Java (Indonesian, Javanese, and Sundanese: Jawa) is an island of Indonesia and the site of its capital city, Jakarta. 
Once the centre of powerful Hindu kingdoms and the core of the colonial Dutch East Indies, Java now plays a dominant role in the economic and political life of Indonesia. Housing a population of 124 million, it is the most populous island in the world. Java is also one of the most densely populated regions on Earth.
Formed mostly as the result of volcanic events, Java is the 13th largest island in the world and the fifth largest island of Indonesia. A chain of volcanic mountains forms an east-west spine along the island. It has three main languages, and most residents are bilingual, with Indonesian as their second language. While the majority of Javanese are Muslim (or at least nominally Muslim), Java has a diverse mixture of religious beliefs and cultures.
the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia, is a
special territory enjoying the status of a province, consisting of Greater Jakarta, covering an area of 637.44 square km. Located on the northern coast of West Java, it is the center of government, commerce and industry and as such has an extensive communications network with the rest of the country and the outside world. As Indonesia's main gateway, the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport serves a growing number of international airlines and domestic flights. Jakarta is a city of contrasts; the traditional and the modern, the rich and the poor, the sacral and the worldly, often stand side by side in this bustling metropolis.
Even its population, gathered from all those diverse ethnic and cultural groups which compose Indonesia, are constantly juxtaposed as an ever- present reminder of the national motto; Unity in Diversity.
Ba
nten is a province of Indonesia, located at the western end of Java Island. Banten has an area of 9,160.7 km² and population of 9,083,114 (2005). Banten was established in October 2000 after being separated from West Java province. The capital of the province is Serang.
Banten in the fifth century was part of Tarumanagara kingdom. A stone inscription, called Prasasti Cidanghiang, coming from Tarumanagara era can be found at Lebak area at the bank of Cidanghiang river, in Pandeglang Regency, Banten. The Prasasti Cidanghiang, found in 1947, contains 2 lines of poetic sentences in Sanskrit written in Pallava characters. The inscription proclaims Purnawarman as the standard for rulers around the world.
West Java (Indonesian: :Jawa Barat), with population around 35.72 million, is the most populous province of Indonesia, located on Java Island. Its capital city is Bandung.
Sundanese share Java island with other Malayan people: Javanese people. They primarily live in their home province of West Java. Although Sundanese live in the same island with Javanese, they consider themselves a distinct cultural area called Sunda. Someone moving from West Java Province to Central or East Java Provinces, is literally said to be moving from Sunda to Java.
Flanked by West and East Java, this province is centrally located on Java island with Semarang as its provincial capital situated on the northern coast. A network of good roads and highways in addition to solid railways linking its major cities and villages plus the accessibility to reach it by air through three main airports, all assure the visitor that he finds himself in a region with more than adequate communications
To most Indonesian visitors Central Java's history and its social influence over the whole nation are relatively known. The very first Moslem kingdom on the island was founded in 1511 at Demak, about 40 km from Semarang, which became the beachhead from which Islam spread out throughout the island. Today Demak is a sleepy little town, however, its glory of the past is still visible from one of the major relics now still well preserved, the Grand Mosque, a quaint blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, still honored and worshipped by Javanese pilgrims.
Or 
simply Yogya, is one of the foremost cultural centers of Java. Located at the foot of the active Merapi volcano, Yogyakarta was in the 16th and 17th centuries the seat of the mighty Javanese empire of Mataram., from which present day Yogyakarta has inherited the best of traditions. The city itself has a special charm which seldom fails to captivate the visitor.This province is one of the most densely populated areas of Indonesia. The city came into being in 1755, after the division of Mataram into the Sultanates of Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo).
Gamelan, classical and contemporary Javanese dances, the wayang kulit leather puppet theater and other expressions of traditional art will keep the visitor spellbound. Local craftsmen excel in the arts of batiks, silver and leather work.
Magnificent mountain scenery include the crater and sea of sand at Mount Bromo, the "sulfur mountain" Welirang and rugged lien Plateau. Little of the Majapahit empire's former glory still stands in East Java to day with the exception of temple ruins and some archaeological discoveries. East Java's claim to fame in modern history is its vanguard role in the struggle for independence against colonial forces in 1945.
