 Like
the landscape, East Java's climate is varied, depending upon
altitude. The plains and lower hill regions are hot and humid,
making conditions ideal for wet rice cultivation (sawah).
Further up in the hills the air becomes quite cool, while
in high mountainous areas at night the temperature can drop to
near zero. Hill regions are well suited for the cultivation of
a large variety of fruits and vegetables, which thrive in the
colder climate.
Principal crops, aside from rice, include corn. tobacco, sugar
cane, coffee, rubber, kapok, cloves, tea, cocoa, peanuts, soybeans
and cotton. In addition, there are extensive plantations of teak
and pine. East Java has a marked wet and dry season, with rain
occurring between October and April. The wettest months are December,
January and February.
The true homeland for the Javanese people is in Central and East
Java. The western third of the island is dominated by another
ethnic group, the Sundanese, who have their own separate language
and customs. In East Java the population consists mainly of native
Javanese, together with a sizeable number of settlers from the
neighbouring island of Madura. The Madurese. who form yet another
distinct ethnic and linguistic group, account for about 10 percent
of the total population of East Java.
Since the earliest times there has tended to be a marked difference
between the people of the agricultural hinterland and the coastal
dwellers. Port towns like Tuban, Gresik and East Java's capital
of Surabaya have for centuries been centres of trade and thus
agents of change. The civilization which has grown up in these
towns is the result of a blending of many different cultural
influences. Chinese, Indians, Arabs and Europeans have, in turn,
contributed to the growth of these trade centres,which in turn
have influenced, and at times challenged the more conservative
and traditional community inland. Today, the historical harbour
towns of East Java are lively and colourful centres of commerce
and industry, where a variety of religious traditions live side
by side in a spirit of tolerance. The sacred graves of early
Islamic missionaries can be seen alongside European style churches
and colourful Chinese temples.
For the tourist, East Java has much to offer. The landscape is
one of great variety and natural beauty and includes, aside from
its impressive volcanic peaks and sparkling rivers. Iarge areas
of natural rain forest, waferfalls, picturesque lakes, mysterious
caves and secluded beaches. There are eight national parks, preserving
a wide selection of native animals and plants.
There is also history to be found in East Java, beginning with
the fossilzed remains of prehistoric animals and mankind's early
ancestors at sites such as Trinil. Evidence of ancient megalithic
culture can be seen in the regions of Situbondo and Mt Argopura in the eastern part of the province. Then there are the numerous
temple ruins from the classical Hindu/Buddhist period (7th -
15th C.,), as well as the historical sites dating from the early
days of Islam and Dutch colonial times. More recent history,
concerning Indonesia's struggle for independence and the birth
of the modern nation can be seen in several well arranged museum
displays and in the many monuments which stand in cities and
towns throughout the province.
Arts, crafts and cottage industries are plentiful in East Java
and each region has its own speciality. Tuban and Madura, for
instance, are well known production centres of batik, the cloth
for which Java is especially famous. At Tulungagung there is
a marble industry, at Pacitan agate, at Situbondo shell handicrafts
and at Nganjuk the speciality is onyx and brassware.
'Adventure', or 'special interest' touring is still in its infancy
in East Java, yet there is enormous potential in this area. Mt
Bromo, of course. is already a well known destination, but other
remote and exciting places to visit, such as the crater lakes
of Ijen and Kelud, or the forested slopes of Semeru. Lawu and
Argopura, receive comparatively few visitors. There are also
many small islands Iying off the coasts of East Java and Madura,
among them the Kangean group, as well as Bawean Island, with
its unique species of deer.
For rest and relaxation there are beach resorts like Pasir Putih,
Prigi or Slopeng; hill towns such as Batu and Sarangan, or the
lake areas of Karangkates and Selorejo, to name just a few. Whether
one'staste be swimming,sailing, horse riding,waterskiing, hiking,fishing,orjust
enjoying beautiful surroundings. there is sure to be something
for everyone in the fascinating province of East Java.
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