Islam is the most common religion in theIndonesian province ofEast Java, embraced by 96.7% of the whole population.[1] Throughout its history, East Java has been considered one of the heartlands ofIslam in Indonesia; the province experienced one of the earliest proliferations of Islam, as well as the establishment of the largest Islamic mass organization in Indonesia,Nahdlatul Ulama.
Islam was first introduced in East Java in the 11th century. The earliest evidence of the arrival of Islam in East Java is the existence of Islamic graves on behalf of Fatimah bint Maimun inGresik in 1082,[2] as well as numbers of Islamic tombs at the complex ofMajapahit tomb in Troloyo. The spread of Islam in East Java is largely due to the role ofWali Songo, the legendarySufi saints, during the 14th century. Five out of nine Wali Songo saints have played decisive roles in the propagation of Islam in East Java, namelySunan Ampel inSurabaya,Sunan Gresik (Malik Ibrahim) andSunan Giri in Gresik,Sunan Drajat inLamongan, andSunan Bonang inTuban. Wali Songo were the descendants of Islamic scholars who originated in the Middle East, Central and South Asia; they came down to East Java after generations of proselytization throughout Southeast Asia in areas such asChampa. Malik Ibrahim was the first of the saints who moved across East Java for proselytization after the power of the Majapahit Empire weakened. These saints had certain skills and mercantile interests they could provide to the local populations, such as knowledge about irrigation, while also being able to guide and teach people regarding Islam at the same time.[3][4] Among the first who converted to Islam were the fishermen in the port. These newly converted Muslims had founded their bases inmosques, such asAmpel Mosque in Surabaya which was completed in 1421, making it among the first mosques built in the archipelago.
The reign ofSultan Agung led to what scholars have called the "mystic synthesis" of Javanese Islam, a fusion of indigenous Javanese traditions with Islam. He often invoked the power of ancient Javanese supernatural themes, sponsored mystical literature, and identified as a Sufi warrior.[5] This cultural synthesis would dominate among the Javanese for over 200 years and influence Javanese society to modern times.[6]
Islam in East Java had been traditionally characterized by the preservation of local custom (adat) and the amalgamation of Islamic teaching with the practices of previous religions and indigenous cultures, resulting in the distinct style of Islamic tradition known askejawen. Muslims who practice these syncretic forms of Islam are calledabangan.[7] More recently, kejawen has been relegated to rural pockets following the proliferation of Islamic orthodoxy in the late 20th century. Meanwhile, there has been a formation ofIslam Nusantara which is aimed at a pluralist and vernacular interpretation of the orthodoxy.[8]
Pesantren (orpondok pesantren) is the traditional Islamic seminary originated in East Java, in the form of gender-segregated boarding schools. According to statistics in 2008, as many as 5,025 pesantrens are spread across East Java.[9] Some of the famous pesantrens in East Java arePondok Modern Darussalam Gontor inPonorogo, Pondok Pesantren Tebuireng inJombang, and Pondok Pesantren Lirboyo inKediri.
Several cities and regions in East Java are known askota santri or the "city of Muslim students" and the center of Islamic education. Among the well-known kota santri areGresik, Jombang, Kediri,Pasuruan, Ponorogo,Probolinggo, andSitubondo.[10][11] The termkota santri is often emphasized by the cities and regions to promote religious tourism.[11]