Surabaya is the capital city for the east Java province that has the most bustling city. Business and leisure trip as a choice to visit the east of Java.
Jakarta - Indonesia Capital City Travel Guides
INDONESIA BIGGEST CITY
Jakarta (also DKI Jakarta), 
is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. It was formerly known as Sunda Kalapa (397-1527), Jayakarta (1527-1619), Batavia (1619-1942), and Djakarta (1942-1972). Located on the northwest coast of the Java Island, it has an area of 661.52 km² and an official population of 8,389,443 (2000[1]). Jakarta currently is the eleventh largest city, fifth largest metropolitan area and ninth most densely populated city in the world with 44,283 people per sq mile.[3] Its metropolitan area is called Jabodetabek and contains more than 23 million people, and is part of an even larger Jakarta-Bandung megalopolis.
Jakarta is served by the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Since 2004, Jakarta, under the governance of Sutiyoso, has built a new bus system, which is known as "TransJakarta" or "Busway." Jakarta had hoped to establish its newest transportation system, the Jakarta Monorail, in 2007, but the project has been delayed and its completion date will very likely be pushed back. Jakarta also is the location of the Jakarta Stock Exchange and the National Monument.
Geography
Jakarta is located on the northwestern coast of Java Island, at the mouth of the Ciliwung River on Jakarta Bay, which is an inlet of the Java Sea. The northern part of Jakarta is constituted on a plain land, approximately eight meters above the sea level. This contributes to the frequent flooding. The southern parts of the city are hilly. There are about 13 rivers flowing through Jakarta, mostly flowing form the hilly southern parts of the city northwards towards the Java Sea. The most important river is the Ciliwung river, which divides the city into the western and eastern principalities. The city borders the province of West Java on its east side and the province of Banten on its west side.
The thousand islands, which is a part of the administrative region of Jakarta, is located in the Jakarta Bay. These 105 islets are located 45 km on the north part of the city.
HISTORY
The old name of Jakarta was Sunda Kalapa. The earliest record mentioning this area as a capital city can be traced to the Indianized kingdom of Tarumanagara as early as the fourth century. In 397 AD, King Purnawarman established Sunda Pura as a new capital city for the kingdom, located at the northern coast of Java.[5] Purnawarman left seven memorial stones with inscriptions bearing his name spread across the area, including the present-day Banten and West Java provinces. The Tugu Inscription is considered the oldest of all of them.
After Tarumanagara power declined, all his territories, including Sunda Pura, felt under the Kingdom of Sunda. The harbour area were renamed into Sunda Kalapa as written in a Hindu monk's lontar m
anuscripts, which are now located at the Oxford University Library in England, and travel records by Prince Bujangga Manik. By the 14th century, Sunda Kalapa became a major trading port for the kingdom. The first European fleet, four Portuguese ships from Malacca, arrived in 1513 when the Portuguese were looking for a route for spices and especially pepper.
The Kingdom of Sunda made a peace agreement with Portugal by letting the Portuguese to build a port in 1522 in order to defend against the rising power of the Sultanate of Demak from the central of Java.[9] In 1527, Fatahillah from Demak attacked Kingdom of Sunda and succeeded in conquering the harbour on June 22, 1557, after which Sunda Kalapa was renamed into to Jayakarta.
Through the relationship with Prince Jayawikarta from the Sultanate of Banten, Dutch ships arrived in Jayakarta in 1596. In 1602, the British East India Company's first voyage, commanded by Sir James Lancaster, arrived in Aceh and sailed on to Banten where they were allowed to build a trading post. This site became the center of British trade in Indonesia until 1682.
Apparently, Jayawikarta also made a trading connection with the English merchants, the Dutch rivalry, by allowing them to build houses directly across from the Dutch buildings in 1615. When relations between Prince Jayawikarta and the Dutch later deteriorated, Jayawikarta's soldiers attacked the Dutch fortress. But even with the help of fifteen British ships, Prince Jayakarta's army wasn't able to defeat the Dutch, in part owing to the timely arrival of Jan 
Pieterszoon Coen (J.P. Coen). The Dutch burned the English fort, and forced the English retreat on their ships. With this victory, Dutch power in the area was consolidated. In 1619 they renamed the city "Batavia."
