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

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.

History

Surabaya was an important base for the Dutch prior to World War II, the Dutch name is Soerabaja.

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.

Now

Taking the 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 north, Bangkalan to the northeast, Sidoarjo to the south, and Mojokerto and Jombang to the southwest.

Currently, the national government is building the longest bridge in Indonesia on the coast of Surabaya. The bridge will connect Surabaya with the island of Madura; they are currently connected by a frequent ferry service.

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 Tujuh Belas Agustus (Untag)
• Universitas Surabaya (Ubaya)
• 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
• Surabaya State University

Trivia

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

External link

• Official Website of Surabaya City (http://www.surabaya.go.id)