Madura

Madura is an Indonesian island located off the northeastern coast of Java in East Java province. It is separated from Java by the Madura Strait and lies between the Java Sea to the north and the Bali Sea to the east. Administratively, Madura is divided into four regencies—Bangkalan, Sampang, Pamekasan, and Sumenep—with several urban centers including Bangkalan, Pamekasan, Sumenep, and Sampang. The island is predominantly inhabited by the Madurese people, who speak the Madurese language.

Geography and climate: The landscape is largely dry with coastal plains and hinterland areas. Salt production has deep historical roots, and the island hosts a number of salt ponds. The climate is tropical, characterized by a pronounced dry season and a wet season.

History and culture: The Madurese have a long maritime and trading heritage and are known for distinctive cultural practices. Traditional bull racing, or karapan sapi, is one of the best-known Madurese events. Madura cuisine is famous for dishes such as sate Madura, which emphasizes skewered grilled meat and savory peanut sauces. The population is predominantly Muslim, shaping local customs and daily life.

Economy and transportation: Major economic activities include salt production, fishing, agriculture, and animal husbandry, complemented by small-scale manufacturing and tourism. Transportation links to Java include the Suramadu Bridge, opened in 2009, which connects Surabaya to Bangkalan on Madura, enabling road traffic between the islands. Inter-island ferries operate as well, and the island is served by ports such as Kamal in Bangkalan.