Madura Island

Madura Island is the outermost islands of the eastern part of Java. And is part of the province of East Java. This island has a wide 5168 km with a population of 4 million. This island has a unique shape look similar to the body of a cow.

Madura Island is the largest salt producer that supplies production throughout Indonesia and export needs. Because the results of this abundant salt Madura island is also known as Salt Island.

Most of locals that living in coastal area are farmers of salt or fishermen . In the dry season the salt production is very high due to salt production is highly dependent on the sun. So the production activities are more in the dry season. In the rainy season there is nothing to do for salt farmers. Generally they do land maintenance or repair tools related to salt production. Then wait until the dry season arrives again.

Historically, long ago the island of Madura is the unity of the island of Java, it indicates that the Javanese and Madurese are part of the same cultural community. Many Madurese leave their land and go to Java and other Indonesian islands to trade. Characteristics of Madurese are diligent, hardworking and obedient worship. Generally Madura ethnic are Moslem.

Madura island is less fertile for agriculture. Madurese instead divert their livelihoods as fishermen in the coastal areas as well as farm and raise cattle. Besides farmed, cattle are also used to cultivate paddy and dry fields. After completion of the harvest they usually held Madurese Bull Race.

Karapan Sapi is a racing term for cow race from Madura. In this race a pair of cows (with a jockey standing control of the cow) are driven racing against a couple other cows. The track races are typically about 100 m. Competition racing cows lasted about 10 seconds to 1 minute.

There is a closed dance by a jockey who won the Bull Race with a whip-lash (in Madura, whips = pecot). While accompanied by the cheers of his relatives. Because using the whip, this dance called Pecot Dance.

Bull Race in routine activities every year. Held in August to October. The competition is the  most popular traditional festivity in Madura that interested by both local and foreign tourists.

To get to the island of Madura, the Suramadu Bridge is the main entrance to it although it could be in reach by sea or air.