In the island Republic of Indonesia there is the island of Java, which has become the world record holder for population. On the world map it is located in Southeast Asia. The island of Java is covered with tropical forests, which are adjacent to the concrete jungle of the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta.
The island is located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago in Southeast Asia. On the map it is located between Eurasia and Australia, next to the island of Sumatra, which is located just north of Java. On the southern side, the island is adjacent to the smaller Sunda Islands and Bali, and to the east - the islands of Sulawesi and Malaysia.
The island of Java on the world map has the coordinates:
- Geographical: 7° 17’ 56” south latitude 109° 56’ 06” east longitude.
- Decimal degrees: longitude -7.298904; latitude 109.942516.
Altitude above sea level 3675 m.
Island length and width, area and shape
The island stretches for 1 thousand km in a west-east direction, and is 205 km wide. Its area is about 130 thousand km 2, of which 44 thousand km 2 are covered with tropical forests and impenetrable jungle.
The island has an oblong shape, similar to a horizontal boot. The shores of Java are washed by Indian and Pacific Oceans, and from the north by the Java Sea. Java is separated from Sumatra by Sunda Bay.
A significant part of the island's territory is occupied by 120 volcanoes, 30 of which are considered active. The island also has a large number of rivers. But the main source of fresh water is the bed of the Solo River.
The island's territory is divided into:
- western;
- eastern;
- central.
How to get to the island?
There are several ways to get to the island.
By plane
There are 6 international airports on the island of Java. The largest of them is Soekarno-Hatta in Jakarta, which receives large-capacity airliners and is also used for transfers when traveling within the country.
You can get to the island of Java by plane from Jakarta. The remaining 5 air terminals near the cities of Bandung, Yogyakarta, Surakarta, Jatiwangi and Surabaya have connections only with the city of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and international airports in Thailand. The island of Java can also be reached from Moscow.
Several airlines operate flights to Jakarta:
| Airline name | Transfer | Final destination | Frequency of flights per day |
| Qatar Airway | Doha | Kuala Lumpur | 1-2 |
| Thai Airway | Bangkok | Jakarta | 1 |
| Singapore Airline | Singapore | Surabaya | 2 |
| Emirates | Dubai | Jakarta | 1 |
On average, any flight takes at least 20 hours.
On the ferry of the national shipping company "Pelni"
This type of transportation can be used to get to the island of Java from other islands:
- Bali;
- Sulawesi;
- Sumatra.
Ports in Java are located in the following cities:
- Jakarta;
- Surabaya;
- Semerang;
- Cirebon.
Getting around the island
The island of Java stands out on the world map for its length. It is used for quick movement.
Aircraft
Flights between the cities of Java are carried out from the airports of Jakarta and Surabaya by the following companies:
- "Garuda";
- "Merpati";
- "Mandala"
- "Batavia".
Railway
There are 4 railway networks on the island of Java:
- Northern: Jakarta - Chiberon - Semarang - Surabaya.
- South: Jakarta - Bandung - Yogyakarta - Surakarta - Surabaya.
- Eastern: Surabaya - Sidoarjo - Banguil - Pasuruan.
- Western: Jakarta - Tangerang - Serang - Cilegon.
Each electric train has several types of cars:
- air-conditioned coupe;
- seat place;
- economy with a small number of seats.
Bus
You can also travel between cities by bus. It is worth noting that this type of transport on the island is considered the most inconvenient, since the flights do not have an exact departure and arrival schedule, and wandering musicians enter the cabin along the way and demand a small payment after an impromptu concert.
| Month | Western part of the island | Eastern part of the island | ||||||
| average temperature, degrees | Number of rainy days | Water temperature, degrees | Average temperature, degrees | Number of rainy days | Water temperature, degrees | |||
| Day | Night | Day | Night | |||||
| January | 28 | 22 | 15 | 28 | 31 | 24 | 21 | 28 |
| February | 28 | 22 | 15 | 29 | 33 | 22 | 19 | 29 |
| March | 29 | 22 | 12 | 30 | 32 | 24 | 18 | 29 |
| April | 30 | 23 | 11 | 30 | 33 | 26 | 12 | 30 |
| May | 31 | 24 | 9 | 30 | 36 | 27 | 5 | 30 |
| June | 30 | 24 | 5 | 29 | 36 | 28 | 3 | 29 |
| July | 30 | 25 | 5 | 28 | 34 | 27 | 1 | 28 |
| August | 30 | 25 | 2 | 28 | 34 | 28 | 1 | 28 |
| September | 31 | 25 | 5 | 29 | 33 | 26 | 2 | 28 |
| October | 31 | 24 | 11 | 28 | 31 | 27 | 7 | 29 |
| November | 30 | 23 | 12 | 30 | 32 | 27 | 9 | 30 |
| December | 29 | 23 | 15 | 29 | 31 | 26 | 18 | 29 |
The buses also do not have air conditioning, and if they break down, no other transport is available.
Car rental
You can rent a car at the hotel or at rental points. It should be noted that the roads on the island are practically not repaired, and in combination with a two-lane road, this makes travel time-consuming, since there are a lot of traffic jams on the island.
Motorized rickshaws and motorized transport
The most convenient and popular transport on the island is the rickshaw. Carrier services cost little money. But such a device cannot move long distances.
Climate and weather on the island of Java by month
The island of Java is located almost parallel to the equator, so the temperature here ranges from 26° to 32° all year round. The island's climate is equatorial and subequatorial, so humidity varies from 70 to 95%. The time from March to October is considered favorable for relaxation; the rest of the time it rains heavily in Java.
Determining factor climatic conditions are the monsoons:
- northwest wind creates rainy weather;
- The southeast monsoon determines dry weather.
At different times, the weather on the island of Java may vary slightly:
Island attractions
The island of Java occupies a significant area on the world map. It contains most of the attractions of the Indonesian Republic. Some of them are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park
The attraction is located in East Java near the city of Malang. The name of the park consists of three words: the names of the two peaks Semeru and Bromo and the local aborigines living in the territory - the Tenggers. The area of the park is about 500 km2. There is a jungle and several lakes on the territory.
50 rivers and waterfalls, as well as volcanoes:
- Bromo;
- Batok;
- Kursi;
- Watangan;
- Vidodaren.
All volcanoes are surrounded by volcanic ash, which is called a “sea of sand” and forms entire deserts. Entrance to the park is through the village settlement of Ngadisari around 3-4 am, as by 5 pm the sun sets and the park closes.
In Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park you can see:
- Mount Bromo, on which the crater of the active volcano of the same name is located.
- Peak Semeru. It takes several days to climb the mountain without special equipment.
- Mount Penanjakan. At the top there is an observation deck with a wonderful view of Bromo and the Tengger caldera. Most often, the sunrise is seen at this peak.
