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The Regency of Banyuwangi is located at the easternmost end of the Indonesian island of Java, and it is a very strategic area for one who wants to go to Bali. It is surrounded by mountainous and woody areas to the west; by sea to the east and south. Banyuwangi is only separated by Strait of Bali from Bali. The regency had a population of 1,488,791 at the Census held on 30 June 2000; by 2005 it was estimated to have risen to 1,514,605. The city of Banyuwangi is the administrative capital.

Banyuwangi county in East Java province

[edit] Administrative areas

The Regency of Banyuwangi consists of 19 subdistricts:

Banyuwangi Kota
Glagah
Kalibaru
Srono
Kabat
Glenmore
Rogojampi
Singojuruh
Genteng
Cluring
Giri
Pesanggaran
Gambiran
Wongsorejo
Tegaldlimo
Purwoharjo
Sempu
Muncar
Songgon
Tegalsari
Bangorejo
Siliragung
Licin
Sempu

[edit] Society and history

Banyuwangi is — as are other Indonesian areas — a heterogeneous area where many ethnic groups are mingled and live together under the same roof. One of the native groups is the Osing community which has a distinctly Hindu culture although they can be considered as a Javanese sub-ethnic group. They live mainly in the central part of Banyuwangi and they sometimes consider themselves as Majapahit descendants. Other groups are Javanese (living mostly in the south and west), Madurese (mainly in the north and coastal area) and Balinese (scattered but more concentrated in the east). Other smaller groups are Chinese, Buginese, Arabs, etc.

This heterogeneity reflects history of this region. Once known as Blambangan (or its variation: Balambangan and Balumbungan), it was a vazal of the Majapahit Kingdom and a regional trade center. After Majapahit Kingdom ceased to exit, it became an independent kingdom and, as such, the last Hindu kingdom of Java. In order to defend itself from the troops of the Sultanate of Demak, which tried to occupy it, Blambangan asked for help from Balinese kings, which caused it to lose its independence to Balinese kingdoms. During this time Blambangan was deeply influenced by Balinese culture. After around 150 years of Balinese occupation, the Sultanate of Mataram gained control of the territory and renamed it Banyuwangi. Later, it was part of the Mataram territory controlled by the VOC (1770). During the expansion of plantations in 19th century, many parts of Banyuwangi were planted with coffee and sugarcane, which feature its landscape even now. The Chinese and Arabs came mostly during this period.

Banyuwangi people are known for their deep Islamic belief but combined with pre-Islamic practices.

[edit] Culture

Because of its location along Java–Bali road, Banyuwangi is rich in culture, where Javanese, Madurese, Balinese and other cultures had met. This area has got unique arts, traditions and natures. In addition, Banyuwangi has its own trademark arts.

[edit] Gandrung Dance

This is a Banyuwangi-typical dance which performed by a woman and along with simple music like violin, triangle (called kluncing), gong (or kempul), kendhang and sometimes with keyboard as result of modern influence. It is performed during night until dawn particularly in parties.

[edit] Janger or Damarwulan

This is a traditional theatre art which has been developed since the 19th century in Banyuwangi. This theatre is a combination between Balinese, Javanese and local cultures. Balinese influences can be seen in its performers' costumes (which remind one of Arja costumes) and instruments, meanwhile Javanese influences is in its "lakon" or stories as well as language in dialogues. It is distinct from the Balinese Janger.