Mojokerto

Mojokerto – Small yet charming

At only 20.21 square kilometers in total area, the city of Mojokerto in East Java is the second smallest city in the province and the third smallest in Indonesia overall. Don't let its small size fool you, though. The city's strategic location (dead center in the province, with many major roads passing through it) and its rich historical heritage give it a unique identity among Indonesian municipalities. Mojokerto's 136,110 residents share the city with thousands of temple ruins scattered in and around the area, built during eras such as the Majapahit, Mataram, and Sindok.

Go back in time by exploring the many ancient temple ruins or remnants of more recent history. Wringin Lawang is a striking arch-shaped temple built during the 14th century. The Chinese-influenced Hok Siang Kiong pagoda, built in 1832, symbolizes the city's multicultural diversity and harmony. Alternatively, a more accessible place to study much of the area's history is the Trowulan Museum. For more natural sights, take a hike up to the peak of Watu Jengger Hill, about 1,100 meters above sea level, and enjoy both scenic views and cooler temperatures. Ranu Manduro is another popular option for photo ops, with its giant boulders in lush fields that make it feel like you are in Africa. You can relax on the Brantas River promenade and also try the city's nationally beloved "Onde Onde" cakes.

The city's economic history has seen ups and downs recently. It has experienced uneven growth, going from 3.65 percent to 5.56 percent and then to 2.79 percent from 2021 to 2023. In 2023, Mojokerto made Rp 6.94 trillion in Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) at current prices. Over a third of this GRDP came from the wholesale and retail trade industry (Rp 2.04 trillion or 31.10 percent), followed by the information and communications industry (Rp 909.01 billion or 12.77 percent), and the manufacturing industry (Rp 789.12 billion or 9.85 percent).