Within Batavia's walls, wealthy Dutch built tall houses and pestilential canals. Commercial opportunities attracted Indonesian and especially Chinese immigrants, the increasing numbers creating burdens on the city. Tensions grew as the colonial government tried to restrict Chinese migration through deportations. On 9 October 1740, 5,000 Chinese were massacred and the following year, Chinese inhabitants were moved to Glodok outside the city walls. The city began to move further south as epidemics in 1835 and 1870 encouraged more people to move far south of the port. The Koningsplein, now Merdeka Square, was completed in 1818, and Kebayoran Baru was the last Dutch-built residential area.
The city was renamed "Jakarta" by the Japanese during their World War II occupation of Indonesia. Following World War II, Indonesian Republicans withdrew from allied-occupied Jakarta during their fight for Indonesian independence and established their capital in Yogyakarta. In 1950, once independence was secured, Jakarta was once again made the national capital.[12] Indonesia's founding president, Sukarno, envisaged Jakarta as a great international city. He instigated large government-funded projects undertaken with openly nationalistic and modernist architecture.[13] Projects in Jakarta included a clover-leaf highway, a major boulevard (Jalan Sudirman), monuments such as The National Monument, major hotels, and a new parliament building
Administration
Officially, Jakarta is not a city but a province with special status as the capital of Indonesia. It is administered much as any other Indonesian province. For example, Jakarta has a governor (instead of a mayor), and is divided into several sub-regions with their own administrative systems. Jakarta, as a province, is divided into five cities (kota) (formerly municipality) each headed by a mayor and one regency (kabupaten) headed by a regent. In August 2007, Jakarta held its first ever election to pick a governor, which was won by Fauzi Bowo. The city's governors have previously been appointed by local parliament. The poll is part of a country-wide decentralization drive allowing for direct local elections in several areas.
List of cities of Jakarta:
* Central Jakarta (Jakarta Pusat)
* East Jakarta (Jakarta Timur)
* North Jakarta (Jakarta Utara)
* South Jakarta (Jakarta Selatan)
* West Jakarta (Jakarta Barat)
The only regency of Jakarta is:
* Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu), formerly a subdistrict of North Jakarta.
Transportation
One of the most populous cities in the world, Jakarta is strained by transportation problems. Notes BBC News, "Only 2% of Jakartans use public transport at the moment. Car users, meanwhile, are growing at a rate of 10% a year...Unless something is done, analysts say, the city will become completely gridlocked in the next few years
Rail and Waterway
There are railways throughout Jakarta; however, they are judged as being inadequate for providing necessary transportation for the citizens of Jakarta. In peak hours, the number of passengers greatly exceeds capacity. The railroad tracks connect Jakarta to its neighboring regions: Depok and Bogor to the south, Tangerang and Serpong to the west, and Bekasi, Karawang, and Cikampek to the east. The major rail stations are Gambir, Jatinegara, Pasar Senen, Manggarai, Tanah Abang and Jakarta Kota.
Jakarta Railway transportation system
Jakarta Railway transportation system
Two lines of the Jakarta Monorail are under construction: the green line serving Semanggi-Casablanca Road-Kuningan-Semanggi and the blue line serving Kampung Melayu-Casablanca Road-Tanah Abang-Roxy. In addition, there are plans for a two-line subway (MRT) system, with a north-south line between Kota and Lebak Bulus, with connections to both monorail lines; and an east-west line, which will connect with the north-south line at the Sawah Besar station. The current project, which began in 2005, has been halted due to a lack of funds and its future remains uncertain.
