Surabaya

Lore & Background

In the late 15th and 16th centuries, Surabaya grew to be a duchy and a major political and military power in eastern Java, probably under the Majapahit empire. The name Surabaya derives from the Javanese phrase 'sura ing baya,' translating to 'bravely facing danger.' Its origins trace back to Pali words 'sura' (Asura) and 'bhaya' (fear). This name is connected to a prophecy by Jayabaya, a 12th-century psychic king of the Kediri kingdom, who predicted a battle between a giant white shark and a giant white crocodile. The two animals are used as the city's symbol, depicted in a statue near the entrance to the city zoo. From the 18th century until the mid-20th century, Surabaya was the largest city in the Dutch East Indies. During the Dutch East Indies era, Surabaya was the capital of the Surabaya Residency. The city has been one of the busiest trading city ports in Asia, with principal exports including sugar, tobacco, and coffee.

Reader's Guide

Surabaya's significance lies in its enduring role as a major port and economic center in Southeast Asia. As the second-largest city in Indonesia and one of the four main central cities, it has been a crucial node in regional trade networks since at least the 10th century. Its location on the Madura Strait and the Brantas River delta made it a key link between Malacca and the Spice Islands. The city's rich history as a trading port has led to a strong financial infrastructure, with banks, insurance, and export-import companies. The completion of the Suramadu Bridge and growth in international industries have further influenced its economy. Surabaya is also home to a large shipyard and numerous specialized naval schools, and the Bank of Indonesia has made plans for it to be the Islamic financial center of Indonesia.

Did You Know?

• Surabaya's name derives from the Javanese phrase 'sura ing baya,' meaning 'bravely facing danger.'
• Surabaya was the largest city in the Dutch East Indies from the 18th century until the mid-20th century.
• The Surabaya metropolitan area has ASEAN's 6th largest economy, ahead of Hanoi.