Probolinggo: East Java

By Barrie | June 6th, 2007 | No Comments

Probolinggo on the north coast of East Java isn’t a top spot for tourists. As the guidebooks say, it’s really just a place to pass through on the way to Mount Bromo.

That’s a mistake, because Probolinggo has lots to interest the cultural explorer. This used to be a sugar city so some fine old Dutch buildings remain.

Be quick, though, for the wreckers are busy and decay is widespread.

Unlikely to be demolished is the red Protestant church made of cast-iron plates in Holland, then shipped to Indonesia for assembly.

Every afternoon the fleet sails in from the Straits of Madura and offers its catch, giving buyers the chance to get shimmering fresh fish.

Then the harbor is crowded, chaotic and fascinating.

Duncan Graham
Website: Indonesia Now