, water skiing, hiking, fishing, or just
enjoying beautiful surroundings, there is sure to be something
for everyone in the fascinating province of East Java.
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