- Top of Batok. Batok Volcano is considered inactive and is heavily overgrown with jungle. The climb up the mountain takes about an hour. From the observation deck at the top, the Bromo crater and calderas are clearly visible.
- Pura Luhur Pothen Temple, on whose territory Yadna Kasada is celebrated - the triumph of the Teggers.
- Madakaripura Waterfall, located inside the rock.
Borobudur Temple Complex
Borobudur was built around 800. BC. The temple complex is located in Central Java, approximately 42 km from Yogyakarta in the northwest direction. Borobudur is a 9-story structure that contains over 500 Buddha statues and over 2,000 bas-reliefs.
At the base of the temple there are 6 square slabs of different sizes, and on top there are 3 round platforms. At its very top there is a dome surrounded by 72 Buddha statues.
Borobudur received the status of the largest building dedicated to the traditions of Mahayana Buddhism. The area of the temple occupies 55 thousand km 2, and the dimensions of the lower slab are 120x120 m. Borobudur Temple was restored in 1982 and included in the UNESCO list.
Prambanan Temple Complex
Prambanan was built in the 10th century. The complex is located in Central Java, 17 km from Yogyakarta towards the east on the southern side of the Merapi volcano. The temple complex was restored in 1950, and in 1991 it was included in the UNESCO list.
The historical monument combines Buddhist and Hindu features and was erected in honor of Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu.
The Prambanan complex includes 2 hundred temples, some of which have not been restored. Its main part is considered to be 3 temples above the center of one of the platforms. Nearby are the shrines of the bull Nandi and the riding bird Garuda.
Not far from them are the temples of Sevu and Lara Jonggrang, which are the main attributes of the Parambanan complex. Between them are smaller structures: Lumbun, Asu and Burakh.
Mount Merapi
The active volcano Merapi is located 22 km from the Borobudur Complex and the city of Yogyakarta. This is the largest volcano on the island: its height reaches 3 km. Merapi belongs to the Pacific volcanic ring.
The volcano is activated every 6-7 years in the form of strong eruptions, and 2 times a year in the form of small ones. In 1673, the volcano destroyed several cities in Java; this eruption was the most powerful in the entire history of Indonesia. The last major eruption occurred in 2006, when more than 3 thousand people died. Despite the great danger, ascents to the mountain are made daily.
You can climb the volcano from:
- villages Selo;
- Kaliurang villages;
- suburb of Surakarta.
On observation platforms you can watch the sunrise or watch the sunset.
Old city
The island of Java is rich in attractions. On the world map near the city of Jakarta, an area of 1.5 km 2 is visible called Old city. In Indonesian it is called Kota Tua and represents the main trade hub of Indonesia.
The old town was founded in the 14th century and over the course of 3 centuries the city received the title of the main port center of trade. Towards the end of the 18th century, a fortress wall was built around the Old Town. Kota Tua is listed as a UNESCO heritage site. The city combines many cultures, times and religions. Nearby is Chinatown with the oldest temple in the history of Java - Vihara Dharma.
There are also museums on the territory of the Old Town:
- stories of Jakarta;
- Art and Ceramics.
Taman Sari Water Palace
Taman Sari is a whole complex consisting of:
- swimming pools;
- grottos;
- channels;
- palaces.
The palace was built in 1755 by order of the Sultan of Yogyakarta Hamengkubuwono I. Portuguese architects participated in the design.
Taman Sari had many secret passages, basements and rooms. During the reign of the Sultan, the palace was surrounded by an artificial reservoir, through which one could reach the internal pools. In the center of Taman Sari stands a tower from which Hamengkubuwono I watched over his wives. The castle became famous for its sewage system and fountains, as well as an underground prayer room.
Taman Sari was a resting place and a fortress at the same time, but in 1867 the castle was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Merapi. After this, restoration of the central building and the Sultan's baths was carried out. And in 1995 Water Palace Taman Sari added to the list World Heritage UNESCO.
Bogor Botanical Garden
The botanical garden was built in 1817 in West Java near the city of Bogor. It is considered one of the largest gardens in the world. The garden collection includes 14.5 thousand different plants. The number of species totals more than 5 thousand specimens. The area of the Bogor Garden is 88 hectares.
The botanical garden has several branches: on the island of Bali and in the city of Cibodas on the island of Java.
Since it belongs to the Scientific Community of the Republic of Indonesia, the following are located on the territory of the Bogor Branch:
- Museum of Zoology;
- Botanical Laboratory;
- Chemical laboratory;
- Laboratory of Pharmacology;
- Herbarium;
- Experimental garden;
- Laboratory of ichthyological research.
The entire area of the central compartment is divided into many zones, in each of which certain types of plants grow.
On the territory of the Botanical Garden the following is carried out:
- relaxation courses;
- yoga;
- weddings
Sea of Sands
The island of Java stands out on the world map as a large cluster high mountains and volcanoes:
- Bromo;
- Course;
- Batok.
They are located in the Tengger caldera, which has a diameter of 8 km. The bottom of this crater is a thick layer of volcanic ash. This place is called the sea of sand. It covers the bases of all 3 mountains.
Thanks to volcanic eruptions and the accumulation of ash, the landscape of the crater resembles unearthly territories. On the territory of the sea of sands, no plants grow and no animals or insects live. Officially, since 1919, the attraction has territorially belonged to the Bromsky Nature Reserve and is strictly protected.
thousand islands
There is an archipelago in Jakarta Bay that consists of 112 islands. These islands have an area of 100 thousand hectares. and stretched for 97 miles.
Approximately 100 km 2 islands have the status national reserve. This district is located 45 km north of Jakarta and includes 44 islands. The climate of the Thousand Islands is similar to the climate of Java: subequatorial humid with air temperatures of 29-36° and air humidity of 80%. The Thousand Islands amazes with the richness of flora and fauna.
Active recreational activities are popular on the archipelago:
- fishing;
- canoeing;
- water skiing;
- scuba diving;
- windsurfing.
On the shores of each island there are areas for playing:
- Beach volleyball;
- tennis;
- golf.
The most popular islands among tourists are:
- Kotok;
- Bidadari;
- Putri;
- Sepa.
Resorts on the island. Names, descriptions, advantages
The island of Java is famous not only for its attractions, but also for its resorts.
Asnieres
The recreation area is located in West Java.
On its territory there are:
- own sandy beaches;
- restaurants;
- hotels;
- small local market.
Also in Anyer you can see the lighthouse, which was built by Portuguese architects. For a small fee you can watch the sunset at the lighthouse.
Karita
This resort is suitable for family vacation.
On the territory there are:
- wide embankment;
- sand beach.
Karita is located near the Krakatua volcano, providing plenty of options active rest from diving to mountain climbing.
Batu Karas
The shores of this resort are famous for their high waves, which allows surfing all year round.
On the territory there are:
- cafe;
- hotels;
- “black beach” is a mixture of sand and volcanic ash.
The resort is located near the town of Pangandaran.
