Happy TravellerWelcome to Gresik Regency, a hidden gem within East Java Province of Indonesia. This regency is not only home to the town of Gresik, but also includes the offshore Bawean Island, making it a diverse and unique destination for travelers. Gresik Regency is a part of Gerbangkertosusila, the metropolitan region of Surabaya, and is a must-visit for those looking to explore the northern and western suburbs of Surabaya.
Etymology:
Gresik Regency gets its name from the word Giri Gisik, which means mountain near the coast. This refers to the hilly topography of the Gresik town center near the coast.
History:
Gresik has a rich history dating back to the 11th century when it became an international trade center visited by many nations such as Chinese, Arabs, Champa, and Gujarat. It is also the first entry point for Islam in Java, marked by the existence of ancient Islamic tombs from Sheikh Maulana Malik Ibrahim and Fatimah bint Maimun. Gresik has been one of the main ports and trade cities since the 14th century, as well as being a haven for ships from Maluku to Sumatra and mainland Asia (including India and Persia). The port of Gresik-Djaratan has functioned as an important commercial center since the eleventh century, trading with merchants from as far away as China, India, and Arabia. Some of these traders helped spread Islam in the area. In 1487 Sunan Giri, also known as Sultan Ainul Yaqin, began to rule Gresik. In his 1515 book, Suma Oriental, the Portuguese apothecary and traveler Tomé Pires described Gresik as the jewel of Java in trading ports. Sunan Giri’s descendants ruled the area for the following two centuries. Initially, the Gresik region was part of the Surabaya Regency. In 1974, the Central Government issued PP No. 38 of 1974. All government activities began to be gradually transferred to Gresik, and the name changed to Gresik Regency with a center of activity in Gresik town. Also in 1974, the Indonesian government made Gresik, now a suburb of Surabaya, part of Gerbangkertosusila Metropolitan Area, an official metropolitan region by the Government.
21st-century Gresik:
The city has a reputation for its many coffee shops, called warkop (from warung kopi). In 2002, Petrokimia Putra (owned by PT Petrokimia Gresik), a soccer club from Gresik, won a national league title.
Administration:
The Gresik Regency is divided into eighteen administrative districts (kecamatan). The districts are tabulated below with their areas and their populations at the 2010 census and the 2020 census. The table also includes the number of administrative villages (330 rural desa and 26 urban kelurahan) in each district and its post code. Sangkapura and Tambak districts together constitute the island of Bawean, lying to the north of Madura but administratively a part of Gresik Regency.
Industry:
A large number of industries have established themselves in Gresik, mainly supporting agriculture and agricultural machinery. A lot of home-based industry exists, making caps (songkoks), bags, etc. One of the largest factories in Gresik is Semen Gresik (Gresik Portland Cement) and Petrokimia Gresik. Semen Gresik, the largest cement factory in Indonesia, supplies 41% of the Indonesian market, while Petrokimia Gresik, the most complete fertilizer producer in Indonesia, supplies 50% of national subsidized fertilizers.
Climate:
Gresik has a tropical monsoon climate with high humidity throughout the year. The maximum humidity is 88%, and the average humidity is 58%. The wind velocity of Gresik is within the range of 0–18 km/hour. The maximum wind velocity is 18 km/hour, and the average is 12.6 km/hour. The temperature of this city is within the range of 23 °C-35 °C with the average temperature being 28.5 °C.
Come and explore the rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes of Gresik Regency. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone in this hidden gem of Indonesia.
