Banten, Province on western Java, Indonesia
Banten is a province in western Java, Indonesia, stretching across coastal plains between the Java Sea to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south. The region includes both densely populated industrial zones in the east and coastal strips, agricultural land and protected natural areas in the western part.
In the 16th century, the powerful Sultanate of Banten developed here, becoming a major trading center for spices and lasting until the 19th century. Dutch colonial rule followed before the region became a separate Indonesian province in the year 2000.
The name Banten traces back to the old sultanate, whose influence remains visible in mosques, fortresses and ceremonies across the region. Visitors notice the traditional martial arts and local crafts offered in markets and workshops throughout the province.
The eastern towns are easily reached from Jakarta, while the western coastal areas require longer travel times. Roads connect the main settlements, with traffic density particularly high in the industrial zones.
The Krakatau Islands lie offshore and resulted from the massive volcanic eruption of 1883, which was heard worldwide. A new volcanic cone, Anak Krakatau, has been rising from the sea since the 1920s and continues reshaping the landscape.
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