Pangadaran
The resort is a beach complex located on a peninsula in South Java.
The resort has:
- guest houses;
- cafe;
- bus station from which you can go to Batung;
- surf base;
- the beach is dark brown in color as it contains sand of volcanic origin.
Pandagaran is distinguished by its comfort, silence and lack of crowds of tourists.
Panaitan Island
This resort is different from the rest, as it is the property of the Indonesian nation. Entry to the territory is possible only with permission from the governor. The island is not intended for tourists: there are no cafes or hotels. The shores of Panaitan are suitable only for surfing or diving.
Sukamade Beach
The resort is intended for recreation with tents away from civilization. There is no cellular communication, electricity or cafe on the territory. The beach is famous for sea turtles that lay eggs on its shores.
Also located on the territory is Meru Betiri Park. There is a hotel 5 km from the beach. It is also allowed to pitch a tent near the beach or rent a small cottage.
Bandung resort city
Bandung belongs to mountain resorts. Excursions to Dago Falls, Tangkuban Phraya Volcano and Situpatenngang Lake depart from the city. Not far from the city are the beaches of Anyer and Karagan-Bolong, Punchake tea plantations, Kulon National Park and a safari park.
Karagan-Bolong Beach
The resort is not suitable for beach holiday, since strong waves come from the Indian Ocean, and there are sharp stones on the shore. On the beach you can have a picnic and watch the sunset through an arch formed from a coral reef after the tsunami.
Hotels on the island of Java, room prices and meals
Hotel table:
| City | The name of the hotel | Room and services | Number of stars | Nutrition | Beach | Average tourist rating | Price for 7 nights, rub |
| Jakarta | Sotis Residence Pejom-pongan | 2-bed deluxe | 3 | Breakfast | No | 8,0 | 20160 |
| OYO 117 Blueberry Homestay | 2-seater standard | 2 | No | No | 7,8 | 6772 | |
| Badung | De Paviljoen Bandung by HIM Hotel | 2-seater | 4 | Breakfast | Artificial | 8,6 | 50300 |
| 4-seater | 55398 | ||||||
| Surabaya | JW Marriott Hotel Surabaya | 2-bed deluxe | 5 | 3 times | No | 8,9 | 46416 |
| 2-seater premium | 99078 | ||||||
| Askhara Guesthouse | 2-bed deluxe | 2 | Breakfast | 8,2 | 9892 | ||
| Common room for 6 people | No | 4109 | |||||
| Yogyakarta | Hotel Neo Malioboro | 2-bed deluxe | 3 | Breakfast | No | 8,4 | 22753 |
| Royal Ambarr-ukmo | 2-bed deluxe | 5 | Breakfast | No | 9,0 | 33026 | |
| 2-seater premium | 114526 | ||||||
| Phangan Daran | Mini Tiga Homestay | 2-seater standard plus | 1 | Breakfast | Eat | 9,0 | 6392 |
| Pondok Wayang | 1 local standard | 2 | Breakfast | Eat | 8,5 | 5935 | |
| 2-seater standard plus | 10300 |
A huge number of the main attractions of Indonesia are collected on the island of Java. Java is also rich in landscape diversity: the world map shows vast areas of tropical forests, mountainous terrain and desert steppes.
Article format: Lozinsky Oleg
Video about the island of Java
All the beauties of the Indonesian island of Java:
The island of Java is part of the Great Sunda Islands and is located near Sumatra. Scientists to this day cannot understand why it received such a name. There are several theories. According to one of them, the word “Java” is of Protonesian origin and is translated as “home.” Some scholars believe that the name comes from Sanskrit and means either “barley” or “lying on the other side.”
basic information
Experts classify “Java” as both mainland and volcanic islands. This is due to the fact that at its base lies a long Mountain chain, stretching across the central part of the island.
The highest point is the Semeru volcano, which has remained active to this day. In general, more than 120 volcanoes can be counted throughout the entire area of the ridge. The central part of the island has a mountainous landscape, but as soon as you go down to the coast, you find yourself in a swamp.
There are a lot of rivers and lakes here, among which Jangari, Jatiluhur, and Sungai deserve special attention.
The first man appeared on the island, presumably, in the second millennium BC. e. Scientists suggest that he most likely came from the island of Sumatra. Around the 3rd century AD, cities arose on the island and the first state formations were formed. One of the very first was Sakalanagara, which gave rise to Tarum, Sundu and Matar. The latter has a rich past and a long history of rule. Over time, it fell into decay and broke up into several small state entities.
At the end of the 13th century, an expedition was assembled to Java led by the Mongol Khan Kublai Khan, famous for his conquest of China. The empire he created on the island extended its influence to almost all of the Sunda Islands. After a couple of centuries, it weakened greatly and broke up into a number of Muslim states.
In the 17th century, European invaders began to enter Java. They created a huge number of colonies and trading posts on the coast. The Dutch showed great activity in conquest. Step by step, they subjugated all the islands of the Sunda archipelago, founding the trading post of Batavia, which is known to contemporaries as Jakarta, the capital. Immediately after the end of World War II, Indonesia became independent and annexed Java.
Time has passed and today the island of Java is the largest cultural, historical and political center of Indonesia with a well-developed infrastructure.
Population of Java
According to recent estimates, the island's population has long exceeded the number of 140 million people. Thus, Java is recognized as the most densely populated island in the world. The national composition is diverse, but the majority of residents are Indonesian-Javayans. In addition, in the composition you can find Sundanese, Madurese and those who came to different time people from . The official language throughout the island is Malay. It is not uncommon to hear Chinese and Javanese dialects.
The main occupation of the local population is agriculture. Villagers grow rice and other cereals. The cities have developed industries: textiles, electronics, mining and processing.
The largest city on the island is Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. It is home to more than 9 million people. Next in size and number of inhabitants are Semarang, Serang, Bandung and others.
Weather on the island of Java
The island's climate is determined by its location relative to the equator. It is always warm and very humid here. There are no sudden changes in temperature, even despite the pronounced seasonality. The average air temperature remains at 24 degrees.
Showers and hurricanes here are always short-lived.
Flora and fauna
The flora is not particularly exotic and unique. Lianas, bamboo, and huge ficus trees grow in tropical forests. Just above sea level, the diversity of vegetation becomes richer. You can find oaks, chestnuts and some types of conifers.
The fauna of the island is much more interesting and diverse. Java is home to more than 150 species of animals. Among which there are many endemics.
The island's cuisine is considered the most non-exotic. The main components of the dishes are rice, vegetables, and beef. Local fruits, of which there are a lot in Java, are very popular. If you really want to try real traditional food, you should go to small cafes where the local population eats. They are always delicious and very cheap, unlike restaurants where guides constantly lead you. However, even here you can find exotic things.
In the village of Tuban, earth pies are popular. They are made from silty soil from rice fields. According to local residents, this dish is considered nutritious and very healthy. The village population tries not to talk about the taste of the pies.
