They tend to have a long back and a slightly sloping rump with a high set tail, no doubt due to their Arabian ancestry.

[5]: 127 They are found in a variety of colors, and are a robust breed noted for working ability and endurance.

The Java Pony is primarily used in agriculture in rural areas and for the transportation of passengers and goods in the cities.

[6]: 39  It is possible that ancient stocks were brought to Indonesia by the Chinese Tang dynasty in the 7th century, recorded as being given to Dja-va (Kalingga kingdom), Dva-ha-la, and Dva-pa-tan (Bali).

[10]: 208  During the Majapahit period, the quantity and quality of Javanese horse breeds steadily grew.

[16]: 407  Although Arabic origin is often cited in ancient documents (including the Dutch ones), there is no evidence of this in Indonesian horses and Sumbawa ponies.