Bengkulu, Province on western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia
Bengkulu occupies the western coast of Sumatra and includes flat coastal areas, rolling central hills and forested mountains in the east along the Indian Ocean. The area is divided into ten administrative districts connected by a road network that runs along the shore and inland.
A British trading settlement was founded here in the late 17th century when Fort Marlborough was built. The territory later passed to the Dutch colonial empire and developed under different administrations until Indonesian independence.
The province population includes Rejang and Serawai as main ethnic groups, making up 40 percent of inhabitants, with Javanese forming another significant community.
Most visitors arrive by the coastal airport or take long-distance buses that run along the western main road. Roads inland can be more challenging during the rainy season, especially in the mountainous sections.
This region sits directly on the boundary between two tectonic plates, which causes regular seismic activity. Earthquakes are part of everyday life here and have shaped building design and emergency planning.
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