The Javanese drink cane juice, ginger tea, local beer “tuak” and palm vodka.
In Indonesia, the islands of Bali are the most famous and beloved by tourists, but Java also has a lot of interesting things to offer. The beaches on the island are covered with white, coarse sand, and the sea is always clean. In addition to this, in local cities There are many attractions that can surprise any tourist. Let's meet the most popular places on the island of Java.
Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park
Bromo National Park is located near the city of Surabaya. This is one of the most amazing attractions in Indonesia, which attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. The park covers an area of more than 800 square meters. meters. On its territory there is a huge number of dense forests, waterfalls and several active volcanoes. Thanks to them, most of the national park is covered with black, volcanic sand, creating a special alien effect. The park got its name from the local tribe - the Tenggers and the two mountains.
The park is unique thanks to its five volcanoes, which, according to legend, lead to underworld. You can climb to the top on foot or by jeep. This place is wildly popular among tourists and is rightfully considered the highlight of the island.
Borobudur Temple Complex
Located temple complex 40 kilometers from Jakarta. This place is not only considered the highlight of the city, but is also known throughout the world. It was erected around the 8th-9th century. For a long time, the temple complex was hidden from human eyes in the shadow of a dense jungle, covered with tons of volcanic dust. The ancient structure still remains a mystery to scientists. No one can give an exact answer when and by whom Borobudur was built. Also, no one can understand why it was abandoned after the eruption of one of the five volcanoes.
If you look from the outside, the entire temple complex resembles a huge 34-meter bell. In its structure, it is a pyramid, the base of which is made up of several large concrete slabs. They have carved stupas in the shape of bells. Inside each stupa there are Buddha statues.
Prambanan Temple Complex
This is an amazing landmark dating back to the 9th century. The temple complex is located a few kilometers from Jakarta. Prambanan is considered the largest in Indonesia. There is a huge statue of Shiva inside the temple. Prambanan is often called the Lara Jonggrang Shiva Temple. On the sides of the main temple there are small structures that represent the sacred animals of Indonesia. Also on the territory of Prambanan there are numerous tombs and premises for sacrifices. Recently, the temple complex was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This ancient structure was destroyed more than once. This was due to numerous earthquakes, as well as the volcanic activity of Merapi. For more than a hundred years, restoration work has been underway to restore Prambanan.
Mount Merapi
Mount Merapi is the most active volcano in Indonesia. He smokes constantly. Small eruptions occur every two years, but large ones occur every 15 years. The last time strong volcanic activity was observed was in 2006. Thanks to this, Merapi is one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world.
Such fame does not prevent the local population from living at the very foot, and tourists from climbing to the very top. The beauties revealed from high altitude, surprise and amaze.
Old city
The Old Town is located in Jakarta and covers an area of about 1.5 square meters. kilometers. This place is cultural center, which has collected the largest number of ancient monuments. First locality on this territory was created in the 14th century. Then the port was built. Over time, more and more new objects appeared in the city. The Dutch made a great contribution to the development of the Old City, building amazingly beautiful temples. The site is currently listed as a World Heritage Site.
The Old Town is home to many different cultures. That is why this place has a special atmosphere that attracts thousands of tourists.
Taman Sari Water Palace
The palace was founded in the 18th century by the ruler of Jakarta. The complex included leisure rooms, a main palace, a lake, and a swimming pool. The building took several years to build with money allocated from the state treasury. Taman Sari was a real work of art at that time. The palace had its own individual sewer system. The castle was separated from the outside world by a huge dug canal. The water supply came from the lake. Some rooms had warm, heated floors.
In addition, a large network was dug under the palace underground passages, which connected some rooms to each other. There have always been legends about the magnificent garden of the palace complex. That is why the castle is called Taman Sari, which translates as “blooming garden”. Today, ruins remain of the once majestic structure. Some of the territory is inhabited local residents. In recent years, restoration of the palace complex has been carried out. The swimming pool and several rooms have been restored and are open to the public.
Bogor Botanical Garden
This is one of the most famous places on the island. The garden is located near Jakarta in the province of West Java. It is otherwise called “Kebun Raya”. The entire territory of the botanical garden has a huge area of 87 hectares. In addition, there are 4 branches of Kebun Raya scattered around the island of Java. The garden's collection includes more than 15 thousand of a wide variety of plants, comprising 6,000 species. In this place you can still see the plants planted at the founding of Kebun Raya. In addition to endemic plants, there are many specimens brought from other countries, as well as rare species.
The Bogor Garden is also called a center for nature studies. And for good reason, since scientists from all over the world constantly come here. The gates of Kebun Raya are constantly open to numerous visitors. Here you can not only take a break from the bustle of the city, but also learn a lot of new things by visiting the zoological and botanical museum. One of the main exhibits of the Bogor Garden is the collection of orchids. Some species of this amazing flower are found in indoor greenhouses, while others grow on open-air lawns.
Sea of Sands
The sea of sand is a unique sight and is located in a large caldera with a diameter of 10 kilometers. Majestic volcanoes have erupted tons of lava rock for many millennia, which over time turned into large volcanoes. Once here, you plunge into a special atmosphere.
The landscape that reveals itself is very reminiscent of the surface of the moon. A special effect is added by the foggy haze over the crater, which constantly hangs over the volcano.
thousand islands
U north coast In Java you can see a huge number of small islands. From a great height it seems as if there are more than a thousand of them. However, calculations have shown that there are about 115 continental formations in this area. Their number may vary depending on the tides. So Jakarta is the only place with more than a hundred islands.
The Greater Sunda Islands, which form the Malay Archipelago, include the island of Java. On the map it can be found in the northeastern Indian Ocean.
It is not known exactly where the island of Java got its name. According to one of the existing versions, it comes from the Proto-Austronesian word for “house”. According to another, the consonant name of the island is found in the manuscripts of the early Indian epic. There is also the opinion of some experts that “Java” is a derivative of the word “Jau”. From Sanskrit it can be translated as “barley” or “lying in the distance.”
Geography
The island of Java (see photo below) was formed, according to scientists, approximately six to seven million years ago. During the same period, the entire Malay Archipelago appeared.
Java is considered to be the tip protruding above the water mountain range, which stretches from Burma to the Sumatra islands, passing through the Nicobar and Andaman Islands. Many years ago, seismic and volcanic processes provoked the subsidence and uplift of the continent that previously existed in this place. As a result of all this, the island of Java appeared. The landscape of its central part is decorated with a mountain range stretching from west to east. The island of Java has volcanoes in this part of the territory. In total there are more than one hundred and twenty of them, among which there are thirty active ones. Semeru is recognized as the highest volcano. Its height is 3676 m. It is highest point islands. Other, most significant:
Bromo - 2329 m;
- Merapi - 2914 m.
