Surabaya: A Historical Overview of Indonesia's Second Largest City



Surabaya is the capital of East Java, Indonesia and the second largest city in the country. It is a major port city, located on the eastern side of the island of Java. Surabaya is one of the oldest cities in Indonesia, and its history dates back to the 10th century. The city has been an important trading port since the 13th century, and it has played a significant role in the history of Indonesia.

The earliest known reference to Surabaya is from the 10th century, when it was mentioned in the Chinese book of geography, the Yijing. The city was known as the “City of the Sun”, and it was an important trading port in the region. Surabaya was also known as “Suroboyo” in the Javanese language, and it is believed to have been founded by a prince from the Majapahit Kingdom.

In the 13th century, Surabaya was under the control of the Singhasari Kingdom, and it was an important port for the kingdom’s trade with China. During this period, the city was known as the “City of the Sun”. In the 16th century, the city was conquered by the Islamic Demak Sultanate, and it became an important trading center for the sultanate’s trade with the Portuguese and the Dutch.

In the 18th century, Surabaya was conquered by the Dutch and became part of the Dutch East Indies. During this period, the city was known as the “Queen of the East”, and it was an important trading port for the Dutch. The city was also an important center for the Dutch East India Company, and it was the site of one of the company’s most important trading posts.

In the 20th century, Surabaya was an important center of Indonesian nationalism. During the Indonesian National Revolution, the city was the site of a major battle between the Indonesian forces and the Dutch. The city was also the site of a major uprising against the Japanese occupation during World War II.

Today, Surabaya is a modern city with a population of over 3 million people. It is an important industrial and commercial center, as well as a major port city. The city is home to many universities, including the University of Surabaya, which is one of the oldest universities in Indonesia. Surabaya is also a major tourist destination, and it is known for its historical sites, cultural attractions, and vibrant nightlife.