Banten

Banten is a province of Indonesia located on the western end of the island of Java. Its capital is Serang. The province borders West Java to the east, the Java Sea to the north, and the Sunda Strait to the south, with a coastline that includes diverse coastal communities and several offshore islands. Its western region includes parts of the Greater Jakarta metropolitan area’s western fringe, and its economy is anchored by industry along the coast and agricultural areas inland.

Historically, Banten was the center of the Sultanate of Banten from the 16th century, a powerful trading polity that controlled western Java’s ports and engaged with regional and European powers. The sultanate rose and declined over the centuries, eventually becoming part of the Dutch East Indies. After Indonesian independence, Banten remained part of West Java Province until 2000, when it was established as a separate province.

Geographically, Banten features lowland coastal plains, foothills and national parks such as Halimun-Salak, and offshore volcanic islands including Anak Krakatau. Ujung Kulon National Park at the western tip preserves the endangered Javan rhinoceros and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The province also contains popular tourist and resort areas such as Anyer, Carita, and Sawarna, as well as the Krakatau volcanic complex.

Economy and infrastructure depend on manufacturing, petrochemicals, and port logistics. The Krakatau Industrial Estate near Cilegon and port facilities at Merak support regional trade, including ferry connections to Sumatra. The population is culturally diverse, with significant Javanese, Sundanese, and Bantenese communities, and local languages alongside Bahasa Indonesia.