The latter of these two volcanoes is one of the ten most active on our planet. In 1006, its catastrophic eruption destroyed life on the island for three centuries. Fertile soils turned into desert. Java Island - "Valley of Death". So, without a doubt, one could call it in those days.
Unfortunately, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions often occur in these places to this day. The consequences of such seismic activity are very sad. They lead to numerous destructions and casualties.
Unlike the central part of the island, the coastal areas are swampy lowlands. There are a large number of lakes and many rivers flowing here.
The island of Java has a rather winding coastline. In its bends there are a large number of convenient bays and bays, allowing ships with different landing positions to moor.
The coast of the island, along almost its entire length, has numerous narrow sandy beaches with small dunes that end in tropical jungle.
Climate
The island of Java is located near the earth's equator. This geographical position has a significant impact on the climate of this area. It is equatorial, relatively hot and humid. The weather on the island is characterized by the absence of seasonal temperature changes. All year round it's warm here. The air warms up in the range from twenty-three to twenty-six degrees. Precipitation on the island is usually short-term tropical showers. Their number during the year can exceed 1000-1100 mm. In the northwestern and northern parts of the island this figure is slightly higher. Sometimes it reaches 3000 mm.
Population
Today, Java is home to more than one hundred and forty million people. This allows us to recognize it as the most densely populated island in the whole world.
The majority of Javanese residents are Indonesians. In addition to them, representatives of a number of ethnic groups live on the island, the list of which includes:
Madurese;
- Sundanese;
- Minangkabau.
Alien peoples from India, China and Indochina also live here. They all speak Malay, which is recognized as the official language on the island. You can often hear Javanese words in everyday life. There are also Chinese dialects in the conversations of local residents.
What are the main directions of the national economy of which the island of Java is proud? The population of rural areas and small towns is engaged in growing barley, rice, coffee, including such a famous variety as Kopi Luwak. Industry is also developed on the island. Its industries, such as electronics, processing, mining and textiles, employ the population major cities.
Administrative structure
In Java, the largest city in terms of population, importance and size is Jakarta. On the map it can be found in the northwestern part of the island, on the very coast. It is the largest settlement in the Malay Archipelago and is also the capital of Indonesia. Jakarta has a population of 9.6 million. The list of major cities located in Java includes:
Semarang.
- Yogyakarta.
- Bandung.
- Serang.
- Kudus.
- Hook.
- Surabaya.
- Malang et al.
According to its administrative structure, the island is divided into three provinces. These are West, East and Central Java.
Pearl of the Malay Archipelago
Indonesia includes about seventeen thousand islands. However, Java is without any doubt the real queen among them. Despite the fact that this is the most densely populated island on our planet, there are many places untouched by man. A trip to Java will appeal to the most adventurous tourists who want to recharge their batteries and get a real drive. The island offers its guests ancient monuments and huge National parks, volcanoes and rice plantations adjacent to dense forests, areas of savannah and large cities.
Jakarta
Many tourists who want to explore Indonesia first fly to the island of Java. The capital of the country, Jakarta, which is a colossal metropolis, serves for many as the starting point from which the path to more interesting and relaxing routes begins.
This city is very complex and ambiguous. But it is from here that, as a rule, tourists begin to explore the island of Java. Only in Jakarta, after visiting the sights and areas, can you feel rich history country, its diverse culture and unusual architecture.
On the list interesting places The capital of Indonesia is home to numerous exhibition centers and parks. But among them there are those that deserve special attention from tourists. This is, for example, the Taman-Mini park. There are 27 pavilions on its territory, each of which displays traditional buildings, interesting decorations and other exhibits presented by various provinces. Here you can admire a miniature that represents Indonesia in every detail.
The Park of Dreams, located in the Anchola area, also attracts tourists. On its territory you can buy bone jewelry, batiks and other creations of local craftsmen.
Jakarta and the Tamaya Ismail Narzuki center are also interesting for guests. On its territory there are many venues, which house five theaters and numerous exhibitions. The complex includes a dance hall and a planetarium.
The main attraction of the capital, of which the island of Java is rightfully proud (see photo below), is the National Monument. It is a tower rising more than 130 m above the surface of the earth. The material for its manufacture was Italian marble. From above, the National Monument is decorated with an imitation flame made of gilding. For Indonesia, this tower is a symbol of the capital.
What else can the island of Java please its guests with? Reviews from tourists recommend including the Istiklal Mosque in the list of must-see sites. It is the largest Muslim sanctuary located in Southeast Asia.
Borobudur
Numerous tourists strive to visit the temples of the island of Java. When exploring Indonesia, it is impossible not to visit Borobudur. It is the third largest Buddhist-Hindu temple in the entire world. In size, Borobudur is second only to the Cambodian Angkor, as well as the Burmese Shwedagon.
The Indonesian temple is a stepped pyramid, the height of which is 34 m. It rises on an artificially created hill, embodying the sacred Mount Meru (according to ancient Indian legends, it is the center of the whole world). According to teaching, any visitor to Borobudur or pilgrim begins his ascent “from earth to heaven.” Moreover, the road leading to the temple is a spiral. Walking along it, visitors explore the eight terraces of Borobudur and get acquainted with the history of the emergence of Buddhism, carved into one and a half thousand reliefs and stone sculptures.
The architecture of the temple itself indicates the influence of Persian, Greek, Indian and Babylonian architects. This is a majestic building, with upper levels which offers an exciting and grandiose view. There is also a sculpture of Buddha here. There is a legend that whoever can reach his little finger will certainly have good luck.
The island of Java (Indonesia) is rightfully proud of this real wonder of the world. After all, the Borobudur Temple, which was built 1200 years ago, is a beautiful, grandiose and picturesque structure. It survived the eruption of the nearby Merapi volcano, a change in not only the political course on the island, but also religion. It retained its beautiful appearance even after the invasions of treasure hunters.
Prambanan
What else attracts tourists to the island of Java? The attractions located on its territory contain another masterpiece in their list, which ranks lower than Borobudur. This is the Prambanan temple complex. Unlike Borobudur, it is located on a plain, which locals call the “Valley of the Kings”. This territory is literally strewn with the ruins of ancient buildings.
The Prambanan complex itself is a collection consisting of three temples, each of which is dedicated to one of the gods - Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva. The walls of these amazingly beautiful buildings are decorated with bas-reliefs, the subjects of which are taken from scenes from the ancient Indian epic called the Ramayana.
The year 856 is considered to be the end of the construction of Prambanan. This temple commemorates the victory of the Hindu king Pikatan over the Buddhist king belonging to the Shailendra dynasty.
Kraton
What other temples does the island of Java offer its guests to explore? The attractions that the Javanese are proud of include the Kraton palace complex. Local residents consider it the “navel” of the world. The palace was not only the seat of the sultanate for the island. The Javanese believed that the center of the Universe was located here.
In Kraton there are:
The chambers of the Sultan himself and his family members;
- throne room;
- pavilions for various performances;
- mosque;
- chambers for contemplation.
