Kediri, Trading center in East Java, Indonesia
Kediri is a city in East Java, Indonesia, positioned along the Brantas River near the foot of Mount Wilis. Its streets follow the river valley and the built-up areas cluster around the old center, while residential neighborhoods spread toward the edges.
The settlement was founded in 879 and grew after 1042 from Dahanapura, the capital of the Panjalu kingdom, following the division of King Airlangga's realm. This early period shaped the urban layout and set the foundation for its later role as a commercial hub.
The name comes from a Sanskrit word for the Indian Mulberry tree, which locals still recognize as part of their cultural identity. You can hear references to this heritage in everyday conversation when older residents talk about the city's roots and traditional values.
The area sits at about 3 meters above sea level in the river valley, which means some paths can become slippery after rain. Public transport or motorcycle taxis are the easiest way to move through the main streets that run parallel to the river.
The Gudang Garam tobacco factory employs more than 40,000 people, making it the largest employer in the region. The scale of this facility shapes daily life across much of the city, as many families depend on it directly or indirectly.
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