Java, Indonesia's fifth biggest island, is the country’s social, political and economic centre. Formed almost entirely by volcanic events, a total of 38 mountains – all have been active volcanoes at one point or another – span the island from east to west. West Java is home to the capital city, Jakarta, while Central Java, East Java, Banten and Jogyakarta make up the rest of the island.
Historically, Java played an important role during the 17th Century, when the Dutch arrived on its shores and established the Dutch East India Company. Today, wet rice cultivation continues to dominate the island’s countryside, while business and commerce flourish in the island’s major cities.
Jogyakarta is the cultural capital renowned for traditional Javanese art, including the Wayang Kulit or shadow puppets, music, ballet, drama, poetry and batik. It is also home to two ancient Hindu temples, Borobudur and Prambanan, both are UNESCO Heritage Sites.