In the 19th century the interior decoration of the palace complex was changed. It was given European features. Cast iron columns and Italian marble, furniture and chandeliers in the Rococo style appeared. All these interior details are in strong contrast to the Javanese base of the Kraton.
Bogor
Not far from the bustling capital Jakarta lies a tranquil town. Just an hour's ride from the metropolis by train, and you are in Bogor, famous throughout the island for its huge botanical garden. Here you can see the largest flower on our planet - “Amorphophaldus titanica”.
Local residents call Bogor “the city of rain”. Indeed, it always rains here every afternoon. That is why it is better to walk in the botanical garden early in the morning. Visitors will see amazing trees that look like bell-bottoms. There is a Mexican garden, an orchid garden and much more. Deer roam in the royal park next door.
Gunung Halimun
This is one of the majority national parks islands of Java. It differs from all the others in that the road to it is relatively simple. It is enough to drive from Bogor only an hour and a half.
Gunung Halimun Park is worth a visit for those tourists who are lovers of fauna and flora. Here you can see a large number of plants, dozens of bird species, as well as mammals (including the endangered West Javan gibbons).
Malang
This city was founded by the Dutch in the 18th century. Tourists who choose it get acquainted with the eastern part of the island of Java. Malang attracts visitors with its surroundings, where coffee plantations lie comfortably. There are also numerous Hindu temples built on the slopes of Mount Penanggungan, which the locals consider sacred. Not far from Malang are the most famous beaches among tourists, the most popular of which is Balekambang. From the city you can quickly reach volcanoes such as Seperu, Bromo and Ijen. Public transport runs to them from Malang.
Taman Sari
There are also special attractions in Java. One of them is Taman Sari. This is a water castle, built specifically for the Sultan in 1758. Taman Sari is a whole park of palace complexes with canals and pools. The castle is laid underground tunnels and special secret rooms are provided.
Java(in Indonesian "Jawa") is Indonesia's fifth largest island, home to more than half the country's population. Much of Indonesian history is inextricably linked with this island, where powerful Hindu-Buddhist empires, Islamic sultanates and the colonial center of the Dutch East India Company were founded. Java played a decisive role in the Indonesian struggle for independence in the 1940s. Today the island occupies a dominant position in the political, economic and cultural life of the country. The capital of the state, Jakarta (the largest city in Indonesia) is also located on this island.
Tourist attractions of the island
Borobudur- 9th-century Buddhist temple, the second largest Buddhist temple in the world after Angkor Wat, has 504 Buddha statues and 2,672 stone bas-reliefs. In 1991 it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. More details in the article e Borobudur
Prambanan- a complex of ancient Buddhist and Hindu temples, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. More details in the article e Prambanan
Cities
Yogyakarta- popular tourist town in Indonesia, preserving the pure Javanese language and rich folk traditions. More details in the article e Yogyakarta
Story
Since 2000 B.C. Java was already settled by settlers from mainland Southeast Asia. In the first centuries AD, the Javanese established close trade and cultural relations with the Hindu cultures of India. The discovery of stone stelae (prasasti) with texts and images carved on them provided evidence of the existence of early Hindu kingdoms on the island.
Kingdoms of the Indo-Buddhist period
The small kingdoms of Taruma and Sunda in West Java were formed in the 4th and 7th centuries respectively. But the first major state formation on the island of Java was the Kingdom of Mataram (732-1043), founded at the beginning of the 8th century by the rulers of the Sailendra dynasty. The first rulers of the Kingdom of Mataram professed Hinduism, then Buddhism became the dominant religion. From that era to the present day, great Buddhist and Hindu monuments have been preserved: Borobudur and Prambanan.
At the beginning of the 10th century, the Kingdom of Mataram was in decline, the center of power began to shift from central regions Java islands to the east. Mataram finally disintegrated around 1043 after a conflict with the growing Kingdom of Srivijaya from the island of Sumatra.
Another powerful state of the Indo-Buddhist period was the Majapahit Empire founded in 1293 (1293 - early 16th century). The Majapahit Empire reached its peak of power during the reign of Khayyam Wuruk. An important role was played by the talented commander Gajah Mada, thanks to whom the empire of Khayyam Wuruk completely established control over the islands of Java, Bali, Sumatra and Madura.
The economy of previous Javanese kingdoms was based on agriculture. Majapahit's rulers established control over ports and shipping routes, becoming the first empire to actively promote trade. With the death of Khayyam Wuruk, the Majapahit Empire began to decline and finally collapsed in the early 16th century under the onslaught of the Islamic sultanates.
The spread of Islam and the emergence of Islamic sultanates
The emergence of Islam played a key role in the history of Java and Indonesia. Muslim traders have visited the Indonesian archipelago for centuries. With the rise of Islamic trade in the region, the Hindu kingdom of Majapahit began to decline. The Javanese were faced with a choice: fight or convert to Islam, and many ultimately chose the latter. In the early 16th century, the Javanese trading ports in eastern Java completely withdrew from the dying Majapahit Empire. Until the end of the 16th century, Islam became the dominant religion on the island of Java. During this period, the independent Muslim sultanates of Pajang, Mataram, Cheribon, and Bantam were formed. The Sultanate of Mataram (not to be confused with the Kingdom of Mataram) reached its greatest power. The Sultanate reached the peak of its prosperity during the reign of Sultan Agung Hanyokro Kusumo (1613-1645). Agung managed to expand the territory of the sultanate to the regions of Central and East Java and the island of Borneo.
Colonial period
In 1596, four ships of the Dutch East India Company visited Java for the first time and a short time later the first Dutch trading posts began to appear on the coast of the island. In 1619, Dutch troops under the command of Pieter Cohen attacked and captured Jaikarta (the current capital of Indonesia). The Dutch changed the name of Jaikart to Batavia and rebuilt the city according to the classical canons of Dutch colonial architecture.
Internal conflict prevented the Javanese from forming an effective alliance to counter the Dutch. Beginning in the 1670s, the Dutch East India Company began to wrest control of the Muslim sultanates of Java. The West Java Sultanates recognized the company's sovereignty in the last quarter of the 17th century, and the north-central and north-east followed suit in 1743. In 1755, what remained of the once powerful Sultanate of Mataram, under pressure from the Dutch, was divided into two vassal states to the Dutch: Yogyakarta and Surakarta. By the end of the 18th century, the Dutch had extended their influence throughout the island.
On December 31, 1799, the Dutch government nationalized the Dutch East India Company and in 1807 officially declared the Indonesian archipelago to be part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The entire territory of Indonesia belonging to the Dutch was governed by a colonial administration centered in the city of Batavia (present-day Jakarta).
During the Napoleonic Wars in Europe, the Netherlands and its colonies in the East Indies fell to the conquests of the French Republic. In 1811, Java was captured by the British and the island a short time became possession British Empire under Governor Sir Stamford Raffles. Under the terms of the Treaty of Paris of 1814, the British returned Java to the Dutch in 1816.
