TASIKMALAYA

also spelled Tasikmalaja, city and kabupaten (regency), Jawa Barat provinsi (province), western Java, Indonesia. The city is located in the mountainous Preanger region, about 50 miles (80 km) southeast of Bandung, at an elevation of 1,151 feet (351 m). Roads and railway link it with Bandung to the northwest and Cilacap to the southeast. The population is made up of Javanese who are santri (devout) Muslims, with some Chinese and Indian settlers. A short-lived separate Muslim state, established in Tasikmalaya during 1948, was crushed by Dutch forces. The city is a trading centre for agricultural produce including rice, corn (maize), peanuts (groundnuts), and rubber. Locally manufactured goods include purses, trays, handbags, floor mats, bowls, straw hats, and paper umbrellas. Tasikmalaya is known for its rattan and pandanus woven goods and tussah silk printed by batik. There is a large mosque located in the city. Pop. (1980) city, 165,297; regency, 1,593,303.