Population in excess of infrastructure
Like many big cities in developing countries, Jakart
a suffers from major urbanization problems. The population has risen sharply from 1.2 million in 1960 to 8.8 million in 2004, counting only its legal residents. The population of greater Jakarta is estimated at 23 million, making it the fourth largest urban area in the world. The rapid population growth has outgrown the government's ability to provide basic needs for its residents. As the third biggest economy in Indonesia, Jakarta has attracted a large number of visitors. The population during weekends is almost double that of weekdays, due to the influx of residents residing in other areas of Jabotabek. Because of government's inability to provide adequate transportation for its large population, Jakarta also suffers from severe traffic jams that occur almost every day. Air pollution and waste management are also severe problems. By 2025 the population of Jakarta may reach 24.9 million, not counting millions more in surrounding areas.
Arriving to Jakarta
Arriving to Jakarta, you will be entering Indonesia through the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport also known locally as 
“Cengkareng” (because of its location) provides you with a glimpse of what is to follow. That is to say the airport looks like a modern, international airport. However, with few exceptions, it is not as convenient and organized as it may appear or you may expect.
The International Arrival Hall is clean and pleasantly decorated with artifacts from around the archipelago. Upon disembarking you will proceed directly to immigration.
Visitors and tourists entering Indonesia need a valid passport, visa and a completed disembarkation card and customs declaration (given to you on the aircraft and filled out prior to arrival at the immigration desk) and onward/ return tickets to your next destination. Upon successful presentation of these item to the immigration official visitors will be granted access to the country for 30 days.
Some Asean countries are given a free visa upon arrival, all others will be required to obtain a visa in order to enter the country. Some nationalities may apply and pay for the visa upon arrival most, though, will need to apply, pay and obtain the visa prior to arriving to Indonesia. For more information on visa rules and requirements.
Once past Immigration you will find luggage carts available free of charge. The carts are not well maintained so be prepared. As you make your way to the luggage claim area you will pass restrooms, banks, duty free shops, moneychangers and ATMs etc. If you don't have any local currency now is the time to change a bit. (Unless the company car is picking you up, you will need it for the taxi ride into town). The rate may not be the best, but you at least won't be fumbling with your luggage while surrounded by a crowd hawking rides and whatnot.
Customs Formalities
Once you have 
claimed your luggage you proceed to Customs. Present your “Customs Declaration” to the attendant and place all carry on bags or parcels on the conveyor that passes through an X-ray machine. For the record you are allowed 1 liter of alcohol and up to 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco) duty free.
Computers, cameras, video cameras, cassette recorders and sports equipment are allowed provided that they are taken out of the country when you leave. Such items are supposed to be declared to Customs officials but this requirement is difficult to enforce and is often ignored by officials and visitors alike.
Prohibited items include: Firearms, narcotic drugs, Chinese medicines and anything with Chinese printing. Also films, video tapes and laser discs must be screened by the Board of Censors (but truth be told this is seldom - if ever - happens).
There is no restriction on the import or export of foreign currencies and travelers checks. However, importing or exporting Indonesian Rupiah in excess of 10 million is prohibited.
Upmarket Hotels in Jakarta
01. Allson Residence Jakarta 4 star / 158 rooms
Rates: 1 Bdrm. Suite Rp 678,810 / 2 Bdrm. Suite Rp 811,910 (include breakfast)
The Allson Residence Jakarta is situated within the Mitra Oasis complex which itself is just minutes from The National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta. Offering full service, apartment style accommodation, each suite at the Allson Residence features a separate bedroom, living room, dining room, kitchen and maid's quarters. Suites start at a spacious 69 sq. metres making them an interesting choice for long staying visitors.
02. Hotel Borobudur Jakarta 5 star / 565 rooms
One of Jakarta's most prominent landmarks, the luxurious Hotel Borobudur Jakarta is set in 23 hectares of lush tropical gardens and parkland. With its central location, close to government offices and the central business district, shopping and tourist attractions the hotel is, quite literally, a quiet oasis in the heart of Jakarta.
03. Hotel Sahid Jaya Jakarta 5 star / 667 rooms / Rating: 7.0 (2 reviews)
Ideally situated along Jl. Sudirman in the centre of Jakarta's Golden Triangle, with easy access from either Jl. Sudirman or Jl. MH Thamrin the locally owned and managed Sahid Jakarta (one of several Sahid Hotels in Indonesia). The hotel's traditional decor and all the ammenities of an international hotel combined with friendly staff offers visitors a taste of Indonesian hospitality in the heart of Jakarta.