In the 19th century, under the influence of Europeans, machines appeared, railways and telegraph communications. The Dutch put an end to internecine wars, increased the area under rice cultivation, began to cultivate new crops, primarily cassava and corn, and productivity increased. All this contributed to the elimination of famine in Java and the rapid growth of the island's population.
Independence
During the 19th - early 20th centuries, Java developed industry and agriculture most intensively of all the islands of the Dutch East Indies. Along with the development of capitalist relations, Indonesian nationalism and the desire to achieve independence began to emerge on the island. The colonists managed to suppress the first serious uprising of the Javanese in 1825-1830 against the Dutch with great difficulty. Taking these factors into account, the Dutch changed their internal policies. Beginning in 1903, Javanese were allowed to participate in local government, and in 1925 Indonesians gained a majority in the Volksraad ("People's Council").
During World War II, from 1942 to 1945, Java was occupied by the Japanese. After the end of the Japanese occupation, a war of liberation against the Dutch began on the island. Upon its completion, in 1950, the island became part of the independent Republic of Indonesia.
Geography and landscape
| Java Island Map |
Covering approximately 150,000 km2 of territory, Java is the 13th largest island in the world and the 5th largest in Indonesia. The length from east to west is 1064 km, the maximum width is up to 210 km. The island is surrounded by the Java Sea in the north, the Sunda Strait in the west, Indian Ocean in the south, the Bali Strait in the east. To the west lies the island of Sumatra, Bali to the east. Borneo is in the north and Christmas Island is in the south.
Java is an island of volcanic origin. A volcano-crowned mountain range stretches from east to west along the center of the island. The highest is Semeru volcano (3676 m), the most beautiful is Bromo, the most active volcano in Java and Indonesia is Merapi (2930 m).
Java is located at the junction of two tectonic plates. The friction of these two plates causes the heating and expansion of gas, magma and steam in the Earth's interior, followed by an eruption. The island has a total of 33 active volcanoes and is part of the so-called “Pacific Volcanic Ring of Fire”, where about 90% of all earthquakes on the planet occur. Volcanoes shaped the rugged landscape, culture and religion of the inhabitants, and influenced the development of agriculture and the construction of cities and villages.
The longest river on the island is the Solo, almost 600 km long. The river originates from a spring on Mount Lawu and flows north to the mouth of the Java Sea near the city of Surabaya. Other large rivers: Brantas, Citarum, Cimanuk and Seraju. Most of Java's rivers flow in a northerly direction. Large and small rivers serve as a source of water for irrigation of flooded fields. Large rivers are navigable only during the rainy season.
Natural environment
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| Java Island Map |
Java's natural environment ranges from coastal mangrove forests on the north coast to coastal cliffs on the south, from lowland rainforests to barren volcanoes. The natural environment and climate gradually changes from west to east - from wet and humid tropical forests in the west to dry savannas in the east.
The wildlife world is rich in biodiversity with a large number of endemic species such as the Javan rhinoceros, Javan banteng, Javan pig, Javan hawk, Javan peacock, Javan silvery gibbon, spangled gulman, Javan deer and Javan leopard. The island is home to more than 450 species of birds (of which 37 are endemic), 100 species of snakes and more than 500 species of butterflies.
But it should be remembered that the island is inhabited by a huge number of people. With a population of over 143 million in 2014, that's more than half of Indonesia's population. As the population grew, tropical forests were ruthlessly destroyed, leaving only mountain slopes and isolated hard-to-reach areas to survive. In place of tropical forests, a new landscape with rice terraces, which significantly changed the island's ecosystem.
Some endemic animal species have already disappeared (the Javan tiger), while others are on the verge of extinction. To keep the peace wildlife from human economic activity, a number of national parks were founded on the island: Mount Halimun Salak, Mount Gede Pangrango, Baluran, Meru Betiri and Alas Purvo, Ujung Kulon (the latter included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1991).
Administrative division
Administratively, Java consists of 4 provinces (propinsi):
Banten, the administrative center of Serang;
West Java (Jawa Barat), administrative center of Bandung;
Central Java (Jawa Tengah), the administrative center of Semarang;
East Java (Jawa Timur), the administrative center of Surabaya;
and two special regions:
Jakarta (Special Capital Region);
Yogyakarta (semi-autonomous region).
1. Jakarta Special Capital Region
Officially, Jakarta is not a city, but a province with capital status, and is therefore governed not by a mayor, but by a governor. As a province, Jakarta consists of 5 municipalities: Central, Northern, Eastern, Southern and Western (according to the geographical location on the map). It is the only city in Indonesia with provincial status. The Jakarta Special Capital Region includes the cities of Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi with a population of about 23 million people. Until 1527, the city was called Sunda Kelapa, in 1527-1619 Jakarta, in 1619-1942 Batavia, and from 1942 to the present day Jakarta.
2. Semi-autonomous region of Yogyakarta
The semi-autonomous region of Yogyakarta is located in the south of the island of Java and borders the province of Central Java in the north. Unlike other provinces in Java, Yogyakarta is governed by a sultan, who is neither elected nor appointed by the central authority in the capital. The semi-autonomous region consists of 4 districts and one big city Yogyakarta. On the outskirts of Yogyakarta is the most active volcano in Indonesia, Merapi, and two of the most famous temple Indonesia: Borobudur and Prambanan.
3. Banten Province
Banten Province was formerly part of West Java Province, but has been granted the status of a separate administrative unit since 2000. Banten Province consists of 4 municipalities and 4 cities. Serang - main city Banten Province. Total population 9,351,470 inhabitants (2006). Banten is advantageously located on the navigation route of trade ships between Australia and New Zealand, the countries of Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore), and the islands of Java and Sumatra.
4. West Java Province
This province has 17 districts and 9 cities. In 2002, the population of West Java reached 37,548,565. Most The inhabitants of West Java are Sundanese. The administrative center of the province is the city of Bandung.
5. Central Java Province
The Central Province is considered the center of Javanese culture. The majority of Central Java's population is Javanese. Administratively, the province is divided into 29 municipal districts and 6 cities. The population of the province is 32,380,687 inhabitants. The administrative center is located in the city of Semarang.
6. Provinces of East Java
With an area of 47,922 km² and a population of 37,070,731 (2005), it is the largest province in terms of territory and the second largest in population. The administrative center is located in the city of Surabaya. Includes the island of Maduro with a population of almost 4 million inhabitants.
Demography
With a population of over 143 million (2014) and a density of 1,029 people per km² and above, Java is one of the most densely populated islands in the world. 57% of Indonesia's population lives here. The highest concentration of population is in the west of the island (West Java, Banten and Jakarta), where the population density exceeds 1,400 people per km².
