East Java, Provincial administrative region in Java, Indonesia
East Java is a province on the eastern part of Java island, stretching from the Java Sea in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south. The landscape includes volcanoes, rice terraces, coastal plains, and highland areas with tea plantations.
The region was the center of the Majapahit Empire from 1293 to 1527, controlling trade across the Indonesian archipelago from its capital in Trowulan. Islamic sultanates later emerged, shaping the region over the following centuries.
Shadow puppet performances with wayang kulit figures take place regularly in villages, accompanied by the sound of gamelan orchestras. Rice farmers still follow the Javanese calendar, which determines their planting and harvest seasons.
The provincial capital Surabaya has an international airport with connections to many Asian cities. Mountain regions require warm clothing, while coastal areas remain hot and humid throughout the year.
The Tengger community preserves its Hindu traditions in the mountain regions near Mount Bromo, performing annual ceremonies at the crater rim. In Madura, a distinct martial art called Pencak Silat developed with techniques that differ from other Indonesian styles.
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