04. Le Meridien Hotel Jakarta 5 star / 346 rooms
Situated in the very heart of Jakarta's 'Golden Triangle' stands the elegant Le Méridien Jakarta. Offering 346 comfortably appointed guestrooms with airy, spacious bathrooms, the hotel exemplifies intimate luxury and personalised service. Le Méridien Jakarta features sleek and refreshing bars, delicious Lebanese and Japanese cuisine, and a world-class spa and wellness centre making it an ideal choice for business and leisure stays.
05. Millennium Hotel Sirih 4 star / 405 rooms
Conveniently located in the business district of Central Jakarta and within walking distance to many key government offices and only minutes from major office buildings keeping your travel time down to a minimum. Combining an extremely friendly and service motivated staff with guest rooms and suites that are quite spacious and comfortable. The attractive four-star Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta is well positioned to get the most out of any trip to Jakarta.
06. RedTop Hotel Jakarta 4 star / 390 rooms
Don't let the inconspicuous name deter you, the RedTop Hotel Jakarta is a surprisely nice hotel in the northern part of Central Jakarta - near Mangga Dua and all the commercial, trading & entertainment areas of Kota (Chinatown) as well as Government offices of Central Jakarta. Combining large, well appointed and comfortable rooms with a friendly professional staff the RedTop Hotel offers good value for money in an excellent location allowing guests to combine business with pleasure.
07. Alila Hotels and Resorts Jakarta 4 star / 182 rooms
Rates: Deluxe Room US$ 114.95 / Executive Room US$ 133.10 (include breakfast)
Ultra cool, ultra chic and a breath of fresh air on Jakarta's hotel scene, the Alila Hotels and Resorts Jakarta offers stylish accommodation for people who know what they want. The hotel's design and architecture reflect today's contemporary lifestyle with rooms that have broadband access and Buzz Cafe, the hotel's restaurant, serving fine food from an eclectic menu and there's a excellent gym with spa facilities.
08. Arcadia Hotel Jakarta 3 star / 93 rooms / Rating: 7.6 (6 reviews)
Rates: Standard Rp 423,500
Nicely located on Jl. Wahid Hasyim and close to the city's business, shopping and dining areas is The Arcadia - often touted as Jakarta's first "boutique hotel". Though the hotel has 'only' 93 rooms, rooms are smartly furnished and the hotel still has many of the facilities today's business and value conscious travelers require with very competitive rates. Special rate available
09. Aston Atrium Senen Hotel 4 star / 402 rooms / Rating: 7.4 (1 review)
Rates: Superior US$ 75.00 / Deluxe US$ 90.00 (include breakfast)
With its orgins in Hawaii, Aston Hotels & Resorts introduces the Aloha spirit of Hawaii to Jakarta at the Aston Atrium Senen Hotel & Convention Center. Formerly the Dai-Ichi Hotel, the Aston Atrium is situated in the Senen area of Central Jakarta just minutes from Jakarta's government offices, dining, shopping and entertaiment areas. The hotel offers comfortable, good-sized rooms together with a tradition of friendly service.
10. Aston Rasuna Hotel & Residence 4 star / 112 rooms / Rating: 8.4 (4 reviews)
Rates: Executive Suite US$ 72.00 / Superior Suite US$ 77.00 (include breakfast)
With its convenient and strategic location in the Taman Rasuna Complex along Jl. Rasuna Said, the Aston Rasuna Hotel and Residence offers quick and easy access throughout Jakarta's Central Business District. More a serviced apartment than hotel, guestrooms are larger than average and offer apartment style amenities that are ideal for long staying guests or travelers with families. Managed by Aston Hotels and Resorts, you can be assured of the highest standards of service and facilities all at rates that represent good value for money. Special rate available
11. Hotel Sari Pan Pacific Jakarta 4 star / 400 rooms
Rates: Standard US$ 96.80 / Deluxe US$ 112.53 (include breakfast)
Located along Jl. Thamrin, the most famous boulevard in Jakarta, is the venerable Sari Pan Pacific. Managed by Pan Pacific and offering 400 rooms and suites that provide the highest standard of accommodation and service. The hotel is ideally located for the businessman needing quick and easy access to government offices and the Central Business District (and leisure visitors will love the hotel's proximity to great shopping and dining - all within walking distance from the hotel).
