Surabaya is the second-largest city in Indonesia, with a population of approximately 2.9 million. In addition to its large population and relatively well-developed transportation and internet infrastructure, Surabaya offers a wide range of amenities, including Japanese schools, international schools, hospitals, and large-scale commercial facilities. These features make Surabaya an attractive destination for Japanese companies considering expansion into Indonesia.

This article provides an overview of Surabaya, including basic information such as population, climate, and transportation, as well as key industries, advantages of market entry, and important considerations for businesses.

Basic Information on Surabaya

Based on Google Maps

Location, Area, and Population

Surabaya is located in the eastern part of Java Island. Administratively, it is designated as the “City of Surabaya” and serves as the capital of East Java Province. It is the second most populous city in Indonesia after Jakarta.

• Area: 333.1 km²
• Population: 2,887,223 (as of 2022)

The population of Surabaya has remained relatively stable in recent years, hovering around 2.88 to 2.89 million.

References:
Pemerintah Kota Surabaya “Geografi”
BPS Kota Surabaya “Jumlah Penduduk Surabaya Menurut Jenis Kelamin dan Kelompok Umur (Jiwa), 2021-2022”

Regencies and Cities in Indonesia

East Java Province consists of 29 regencies (Kabupaten) and 9 cities (Kota). In Indonesia, regencies and cities are administratively equal units. Cities are not subdivisions of regencies; instead, all 38 regencies and cities fall directly under East Java Province as separate entities.

Climate

Although Java Island stretches long from west to east, it is relatively short from north to south, resulting in minimal climatic variation across flatlands. Like Jakarta, Surabaya has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the rainy season from around October to March, and the dry season from around April to September.

One of the key characteristics of Surabaya’s climate is its high temperatures. The city recorded an annual average temperature of 29.5°C in 2024, slightly higher than the Indonesian national average of 27.5°C. During the rainy season, it is also common for intense rainfall to occur over short periods.

References:
GoodStats “Suhu Kota Surabaya Tahun 2024: Lebih Panas dari 2023?”
Badan Meteorologi “Anomali Suhu Udara Rata-Rata Tahun 2024”

Transportation

Railways

Surabaya has three main train stations that bear its name: Surabaya Pasarturi Station, Surabaya Gubeng Station, and Surabaya Kota Station.

Long-Distance Trains

Pasarturi Station and Gubeng Station serve primarily as terminals for long-distance trains. Pasarturi Station is a stop for trains that travel along the northern part of Java Island via Semarang and Cirebon, heading toward Jakarta.

Gubeng Station serves trains traveling from Jakarta through the central and southern parts of Java, including Yogyakarta and Bandung. The two stations are approximately 4.5 kilometers apart.

High-Speed Rail Extension Plan

There are plans to extend the Jakarta–Bandung high-speed railway, which commenced operations in 2023, to Surabaya. As of April 2025, a feasibility study is being conducted for the Surabaya extension, and route selection is underway. If the project proceeds as planned, construction is expected to begin within a few years.

Local and Commuter Trains

Kota Station serves local and commuter lines (known as “Commuter Line”) connecting Surabaya with various destinations such as Banyuwangi, Malang, Semarang, and Yogyakarta.

There are also commuter lines that stop at Pasarturi Station and Gubeng Station.

Buses

Suroboyo Bus

The Suroboyo Bus is a city-operated public bus service that runs through areas in the eastern and western parts of Surabaya, which are not served by railway lines. In the local dialect, the vowel “a” is often pronounced as “o,” which is why “Surabaya” is commonly pronounced “Suroboyo.”

Trans Jatim

Trans Jatim is an intercity bus service operated by East Java Province, connecting Surabaya with surrounding regencies and cities. “Jatim” is short for “Jawa Timur,” meaning East Java.

Two of the five Trans Jatim routes pass through Surabaya. One of these, route K1, connects Gresik to Sidoarjo via Surabaya, and includes both regular and luxury class buses.

Wira Wiri Suroboyo

Wira Wiri Suroboyo is a small route bus service launched in 2023 by the Surabaya city government as a feeder transportation system. These minibuses connect major bus stops with residential areas, schools, and markets that large buses cannot reach. This system aims to provide integrated transport services and reduce traffic congestion.

Angkot

“Angkot” refers to shared route taxis using light vans. While they are still in operation in Surabaya, their presence is gradually diminishing as the city expands its integrated public transport system. Many routes previously served by Angkots are now being covered by Wira Wiri Suroboyo, and former Angkot drivers are being transitioned to new transit systems.

Access from Japan to Surabaya

By Air to Surabaya

As of April 2025, there are direct flights between Japan and Indonesia only on routes connecting Narita and Haneda Airports with Soekarno–Hatta International Airport, near Jakarta.

To reach Juanda International Airport in Surabaya, travelers must take connecting flights via cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Jakarta. The flight from Jakarta to Surabaya takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

From Jakarta to Surabaya (Train and Bus)

If traveling via Jakarta, trains and buses are also available in addition to domestic flights.

Train

Long-distance trains run from Jakarta to Surabaya across Java Island. Departure stations include Gambir, Pasar Senen, and Jatinegara Stations. Travel time ranges from 8 to 11 hours. Fares vary by train class, with economy starting from around IDR 350,000 (approx. USD 22) and executive class from about IDR 600,000 (approx. USD 38).

Bus

Express buses also run between Jakarta and Surabaya. Fares typically range from IDR 200,000 to 400,000 (approx. USD 13–25), and travel time varies from 10 to 15 hours depending on the route. Tickets are available on carrier websites and travel platforms such as Traveloka.

