The agricultural industry in Java is renowned for its cash crops, which include tea, coffee, tobacco, rubber, and cinchona, and are primarily grown in the highlands. Additionally, sugarcane, kapok, and coconuts are significant export commodities. Multiple cash crops are typically grown on the large family estates present on the island.

Livestock farming, specifically water buffalo for draft purposes, complements agricultural activities. Moreover, fish farming in rice fields and ponds is a source of protein for the island’s residents, while salted and dried fish are imported to meet demand.

Java’s economy is diverse, with significant oil reserves in the Arjuna fields off the northwest coast. Petroleum refineries in areas like Cilacap, Jepu, and Surabaya, as well as limited mining activities that extract manganese, sulfur, phosphate, gold, and silver, contribute to the economy.

The island has a wide range of manufacturing sectors, from traditional crafts like batik printing, iron founding, and silverwork, to larger-scale industries such as textile processing, rubber manufacturing, and auto assembly. Breweries, footwear, paper, soap, cement, and cigarette factories are also present on the island.

Java has a robust infrastructure, with the Jatiluhur Dam being Indonesia’s largest. The island has a well-connected rail and highway network that links principal cities. Jakarta serves as a hub for the government-owned radio network and has an international airport. Surabaya and Tanjungpriuk are pivotal ports that facilitate trade and commerce.