02. Ibis Kemayoran Jakarta 3 star / 130 rooms / Rating: 6.9 (2 reviews)
Rates: Ibis Room Rp 345,000
Right in the heart of historic Jakarta, only 5 minutes driving distance from Jakarta Fair Ground, 25 minutes from Soekarno-Hatta Internatonal Airport, 10 minutes from Chinatown-Mangga Dua shopping area and 5 minutes from Gambir Railway station.
13. Ibis Tamarin Jakarta 3 star / 125 rooms / Rating: 7.2 (2 reviews)
Rates: Standard US$ 49.00 (include breakfast)
Very well placed in the centre of Jakarta, on Jl. Wahid Hasyim is the Ibis Tamarin. Offering clean, budget accommodation is the hallmark of Ibis Hotels and Ibis Tamarin is no exception putting you in the heart of Central Jakarta's exciting shopping and entertainment area and only minutes from the Presidential Palace, Monas and the central business district at a very reasonable rate.
Jalan Jaksa Budget Hotels Information
Jl. Jaksa is quite popular for its cheap but good hotels especially among backpackers. In the first part of two articles, The Jakarta Post reporter Lenah Susianty interviews visitors and also Nathanael Lawalata, the man who first developed a hotel for budget tourists, to gain insight on how the street earned international fame.
JAKARTA (JP): If you ask for Jl. Jaksa, taxi drivers will take you to Wisma Delima Youth Hostel, states a guide book published in the 1980s by The Lonely Planet.
Today Wisma Delima is not the only hotel located on the street which provides the cheapest accommodation for backpackers in the city. Many establishments have sprung up in the area joining in on the lucrative business. However, it is Wisma Delima which brought the narrow street to the attention of foreign backpackers and gave Jl. Jaksa a place in history.
Jl. Jaksa became a tourist center by serving International Youth Hostel Federation members. Indonesia is no longer a member of the Federation because the Federation rules that its members must be from the private circle, not the government.
The street was named Jl. Jaksa because it was where students of the Rechts Hogeschool (the Law College), which was located near the National Museum during colonial times, lived. Jaksa, listed in every guide book of Indonesia, means attorney.
01.Le Margot (021-3913830),
Le Margot (021-3913830), which resembles an actual hotel inside as well as outside. Rooms are about Rp. 150.000 and have a/c, tv, safety deposit box and hot water. The attached backpackers' restaurant is quite popular and bang in the middle of all the action on Jalan Jaksa.
02. Hotel Karya Bahana (021-3140484/3150519)
Hotel Karya Bahana (021-3140484/3150519) can be found on Jalan Jaksa No. 32. Its slogan reads ‘with Royal and Golden service' and although that might be slightly exaggerated, the hotel indeed has a friendly staff and not too bad rooms, with a/c, bathroom with bathtub, tv and minibar. Prices start at Rp. 170,000 and include breakfast.
03. Borneo hostel (021-3140095) j
Borneo hostel (021-3140095) just west of Jalan Jaksa, on Jalan Kebon Sirih Barat No. 35. It has rooms starting from Rp. 50,000 with communal bathroom and fan, to air-conditioned rooms with bathroom for Rp. 135,000. The place has recently been redecorated and therefore spurs an un-Jaksa-like coziness. The best room is upstairs at the front where there's a cozy balcony and access to the flower filled rooftop terrace.
04. Bloemsteen Homestay (021-325389)
Bloemsteen Homestay (021-325389) and the next-door Kresna Homestay (021-325403), located in Gang 1, a small alley on the Eastern side of Jalan Jaksa. Although rooms are cramped and could use a good scrub, they are very affordable starting at Rp. 35,000, and the atmosphere is slightly less depressing than other places in the neighborhood.