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Key Industries in Surabaya

Manufacturing

Surabaya hosts the Surabaya Industrial Estate Rungkut (SIER), where companies manufacture electronic equipment, auto parts, and more. PT SIER, the state-owned operator, has also developed the Pasuruan Industrial Estate Rembang (PIER) 70 km to the south.

Nearby regencies also host industrial parks such as JIIPE (Gresik) and Ngoro Industrial Park (Mojokerto). These areas attract many Japanese firms in sectors like food, tobacco, textiles, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

JIIPE is part of the Gresik Special Economic Zone, designated in 2021. It offers tax incentives and streamlined permits, and includes industrial, port, commercial, and residential zones.

Distribution and Trade

As a historic port city, Surabaya remains a major hub in Indonesia’s logistics and trade sectors. Juanda Airport and Tanjung Perak Port are among the largest in the country and serve eastern Indonesia as well.

Infrastructure such as freight railways and the Krian–Gresik Toll Road (opened in 2020) has improved access to industrial zones and ports. Warehousing is expanding, with occupancy rates of 85%–90% in Surabaya’s north, according to Knight Frank Indonesia.

Tourism and Services

While less famous than Bali or Yogyakarta, Surabaya promotes itself as an urban tourism destination.

Culture and History

Known as the “City of Heroes,” Surabaya features the Heroes Monument and museums. Since 2023, the city has been revitalizing its Dutch colonial-era Old Town and developing 44 themed villages that offer cultural and educational experiences.

Nature and Ecotourism

A coastal mangrove center in northern Surabaya offers eco-friendly tourism with walking trails, boating, and environmental education.

Urban Tourism

Surabaya has modern malls, cafes, and restaurants targeting the middle and upper classes. International hotel chains support both business and leisure travel. The city also attracts people from nearby regions seeking advanced medical and educational services.

MICE Hub Development

Facilities such as the JX International Convention and Exhibition Center position Surabaya as a destination for Meetings, Incentive Tours, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE).

References:
ITDP Indonesia, Pemerintah Kota Surabaya

Science, Technology, and Creative Industries

Top universities such as Airlangga, ITS, and Sunan Ampel Islamic University attract youth nationwide. Projects are underway to connect education and industry.

ITS established the Science Techno Park to commercialize research, focusing on the automotive, maritime, creative, housing, and environmental sectors. Surabaya also hosts exhibitions in robotics, contemporary art, and other creative fields.

Japanese Companies Operating in Surabaya

• Yakult
• Ajinomoto
• Hagoromo Foods
• Meiji
• Otsuka Pharmaceutical
• Unicharm
• Honda
• Mitsubishi Logistics
• Kintetsu World Express
• Shinwa
• Satake
• Crestec
• Hanwa Co., Ltd.
• Iseki & Co., Ltd.
• Daiichi Koun Co., Ltd.
• Matsuya Electric Co., Ltd.

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C2 (Participation in business meetings and purchasing goods): $230
C19 (After-sales service) / C20(Installation and repair of machinery): $300
D2 (Participation in business meetings and purchasing goods (1-year validity)): $380
E23/E24/E25 (Work VISA): $1,500

Considerations When Expanding into Surabaya

Wage Levels

Local minimum wages in Surabaya and surrounding areas are relatively high compared to the East Java average.

2025 Minimum Wages (USD 1 ≒ IDR 118)

• Surabaya City: IDR 4,961,753 (approx. USD 42,070)
• Gresik Regency: IDR 4,874,133 (approx. USD 41,300)
• Sidoarjo Regency: IDR 4,870,511 (approx. USD 41,270)
• Mojokerto Regency: IDR 4,856,026 (approx. USD 41,180)
• East Java Province: IDR 2,305,985 (approx. USD 19,550)
• National Average: IDR 3,315,728 (approx. USD 28,100)
• Jakarta (reference): IDR 5,396,761 (approx. USD 45,740)

References: Kompas.id, BPS Kabupaten Probolinggo

Flooding

Surabaya experiences flooding during the rainy season, particularly in the west. Risk assessment of target areas is essential before entry.

Traffic and Infrastructure

Surabaya faces serious congestion, especially during rush hours. Upcoming infrastructure plans include flyovers, underpasses, and the SRRL railway network (from 2026), along with potential MRT development. These projects may impact customer flows—critical for site selection.

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Surabaya’s Cityscape and Industries Through Video

Feeder Transport: “Wira Wiri Suroboyo”

Wira Wiri Suroboyo is a city-run feeder bus system with fixed stops and app-based real-time tracking. Payment is electronic, and transfers to main buses are free or discounted for children, seniors, and students.

JIIPE / Gresik Special Economic Zone

Covering about 3,000 hectares, this zone includes 1,761 ha of industrial land (JIIPE), 400 ha of port facilities (handling 2 million tons/year), and 800 ha of residential/commercial areas. Its depth and location serve as a strategic logistics hub for the Asia-Pacific.

Reference: JIIPE Official Site

The Many Attractions of Surabaya

Surabaya is Indonesia’s second-largest city with a large market and diverse business opportunities. Its strengths include well-developed manufacturing, logistics, tourism, and infrastructure.

However, challenges such as higher labor costs, flood risks, and traffic congestion must be considered. Thorough research and preparation are essential for success.

For companies interested in expanding into Indonesia, we invite you to contact PT. TRICRUISE MARKETING INDONESIA for further information.