Surabaya (formerly Soerabaja) is Indonesia's second-largest city, and the capital of the province of East Java. It is located on the northern shore of eastern Java at the mouth of the Mas River (Kali Mas).

The city is one of the busiest ports in the country; its principal exports include sugar, tobacco and coffee. It has a large shipyard, and numerous specialised naval schools. logo_surabaya.gif

History

In the fifteenth and sixteenth century, Surabaya was a sultanate and a major political and military power in eastern Java. Surabaya became a major trading center under the Dutch colonial government.

Surabaya was captured by the Japanese in 1942, until the Allies bombed it in 1944. After that it was seized by Indonesian nationalists, then reoccupied (through force) by the Dutch in 1947. Because of prolonged international pressure, the Dutch agreed to transfer the sovereignty of its colony in August 1949.

Surabaya was ultimately incorporated into the Republic of Indonesia in December 1949 and rebuilt.

The city

In its role as the main trading city in the eastern region of Indonesia, Surabaya has become one of the largest metropolitan cities in the country. Today, Surabaya's population is around three million. Surabaya's major suburbs include Lamongan to the northwest, Gresik to the east, Bangkalan to the northeast, Sidoarjo to the south, and Mojokerto and Jombang to the southwest.

Currently, the national government is building the Suramadu bridge between Surabaya and the island of Madura; when completed, it will be the longest bridge in the country. Madura is currently served by a frequent ferry service leaving from Surabaya's port.

Flooding is common on some areas of the city during rainy season, mostly caused by clogged sewers.

Surabaya is the location of the only synagogue in Indonesia, although it is currently inactive.

Surabaya's zoo is the first in the world to have successfully bred orangutans in captivity.

Education

• Institut Teknologi Sepuluh November (ITS) — one of the most selective institutes of technology in Indonesia, second only to Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). ITS is known for its programs in robotics, information technology, machine and material technology, and marine engineering.
• Universitas Airlangga (Unair)
• Universitas Kristen Petra (Petra Christian University)
• Universitas Surabaya (Ubaya)
• Universitas Tujuh Belas Agustus (Untag)
• Sunan Ampel Institute of Islam Religion
• Naval Military Academy— Surabaya is the most important naval base in eastern Indonesia, so is the location of the Indonesian military naval training academy
• Sekolah Tinggi Teknik Surabaya
• Surabaya State University

External link

• Official Website of Surabaya City