Happy TravellerWelcome to Kediri, a bustling city located near the Brantas River in the province of East Java on the island of Java. With an area of 63.40 km2 and a population of 286,796 at the 2020 Census, Kediri is one of the major trade centers for the Indonesian sugar and cigarette industry. It is the second largest city by economy in East Java, after Surabaya, with a 2016 estimated GDP at Rp76.95 trillion.
Kediri has a rich history dating back to the 11th century when it was the location of the Kediri Kingdom, a Hindu kingdom. The city has been ruled by various kingdoms over the centuries, including Singhasari, Majapahit, Demak, and Mataram. The name Kediri is derived from the Sanskrit word Khadri, meaning Indian Mulberry, indicative of the mulberry trees which grew in the area.
Today, Kediri is a major cultural center for Javanese people, with ancient ruins and candis that date back to the era of the Kediri and Majapahit Kingdom. The city is also home to Persik Kediri, which plays in the Premier Division of the Indonesian Football League. Kediri has three national universities, including Universitas Brawijaya, STAIN Kediri, and Politeknik Negeri Kediri, as well as many private institutions for higher education.
While Kediri hardly has any natural attractions for a tourist destination, there are a few amusement parks such as Paggora Amusement Park, Tirtayasa Water Park, and Selomangleng Water Park. Selomangleng Cave is a man-made cave, allegedly used by the princess Dewi Kilisuci to meditate, according to folk tales. A few shopping centers are also built in the city, such as Golden Swalayan and Kediri Mall, serving the population of Kediri and the surrounding areas.
Come and experience the rich history and culture of Kediri, Indonesia, and discover why this city should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
