Introduction to East Java

By: Emma Kwee

East Java (Java Timur in Bahasa Indonesia) is the easternmost part of the island of Java. it includes the island of Madura and some other smaller islands in the region. The capital of East Java is Surabaya,  the second largest city in Indonesia and a major industrial center and port. East Java is the second most populated province in Indonesia, after West Java. The population consists of Javanese, Madurese and a sizeable Chinese community.

East Java's Star Attraction: The Bromo

Most visitors to East Java only see the Bromo volcano, the star attraction in the region, located around 70 kilometers from Surabaya. The Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park it sits in is a popular hiking destination. Typically, people will stay near the bromo overnight and hike or ride on horseback to the volcanoe at sunrise. While its views are indeed spectacular, East Java has a lot more to offer.

Dolly: Faith & Prostitution in Surabaya

By: Jacobus E. Lato

The nightfall shields the day and transforms it in different ways, particularly in Dolly, Surabaya. In an approximately 5 meter wide 150 meter long alley, the night brings an extremely different atmosphere. Walking passed the alley that morning, I hardly noticed that beautiful girls flocked the area. Some sleepy girls were hanging around some food vendors and warung (eateries).

There was no sign of any hospitality; no greetings and bright smiles followed by whispers ones ear and tender caresses. No soaring music, bright lights, quasi-dancing, sensual wriggling. Various parking lots contained only some motorcycles and mobiles. Some passersby peeping into a house seemed disappointed and rushed to the end of the alley. The call of the prayer amplified by speakers of the nearby mosques. It’s ten minutes to six and dusk, time to go to the mosque. A couple of hours ago no one in Dolly had that holy place in mind.