Java

Java is one of the Greater Sunda Islands in the South East Asian country of Indonesia. It is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the south and the Java Sea to the north. With a population of 156.9 million people in mid 2024, Java is the world's most populous island, home to about 56% of the Indonesian population even though it makes up only 7% of the country's land area. The capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta, is located on Java's northwestern coast.

Many important events in Indonesian history happened on Java. It was the center of powerful Hindu-Buddhist empires, Islamic sultanates, and the core of the colonial Dutch East Indies. Java also played a key role in the Indonesian struggle for independence during the 1930s and 1940s. Today, Java remains very important to Indonesia politically, economically, and culturally. Four of Indonesia's eight UNESCO world heritage sites are on Java, including Ujung Kulon National Park, Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple, and Sangiran Early Man Site.

The island of Java was formed by volcanic eruptions caused by the geologic subduction of the Australian Plate under the Sunda Plate. It is the 13th largest island in the world and the fifth largest in Indonesia, covering about 132,598.77 square kilometres. A chain of volcanic mountains runs along the length of the island.

People on Java speak several languages, including Javanese, Sundanese, Madurese, and Betawi. The main ethnic groups are the Javanese in the central and eastern parts and the Sundanese in the west. Most people are Muslim, but Java's population includes people of many different religions, ethnicities, and cultures. Java is divided into four provinces: Banten, West Java, Central Java, and East Java, as well as two special regions, Jakarta and Yogyakarta.

Etymology

Main article: Names of Java

See also: Zabag (ancient territory) and Al-Wakwak

The name "Java" has several possible origins. One theory suggests it may be named after the jawa plant, a type of millet. Another idea is that it comes from an older word meaning "home," linking it to words in other languages. The name Java appears in old stories and writings from many cultures, including Sanskrit, Tamil, and Chinese texts. Over time, different groups used various names for the island, showing its importance in trade and culture throughout history.

Geography

See also: Volcanoes of Java

Java lies between Sumatra to the west and Bali to the east. Borneo is to the north, and the island of Christmas Island is far to the south. It is the world's 13th largest island and is surrounded by the Java Sea to the north, the Sunda Strait to the west, the Indian Ocean to the south, and the Bali Strait and Madura Strait to the east.

Java has many mountains, with 38 forming a line from east to west. Some of these have been active volcanoes, and there are 35 active volcanoes today. The highest is Mount Semeru, and the most active is Mount Merapi. The island's mountains create valleys where people grow rice, making Java very fertile. Java is also famous for its coffee, which was first grown there in 1699. The island covers about 132,598.77 square kilometres, with its longest river, the Solo River, flowing from the Lawu volcano to the Surabaya area on the coast.

Natural environment

Java is a beautiful island with many different kinds of plants and animals. Its natural environment is a tropical rainforest, with areas like mangrove forests along the north coast and rocky cliffs on the south. The island changes from wet, thick forests in the west to drier savanna in the east.

Java was once home to many special animals, such as the Javan rhinoceros, Javan banteng, and Javan leopard. The island also had many birds, like the Javan green magpie and Javan peafowl. Today, some of these animals are in danger, but several national parks help protect them, including Ujung Kulon and Bromo Tengger Semeru.

History

Homo erectus presence

Fossilised remains of Homo erectus, known as the "Java Man", were found along the banks of the Bengawan Solo River. These fossils date back 1.3 million years. H. erectus arrived in Eurasia about 1.8 million years ago. They lived in environments that resembled savannahs but were regularly flooded. Evidence of their presence includes plants like grass, ferns, Ficus, and Indigofera. Different groups of H. erectus lived on Java at various times, with the last known group living around 117,000 to 108,000 years ago.

After the arrival of modern humans

Java's rich soil and rainy climate allowed people to grow rice using advanced farming methods. This led to the formation of small kingdoms. The island's many rivers made travel difficult, so villages often stayed separate. Only a few rivers, like the Brantas river and the Solo river, allowed longer journeys. According to Javanese stories, a king named Aji Saka arrived in 78 AD and helped create early Javanese society.

Hindu-Buddhist (Classic) period

From the 5th to the 15th century, Java was influenced by Hindu and Buddhist cultures. Early kingdoms like Taruma and Heling kingdom existed during this time. The Mataram kingdom, founded in the 8th century, built important temples like Borobudur and Prambanan. Later kingdoms such as Kediri, Singhasari, and Majapahit ruled eastern Java. Majapahit, started in 1293 by King Wijaya, became a powerful kingdom under leaders like Hayam Wuruk and his prime minister Gajah Mada.

Spread of Islam and rise of Islamic sultanates

Islam spread across Java during the 16th century. Coastal cities like Surabaya and Gresik were among the first to adopt Islam. Demak became the first Muslim kingdom to control much of Java. Later, other Muslim kingdoms such as Cirebon and Banten rose to power. In the 17th century, the inland kingdom of Mataram became the main power in Java under Sultan Agung of Mataram.

Colonial periods

Java first encountered European powers in 1522 with a treaty between the Sunda kingdom and the Portuguese in Malacca. The Dutch later arrived and gradually took control of Java. They influenced local rulers and used Java as a source of rice. During the Napoleonic Wars, Java was briefly controlled by the British but returned to Dutch rule in 1816. The Dutch built roads and introduced new farming methods, which helped the population grow.

Independence

Java played a key role in Indonesia's struggle for independence from Dutch rule. Nationalism grew in the early 20th century, and after World War II, Java was the center of the fight for independence. Indonesia's independence was recognized in 1949.

Administration

See also: Public administration of Java

Java is divided into four provinces and two special regions: Banten, Special Capital Region of Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, Special Region of Yogyakarta, and East Java. Each has its own capital city, such as Bandung for West Java and Surabaya for East Java, which also includes Madura Island. The island also includes many smaller nearby islands.

Demographics

Java has been home to many different groups of people throughout history. Originally, the island was led by an elite class while most people worked in farming and fishing. Over time, people from South Asia, the Middle East, and China have added to Java’s rich cultural mix.

Today, Java is the most crowded island in the world, holding about 156.9 million people. It is very busy, with most of the land used for cities. The island grows even more crowded each year, partly because it is the center of business, learning, and culture in Indonesia. Many people from other parts of the country move here looking for chances.

Economy

Java's economy started with rice farming, which helped the island grow and supported many people. Long ago, Java was well-known for having extra rice to share with others. Traders from places like India and China visited Java, bringing and taking goods.

Later, Dutch rulers introduced new crops like sugarcane, rubber, coffee, tea, and quinine. Javanese coffee became famous around the world, and now when people say "Java," they often think of coffee. Today, Java is Indonesia's most developed island, with busy cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, Semarang, and Bandung. The island has many roads, railways, and highways to help people and goods move around easily. In 2021, Java made up about 60% of Indonesia's total economy, which is a very big share.