Pulau Madura Island Indonesia (Sumenep, Java)

Pulau Madura is an Indonesian island located off Java Island's northeastern coast. It has land area of approx 5168 km2 (1995 mi2) and population over 3,6 million.

This island area also includes smaller isles (gilis) to the east and north of Madura. The island is separated from Java Island via Madura Strait. 

This is among the poorest regions of East Java province. The soil is not fertile enough for agriculture. The limited economy results in poverty, chronic unemployment, long-term emigration.

From Bangkalan (on the western coast) the island is within a short ferry ride from Indonesia's 2nd-largest city Surabaya (East Java's capital city). This made Bangkalan practically a suburb for commuters to the city.

The local economy is largely subsistence - agriculture in small landholdings (producing mainly maize), cattle-raising, small-scale fishing. Export industries include tobacco farming (producing tobacco and cloves for the domestic clove cigarette industry) and salt.

Bangkalan, on the western end of the island, has industrialized substantially since the 1980s. This region is within a short ferry ride of Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, and hence has gained a role as a suburb for commuters to Surabaya, and as a location for industry and services that need to be near the city. Surabaya-Madura Bridge (opened in June 2009) is a cable bridge connecting Surabaya with Bangkalan. This toll bridge has length of 5438 m (17841 ft) and height 146 m (479 ft).

Pulau Madura is famous for its bull-racing competition ("karapan sapi"). During the event, jockeys ride wooden sleds (pulled by two bulls) over a course of 100 m for 10-15 seconds.

Pulau Madura Island Indonesia cruise terminal