Madura is the name of an island located in the northeastern part of East Java. It covers an area of approximately 5,168 square kilometres (smaller than Bali) and has a population of nearly 4 million. The island's shape resembles a bull's body and comprises four districts: Bangkalan, Sampang, Pamekasan, and Sumenep.
Madura Island is often called the "Salt Island" due to numerous facts and data reinforcing its status as one of Indonesia's largest salt-producing regions. Its unique characteristics are rarely found on other Indonesian islands. While Sumatra and Kalimantan have rivers and estuaries, making salt production possible in places like Aceh Province on Sumatra, the density of seawater there makes it challenging to produce salt.
Map of Madura Island
| Name | Madura Island (Indonesian: Pulau Madura) |
| Country | Indonesia |
| Province | East Java |
| Coordinates | 07°03′36″S 113°24′00″E |
| Area | 5,374.17 km2 (2,074.98 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+7 |
| Population | 4,060,713 |
| Airport | Trunojoyo National Airport (SUP) |
History of Madura Island
Between approximately 900 and 1500 AD, Madura was influenced by Hindu kingdoms of East Java such as Janggala, Singhasari, and Majapahit. Historical records indicate that Aria Wiraraja was appointed as the first Duke of Madura on October 31, 1269, by King Kertanegara of Singhasari. His government was centralized in Batuputih Sumenep, which became Madura's first palace.
From ancient times through the Kediri era, Madura was renowned for salt, tobacco, and cloves. Therefore, Dutch interest in controlling Madura during the VOC era was unsurprising, leading to inevitable conflicts and agreements. Trunojoyo reached the pinnacle of Madura's leadership. After exiling Chakra Ningrat II to Janggala, Trunojoyo considered a descendant of Sultan Agung, assisted Adipati Anom in his discord with the VOC-aligned Adipati Anom after Sultan Agung II ascended to the throne.
However, politically, there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests. Adipati Anom turned against Trunojoyo after Sultan Agung II came to power.
In the 1960s, Sedyatmo, creator of the chicken claw architecture, submitted a proposal to President Sukarno to build a bridge connecting Java and Madura islands due to Madura's infrastructure and economic development lagging far behind other regions of East Java Province. The bridge was envisioned to facilitate the flow of goods and services to and from Madura Island.
Forty years later, on August 20, 2003, President Megawati Sukarnoputri inaugurated the construction of the Suramadu National Bridge, which was officially opened on June 10, 2009, by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The bridge spans 5,438 meters across the Madura Strait, has a width of 30 meters and eight traffic lanes, stands 146 meters high, and costs 45 trillion Indonesian Rupiah.
How to Get to Madura Island
Travelers to the island have diverse transportation options, including:
- AKAS buses connect towns in the province and between provinces. These buses stop at each area to allow passengers to disembark, with the very last stop generally at Kalianget inside the Sumenep Regency. AKAS buses typically pass through Kamal Port rather than the Suramadu National Bridge.
- Patas buses traverse the Suramadu Bridge. Passengers heading to Bangkalan City frequently disembark at the Tangkel intersection to enter the Suramadu motorway.
- Air tours allow passengers to fly from Trunojoyo Airport in Sumenep to Surabaya.
- Ferry offerings are available at the Jangkar - Kalianget or Ujung-Kamal routes.
Attractions of Madura Island
Gili Labak
This small island is renowned for its soft white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Snorkelling and diving are highly popular activities here, offering stunning underwater scenery.
Jaddih Limestone Hill
This limestone hill features unique rock formations against emerald-green waters.
It's an ideal spot for photography and admiring exotic natural landscapes.
Air Terjun Toroan
The uniqueness of this waterfall lies in its proximity to the beach.
Surrounded by beautiful and refreshing natural scenery, this waterfall offers a serene experience.
Pantai Lombang
This beach boasts calm waves and wide sandy shores, perfect for relaxation, sand play, or enjoying magnificent sunsets.
Kompleks Pemakaman Raja-Raja Sumenep
This burial complex preserves the rich history of the Sumenep Kingdom. Ancient architecture and royal tombs transport you to the past.
Masjid Agung Sumenep
This mosque features the distinctive Madurese architectural style, adorned with intricate decorations and carvings, making it a remarkable piece of art.
Museum Sultan Sumenep
The museum houses various historical artefacts, including traditional clothing, weapons, and handicrafts.
Gili Iyang
Gili Iyang is an island located inside the Dungkek place of Sumenep Regency. This archipelago is called the "Island of Oxygen," as its oxygen content reaches an excellent 20.9%. With an area of nine.15 rectangular kilometres, Gili Iyang, is home to two villages, particularly Bancamara and Banaras. It is not surprising that Gili Iyang is likewise used as a destination for fitness tourism. Many inhabitants over the age of one hundred live in strong fitness and engage in diverse activities.
Beyond the ability to breathe clean air on those islands, the vistas of sunrise and sunset are surely unforgettable. The location's proximity to seashores makes it convenient for site visitors to find vantage points to appreciate the splendour of each sunrise and sunset.
