Province

West Java

West Java, Bandung

Situated in a mountainous region, West Java is a province of Indonesia located in the western region of the island of Java. Its capital city is the bustling metropolis of Bandung, the fourth largest city in the country after Jakarta, Surabaya, and Medan. According to data from the West Java Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the province covers an area of 35,377 square kilometers and is divided into several regions, including Bogor, Bekasi, Sukabumi, Cianjur, Garut, Tasikmalaya, Cirebon, and Sumedang. Additionally, the province is home to municipalities that include Depok, Cimahi, and Banjar.

As of 2023, the total population of West Java is 49.86 million people, with this population characterized by two contrasting identities: an urban population largely residing in the Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi (Jabodetabek) area, around Jakarta, and Greater Bandung; and a traditional population living in the remaining rural areas.

In terms of religion, the majority of West Java’s population is Muslim, comprising 48.5 million people, followed by 883,850 Christians, 303,633 Catholics, 17,356 Hindus, 98,232 Buddhists, 12,250 Konghucu, and 3,275 people of other faiths.

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West Java’s Economy

West Java’s economy is noted by a Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of Rp 1.6 trillion in 2023, which also saw the province experience an economic growth rate of 5 percent from the previous year. Based on this GRDP, the transportation and warehousing sector experienced the most significant growth, reaching Rp 83.7 billion, in line with increasing traffic mobility during the Christmas and New Year holidays. This was followed by the accommodation and food and drink sector, reaching Rp 46.7 billion, and the information and communications sector, which reached Rp 105 billion. Meanwhile, the manufacturing sector and the wholesale and retail trade sector, which also includes the field of car and motorbike reparation, experienced growth, reaching Rp 240.5 billion and Rp 211.5 billion, respectively.

Investment-wise, the West Java Provincial Government has set an investment target for 2024 amounting to Rp 250 trillion, reflecting on the investment realization in 2023, which was achieved at around Rp 210.6 trillion despite the target being Rp 188.03 trillion. The government will be encouraging an increase in investment in four sectors: infrastructure, technology, tourism, and downstream industries.

Furthermore, West Java has also established a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) called the Lido SEZ in Bogor through Government Regulation No. 69/2021 on the Establishment of Lido SEZ. With a total area reaching 1,040 hectares, the government plans to develop Lido SEZ into a tourist destination with various attractions, ranging from world-class theme parks, golf courses, film studios, and music and arts centers, to retail and dining facilities.

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Latest News

April 24, 2025

The 65th Palabuhanratu Fishermen's Day Festival is held once again, and it will feature a series of spectacular cultural events. This annual celebration of traditional values ​​takes place from Apr. 20 to May 31, 2025, with the festival's main event on May 21, 2025.

Sukabumi Regency Tourism Office Head Sendi Apriadi said that Palabuhanratu Fishermen's Day is a festival that celebrates coastal communities, and this year's edition gives momentum for the revival of the tourism sector and preserve the local culture of Palabuhanratu District, Sukabumi Regency, West Java.

"This festival is not just a ceremonial event. This is[also]  a space for cultural expression that has become a heritage of the Palabuhanratu community," said Sendi on Apr. 15, 2025.

Palabuhanratu Fishermen's Day Committee Head Nandang emphasized that various events have been prepared to enliven the festival. They include cultural carnivals, traditional art performances, folk festivals, to traditional marine rituals. All will be held in gratitude to God for the area's abundant marine products.

“The main event on May 21 will be a traditional ceremony and a procession of offerings to the sea. This is a symbol of respect by the fishermen community to nature,” explained Nandang.

The festival will also be enlivened by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), local music performances, traditional competitions, and coastal culinary offerings. Palabuhanratu Fishermen's Day is expected to boost tourist visits and become a medium for cultural education for the younger generation.

“Don’t miss it! Note the date and be a part of the most iconic cultural moment on the south coast of West Java. Invite family, friends, and colleagues to experience the excitement of the 65th Palabuhanratu Fishermen’s Day!” said Nandang.

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