Hubbry Logo
SemarangSemarangMain
Open search
Semarang
Community hub
Semarang
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Semarang
Semarang
Semarang
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Semarang (Javanese: ꦏꦸꦛꦯꦼꦩꦫꦁ, Kutha Semarang) is the capital and largest city of Central Java province in Indonesia. It was a major port during the Dutch colonial era, and is still an important regional center and port today. The city has been named as the cleanest tourist destination in Southeast Asia by the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard (ACTCS) for 2020–2022.[6]

Key Information

It has an area of 373.78 km2 (144.32 sq mi) and had a population of 1,555,984 at the 2010 census[7] and 1,653,524 at the 2020 census,[8] making it Indonesia's ninth most populous city[9] after Jakarta, Surabaya, Bekasi, Bandung, Medan, Depok, Tangerang and Palembang; the official population estimate as at mid-2023 was 1,694,740, comprising 838,440 males and 856,310 females.[1] The built-up urban area had 3,183,516 inhabitants at the 2010 census spread over two cities and 26 districts.[10] The Semarang metropolitan area (a.k.a. Kedungsepur) has a population of over 6 million in 2020 (see Greater Semarang section). The population of the city is predominantly Javanese with significant Chinese presence.

History

[edit]
Historical affiliations

Demak Sultanate (1547–1554)
Kingdom of Pajang (1568–1587)
Mataram Sultanate (1587–1705)
Dutch East India Company (1705–1799)
Dutch East Indies (1800–1942)
Empire of Japan (1942–1945)
Dutch East Indies (1945–1949)
United States of Indonesia (1949–1950)
Indonesia (1950–present)

The history of Semarang goes back to the 9th century, when it was known as Bergota. At the end of the 15th century, the Demak Sultanate appointed an Islamic scholar named Ki Ageng Pandan Arang [id] to build an Islamic school in this fishing village. On 2 May 1547, Sultan Hadiwijaya of Pajang declared Pandan Arang as the first bupati (mayor) of Semarang, thus creating Semarang administratively and politically.

In 1678, Sunan Amangkurat II promised to give control of Semarang to the Dutch East India Company (VOC) as a part of a debt payment.[11][12] In 1682, the Semarang state was founded by the Dutch colonial power. On 5 October 1705 after years of occupations, Semarang officially became a VOC city when Susuhunan Pakubuwono I made a deal to give extensive trade rights to the VOC in exchange of wiping out Mataram's debt. The VOC, and later, the Dutch East Indies government, established tobacco plantations in the region and built roads and railroads, making Semarang an important colonial trading centre. [citation needed]

The historic presence of a large Indo (Eurasian) community in the area of Semarang is also reflected by the fact a creole mix language called Javindo existed there.[13]

Classical Indische Town (1678–1870)

[edit]
The early VOC settlement of Semarang with its prominent pentagonal fortress.

Semarang was handed by the Sultan of Mataram to the Dutch East Indies in 1678.[11] The city was pictured as a small settlement with a pious Muslim area called Kauman, a Chinese quarter, and a Dutch fortress. The fortress has a pentagonal form with only one gate in the south and five monitoring towers to protect the Dutch settlement from rebellion actions, segregating the spaces between Dutch settlement and other areas.[14] In fact, the city of Semarang was only referred to the Dutch quarter while the other ethnic settlement were considered as villages outside the city boundary. The city, known as de Europeesche Buurt, was built in classical European style with church located in the centre, wide boulevards, streets and villas.[15] According to Purwanto (2005),[16] the urban and architectural form of this settlement is very similar to the design principles applied in many Dutch cities.

Due to the long and costly Java War, there was not much funding from the Dutch East Indies government, and this affected Semarang's development. Most land in the area was used for rice cultivation and the only small improvement was the development of a surrounding fortress. Although less developed, Semarang is a fairly well organized city, in which urban activities were concentrated along the river and the settlement is linked to a market where different ethnic groups met to trade. The existence of the market, in the later years, become a primary element and a generator of urban economic growth.[17]

After the departure of Herman Willem Daendels, Napoleonic governor of Java, the Dutch reorganized Java into Residencies, and Semarang became the seat of the new Semarang Residency in 1817. An important influence on urban growth was the Great Mail Road project in the 1847, which connected all the cities in the northern coast of Central and East Java and positioned Semarang as the trade centre of agricultural production.[18] The project was soon followed by the development of the Staatsspoorwegen Railway and the connecting roads into the inner city of Semarang at the end of the 19th century.[17] Colombijn (2002)[18] marked the development as the shift of urban functions, from the former river orientation to all services facing the roads.

Modern city (1870–1922)

[edit]
Coat of Arms of Semarang during Dutch colonial era, granted in 1827.

