Of the 17,000 islands that make up the archipelago of the Republic of Indonesia, Java has historically been considered the heartland. Where Java has led-culturally, economically and politically- -down through the centuries, other regions have followed. On Java, still the most densely populated island of Indonesia, there are five Provinces. West Java is the largest, with the greatest population, and, some would claim, with the most pride.

The Province of West Java, known to the locals of the Land of Sunda, covers a total area of 29,275 square kilometers. This vast land mass includes 16 Regencies and 9 Municipalities. Today, more than 39.2 million people callth 2004 West Java their home.