Occupying 7% of Indonesia's total area, the island is home to 57% of the country's population. From approximately 5 million inhabitants in 1815, the population has grown to 143 million in 2014. Five of Indonesia's largest and most populous cities are located on the island of Java: Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Semarang and Bandung.
From the 1970s until the fall of the Suharto regime in 1998, the Indonesian government pursued a program to resettle Javanese residents to other, less populated islands in the country. During the implementation of this program, conflicts often arose between local residents and newly arrived settlers. From the 1970s until the fall of Suharto's regime in 1998, the Indonesian government managed to resettle about 3 million residents.
Ethnic groups
Unlike others large islands Indonesia, Java is relatively homogeneous in its ethnic composition. The bulk of the population is represented by three main ethnic groups: Javanese (approximately 70% of the island's inhabitants), Sundanese and Madurese. The Javanese live mainly in the central and eastern part of the island, the Sundanese mainly in the west, and the Madurese in the east. Historically, the Madurese people inhabited the island of Madura off the northeast coast of Java, and immigrated to East Java in the 18th century.
The fourth group is the Betawas (descendants of the people living around Jakarta, which was called Batavia from the 17th century until 1942). The Betawa were a result of the mixing of the island's local ethnic groups with foreigners: Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and Indians. Their culture and language are different from the Sundanese and Javanese.
In the area of Bromo volcano and mountain range Tengger has a population of about 600,000 Tengger. Other minor ethnic groups: Badui, Batak, Balinese, Papua.
Of the foreigners, the most common are the Chinese, who control a significant portion of the island's trade.
Languages
The island of Java has 3 main languages: Javanese, Sundanese and Madurese. Other languages include Betawi (one of the Austronesian languages, spoken in the west of the island), Osing (one of the Austronesian languages, spoken in the east of the island), Tengger (Hindu, living in the Tengger mountains in the east of the island), Badui (living in the Kedang mountainous areas on west of the island), Balinese ( eastern regions islands around the city of Banyuwangi, neighboring Bali) and the Banyumasan language. The vast majority of the population speaks Indonesian – state language countries.
Religion
The Indonesian constitution recognizes 5 "official" religions: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Protestantism and Catholicism. Confucianism was also previously recognized, but was removed from the list of “official religions” by the Indonesian government in 1979.
According to the 2000 census, the proportion of Muslims is 86.1%, Protestants - 5.7%, Catholics - 3%, Hindus - 1.8%, Buddhists and adherents of other religions - 3.4%.
There are few places on Earth where the three main religions (Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism) are mixed as deeply as on the Indonesian island of Java. Hinduism and Buddhism were the dominant religions for 1000 years, but were replaced by Islam in the 16th century. Influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism, Indonesian Islam incorporated the practices of these two religions. Some of the excavated temples in East Java have a Hindu upper part and a Buddhist lower half, and a number of early mosques have roofs in the form of Hindu temples. Early mosques were built not in the direction of Mecca, but towards the west or east, in the style of Hindu temples. Islam in Indonesia developed under the enormous influence of the more developed Buddhist and Hindu religions.
Economy
Java is the most economically developed island in Indonesia. Based on 2012 statistics, Java produces 57.51% of Indonesia's gross domestic product.
Initially, the economy was based solely on rice cultivation. The power of the ancient kingdoms (Taruma, Mataram, Majapahit) largely depended on rice productivity. The island has been a renowned exporter of rice since ancient times, with rich harvests of this important crop contributing to the island's population growth. Rice terraced hillsides remain a prominent feature of the island's landscape to this day.
During the colonial period, the Dutch introduced other crops: sugar cane, rubber, coffee, tea, cinchona. Java was the first of all the islands of the Indonesian archipelago to begin growing coffee (1699). In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Javanese coffee gained worldwide popularity. The name "Java" has today become synonymous with good coffee.
Nowadays, two-thirds of the island's land area is occupied by agricultural land. Kapok, sesame, vegetables, bananas, mangoes, durians, citrus fruits and vegetable oils are produced for local consumption. Tea, coffee, tobacco, rubber, cinchona, sugarcane, kapok and coconuts are exported abroad. The soils of Java are very fertile due to periodic enrichment with volcanic ash.
The need to transport rice, coffee and other goods from the plantations of the interior to the ports on the coast stimulated the construction of roads. In 1808, construction began on the Great Java Road, connecting the cities of Anier in West Java and Panarukan in East Java. Developed network toll roads began to be built during the reign of President Suharto, connecting big cities and industrial centers.
Oil is produced in the Arjuna region near the northwest coast and processed at refineries in Cilacap and Surabaya. There is also limited mining of manganese, sulfur, phosphates, gold and silver. Small-scale production includes the manufacture of clothing and textiles with batik painting, iron casting, silver jewelry, agricultural tools, leatherworking, and ceramics. Large-scale production is represented by the textile industry, car assembly, brewing, large industries are engaged in the production of shoes, paper, cement and cigarettes. Surabaya and Tanjung Priok (near Jakarta) are the main ports of the island.
Climate
Java's climate is hot and humid throughout the year. Average temperature +22 °C +29 °C, average humidity 75%. Maximum temperatures occur in the plains along the northern coast, averaging +34 °C during the dry season. The southern coast is cooler than in the north, in the mountainous inland areas the temperature is even lower (average +22 ° C, but in the dry season it drops to zero or even lower). Like other areas on the tropical island, Java's climate has two seasons: the rainy season (November to March) and the dry season (April to October). Precipitation usually falls in the afternoon, with the wettest months being January and February. Rain is also possible during the dry season from April to October, but in general the weather is sunny and cloudless.
Precipitation is distributed extremely unevenly, for example, West Java is wetter than East Java, and the interior mountainous areas receive much more rainfall. Thus, the annual rainfall in the Parahyangan Highlands in West Java is more than 4,000 mm per year, on the northern coast of East Java it is only 900 mm, and in the capital of the country, Jakarta, on average, about 1,760 mm.
Dry season (April to October) - best time to visit the island.
The capital of Indonesia, Jakarta is located on the island of Java. It has a length of 1000 kilometers from west to east. The island is full of volcanoes, of which 30 are considered active.
Java island coordinates:
7°30′10″ south latitude
111°15′47″ east longitude
Java on the World Map, which can be controlled (scaled and moved with the mouse)Facts about the island of Java:
- The area of the island is 132,000 thousand km².
- 30% of Java is jungle.
- On the island, archaeologists discovered the remains of Pithecatropes and Javanthropes.
- Java was discovered in 1511.
- Java is considered the most populated island in the whole world.
- Population: 140,000,000 people.
- There are two languages spoken in Java: Javanese and Indonesian.
- The famous coffee variety, Kopi Luwak, is grown on the island.
- One of the main attractions is the Borobudur Temple.
- Jakarta is the largest and modern city on the island.
- The best beaches are located in the west of the island.
Java is on the list: islands
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