The Dutch East Indies' mail and railway projects improved communication and transportation, bringing an economic boom to the city in the 1870s. Hospitals, churches, hotels, and mansions were built along the new main roads of Mataram Street, Bojongscheweg, and Pontjolscheweg.[15] The Javanese quarters of town known as kampongs grew increasingly densely populated, reaching as many as 1000 inhabitants per hectare and degrading living conditions.[19] Mortality remained high into the early 20th century, with newcomers, overcrowding, and poor hygiene triggering cholera and tuberculous outbreaks.[20] Dysentery, typhoid, and malaria were also rife.[21] The city doctor Willem T. de Vogel advocated strenuously for reducing overcrowding and improving living conditions by extending Semarang into the less malarial hill country to its south;[22] his fellow councilman Hendrik Tillema had campaigned on a platform of combatting malaria and joined De Vogel's scheme, broadening it into a "village improvement" (Dutch: kampongverbetering) movement.[19] Purchasing land in the heights with their own money, the two men and some friends passed it on to the city with an initial zoning plan by KPC de Bazel in 1907 but could never convince a majority of the council to support its development.[21][22] Changing tack, Tillema then worked to improve the existing kampongs in the city's malarial districts by improving drainage and providing more sanitary public toilets and public housing.[19]

A decade later, the town approved Thomas Karsten's revised plan for the area, using it to build larger villas for the Dutch and wealthy Chinese and Javanese rather than allowing its use by the poor.[21][22][23] This area became known as Candi Baru (Dutch: Nieuw Tjandi) and forms the core of the present-day Candisari District. Although it remained highly stratified by class,[15] Candi Baru had less ethnic segregation than the older area of town and incorporated public squares, athletic facilities, and places for public bathing and washing that could be used communally.[24] With most work remaining in the lower city and transportation slow or expensive, few of the lower classes were interested in moving to the district[22] but it set a pattern that was followed with three more successful housing plans between 1916 and 1919. The population grew by 55%, adding 45,000 Javanese, 8500 Chinese, and 7000 Europeans. Karsten's approach to town planning emphasized its aesthetic, practical, and social requirements articulated in economic terms rather than purely racial ones.[24]

Driven by economic growth and spatial city planning, the city had doubled in size and expanded to the south by the 1920s, creating a nucleus of a metropolis where multi-ethnic groups lived and traded in the city. The villages in the suburbs such as Jomblang and Jatingaleh steadily became the satellite towns of Semarang, more populated with a bigger market area. Before the invasion of Japan in 1942, Semarang had already become the capital of Central Java province, as the result of trade and industrial success and spatial planning.[15]

  • NIS company head office (Gedung Lawang Sewu), Semarang, Dutch East Indies.
    NIS company head office (Gedung Lawang Sewu), Semarang, Dutch East Indies.
  • A Chinese house in Semarang at the turn of the 20th century.
    A Chinese house in Semarang at the turn of the 20th century.
  • Aerial picture of Old Semarang area in the 1920s.
    Aerial picture of Old Semarang area in the 1920s.
  • Old 0-6-0 locomotive next to the Lawang Sewu building.
    Old 0-6-0 locomotive next to the Lawang Sewu building.

Japanese occupation and early independence

[edit]

The Japanese military occupied the city, along with the rest of Java, in 1942, during the Pacific War of World War II. During that time, Semarang was headed by a military governor called a Shiko, and two vice governors known as Fuku Shiko. One of the vice governors was appointed from Japan, and the other was "chosen" from the local population. [citation needed]

After Indonesian independence in 1945, Semarang became the capital of Central Java on 18 August 1945,[25] headed by Mr. Moch.Ichsan.[26]

Military history

[edit]

It also became the site of a battle (Five days battle, Pertempuran lima hari) between the new Indonesian military and Japanese soldiers in October 1945.[27] Shortly after that, what had been the Indonesia-conducted Ambarawa, Magelang, and Ungaran offensives reached Semarang city on 15 December 1945, causing an 87-day battle that swept away the British and Dutch military completely.

Administration

[edit]

Semarang city administration is headed by mayor, with a legislative assembly. Both mayor and the 50 members of legislative assembly are elected by direct vote. The government of Semarang City had implemented the smart city concept since 2013.[28][29]

Juridically, Semarang City is a municipality (second level area) consisting of 16 districts (kecamatan), which are again divided into 177 urban villages (kelurahan). The districts are tabulated below with their areas and their populations at the 2010 census[7] and 2020 census,[8] together with the official estimates as at mid 2023.[1] The table also includes the number and names of the urban administrative villages in each district.

Kode
Wilayah		 District
(kecamatan)		 Area
in
km2		 Pop'n
census
2010		 Pop'n
census
2020		 Pop'n
estimate
mid 2023		 No.
of
villages		 Administrative villages (kelurahan)
33.74.14 Mijen

(Javanese: ꦩꦶꦗꦺꦤ꧀, romanized: Mijèn)

56.52 55,708 80,906 89,950 14 Cangkiran, Bubakan, Jatibarang, Jatisari, Karangmalang, Kedungpane, Mijen,
Ngadirgo, Pesantren, Polaman, Purwosari, Tambangan, Wonolopo, Wonoplumbon,
33.74.12 Gunungpati

(Javanese: ꦒꦸꦤꦸꦁ​ꦥꦛꦶ, romanized: Gunungpathi)

