Bangkalan

Bangkalan is a regency (kabupaten) of East Java province, Indonesia, located on the western part of Madura Island. Its administrative center is the town of Bangkalan, a coastal locality on the Madura Strait near the Suramadu Bridge, which links Madura with Surabaya on the Indonesian mainland.

The regency is divided into several districts (kecamatan), including Bangkalan, Kamal, Arosbaya, Modung, and Sepulu, among others. The landscape ranges from coastal areas to inland hills, notably the limestone hills around Arosbaya. The population is predominantly Madurese, with Islam as the major religion; Indonesian and Madurese are commonly spoken.

Economy in Bangkalan is diverse, with salt production, fishing, and agriculture playing important roles. Crops typically include rice, maize, and vegetables, supplemented by small-scale manufacturing and trade. The Suramadu Bridge has enhanced connectivity and contributed to economic activity by improving access to Surabaya and other markets. Cultural life features Madurese traditions, pesantren (Islamic boarding schools), markets, and local crafts. The limestone landscapes of Arosbaya are a noted local attraction.

Historically, Bangkalan formed part of the Madurese polities before becoming part of the Dutch East Indies and, after Indonesian independence, part of East Java. Today, the regency relies on road networks connected to the Suramadu Corridor and ferry services that link Madura with Java, supporting commuting, trade, and tourism.