Surabaya, Indonesia: A Symphony of Prosperity and History.

Indonesia, a Southeast Asian country made up of thousands of islands, attracts global attention with its rich natural resources, diverse cultures, and unique geographical location. Among Indonesia’s many cities, Surabaya undoubtedly shines as a brilliant gem, known for its bustling commercial atmosphere, long-standing historical heritage, and distinctive geographical position. Surabaya, called Surabaya in Indonesian, is located in the eastern part of Java Island. It is the capital of East Java Province and the second-largest city in Indonesia. Covering an area of about 330 square kilometers and with a population exceeding 2.87 million (as of 2020), it is one of Indonesia’s four major metropolitan centers. Surabaya lies on the southwest side of the Surabaya Strait, facing Madura Island across the strait. Since ancient times, it has been an important external trade port of Java Island, connecting Indonesia’s economic lifeline to the world. Surabaya is a trade-centered commercial and port city, ranking among the top in Indonesia in terms of economic development. Most of its population is engaged in industries such as services, manufacturing, and trade, forming a diversified economic system. Major industries in Surabaya include shipbuilding, heavy equipment, food processing, agriculture, electronics, home furnishings, and handicrafts. Key products include cigarettes, textiles, sugar, coffee, steel, and footwear. Additionally, Surabaya boasts a well-established financial infrastructure, with numerous modern financial institutions such as banks, insurance companies, and import-export firms, making it one of the important financial hubs in the Indonesian archipelago. Surabaya is not only a bustling modern city but also an ancient city with a long history. As early as the Middle Ages, Surabaya had become a foreign trade port of Java, witnessing countless merchant ships and cultural exchanges. The origin of Surabaya’s name is also full of legendary tales. One theory suggests that the name originally meant "shark and crocodile," named after the area’s once desolate swamps; another theory relates to Chinese beliefs, where the temple dedicated to the "Surabaya Buddha" was called the "Surabaya Temple," which gradually evolved into the place name. Regardless of the version, both reflect Surabaya’s profound historical heritage and cultural accumulation. Surabaya is not only an economically prosperous city but also a charming tourist destination. Major attractions in the city include the House of Sampoerna, the Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan), and the Surabaya Zoo. Moreover, visitors to Surabaya often venture to nearby volcanoes such as the famous Mount Ijen and Mount Bromo to experience the grandeur and mystery of nature. The cityscape of Surabaya is equally captivating, with skyscrapers, dazzling lights, and ancient buildings complementing each other, showcasing the city’s unique charm. Surabaya also enjoys an excellent international reputation and has established sister city relationships with multiple countries and regions. Among them, the city of Xiamen in China officially established an international sister city relationship with Surabaya on June 23, 2006. The two cities have carried out extensive and in-depth exchanges and cooperation in many fields, including economic and trade relations, culture and arts, sports competitions, and urban development. This international friendly exchange and cooperation have not only promoted Surabaya’s economic development and social progress but also deepened friendship and understanding among people from different countries. Surabaya, Indonesia, is a vibrant and charming city that attracts global attention with its bustling commercial atmosphere, rich historical heritage, unique geographical location, and abundant tourism resources. In its future development, Surabaya will continue to leverage its unique advantages to contribute to the prosperity and progress of Indonesia and the world.