58.27 88,444 98,023 100,750 16 Cepoko, Gunungpati, Jatirejo, Kalisegoro, Kandri, Mangunsari, Ngijo, Nongkosawit,
Pakintelan, Patemon, Plalangan, Pongangan, Sadeng, Sekaran, Sukorejo, Sumurejo
33.74.11 Banyumanik

(Javanese: ꦧꦚꦸꦩꦤꦶꦏ꧀, romanized: Banyumanik)

29.74 136,368 142,076 143,430 11 Pudakpayung, Gedawang, Jabungan, Padangsari, Banyumanik, Srondol Wetan,
Pedalangan, Sumurboto, Srondol Kulon, Tinjomoyo, Ngesrep
33.74.09 Gajah Mungkur

(Javanese: ꦒꦗꦃꦩꦸꦁ​ꦏꦸꦂ, romanized: Gajah Mungkur)

9.34 59,911 56,232 56,350 8 Bendanduwur, Bendanngisor, Bendungan, Gajahmungkur, Karangrejo,
Lempongsari, Petompon, Sampangan
33.74.07 Semarang Selatan
(South Semarang)

(Javanese: ꦱꦼꦩꦫꦁ​​ꦏꦶꦢꦸꦭ꧀, romanized: Sěmarang Kidul

5.95 69,617 62,030 62,180 10 Barusari, Bulustalan, Lamper Kidul, Lamper Lor, Lamper Tengah, Mugassari,
Peterongan, Pleburan, Randusari, Wonodri
33.74.08 Candisari

(Javanese: ꦕꦤ꧀ꦝꦶꦱꦫꦶ, romanized: Candhisari)

6.40 75,879 75,456 75,610 7 Candi, Jatingaleh, Jomblang, Kaliwiru, Karanganyargunung, Tegalsari, Wonotingal
33.74.10 Tembalang

(Javanese: ꦠꦼꦩ꧀ꦧꦭꦁ, romanized: Tĕmbalang)

39.47 159,849 189,680 198,860 12 Bulusan, Jangli, Kedungmundu, Kramas, Mangunharjo, Meteseh, Rowosari,
Sambiroto, Sendangguwo, Sendangmulyo, Tandang, Tembalang
33.74.06 Pedurungan

(Javanese: ꦥꦼꦢꦸꦫꦸꦔꦤ꧀, romanized: Pědurungan)

21.11 180,468 193,151 196,530 12 Gemah, Kalicari, Muktiharjo Kidul, Palebon, Pedurungan Kidul, Pedurungan Lor,
Pedurungan Tengah, Penggaron Kidul, Plamongan Sari, Tlogomulyo,
Tlogosari Kulon, Tlogosari Wetan,
33.74.05 Genuk

(Javanese: ꦒꦼꦤꦸꦏ꧀, romanized: Genuk)

25.98 92,314 123,310 132,470 13 Bangetayu Kulon, Bangetayu Wetan, Banjardowo, Gebangsari, Genuksari,
Karangroto, Kudu, Muktiharjo Lor, Penggaron Lor, Sembungharjo, Terboyo Kulon,
Terboyo Wetan, Trimulyo
33.74.04 Gayamsari

(Javanese: ꦒꦪꦩ꧀ꦱꦫꦶ, romanized: Gayamsari)

6.22 71,767 70,261 70,410 7 Gayamsari, Kaligawe, Pandean Lamper, Sambirejo, Sawah Besar, Siwalan, Tambakrejo
33.74.03 Semarang Timur
(East Semarang)

(Javanese: ꦱꦼꦩꦫꦁ​​ꦮꦺꦠꦤ꧀, romanized: Sěmarang Wétan)

5.42 74,782 66,302 66,480 10 Bugangan, Karangtempel, Karangturi, Kebonagung, Kemijen, Mlatibaru, Mlatiharjo,
Rejomulyo, Rejosari, Sarirejo, Bandarharjo
33.74.02 Semarang Utara
(North Semarang)

(Javanese: ꦱꦼꦩꦫꦁ​​ꦭꦺꦴꦂ, romanized: Sěmarang Lor)

11.39 117,836 117,605 117,890 9 Bulu Lor, Dadapsari, Kuningan, Panggung Kidul, Panggung Lor, Plombokan,
Purwosari, Tanjungmas
33.74.01 Semarang Tengah
(Central Semarang)

(Javanese: ꦱꦼꦩꦫꦁ​​ꦩꦢꦾ, romanized: Sěmarang Madyå)

5.17 60,312 55,064 55,210 15 Bangunharjo, Brumbungan, Gabahan, Jagalan, Karangkidul, Kauman, Kembangsari,
Kranggan, Miroto, Pandansari, Pekunden, Pendrikan Kidul, Pendrikan Lor,
Purwodinatan, Sekayu
33.74.13 Semarang Barat
(West Semarang)

(Javanese: ꦱꦼꦩꦫꦁ​​ꦏꦸꦭꦺꦴꦤ꧀, romanized: Sěmarang Kulon)

21.68 154,878 148,879 149,330 16 Bojongsalaman, Bongsari, Cabean, Gisikdrono, Kalibanteng Kidul, Kalibanteng Kulon,
Karangayu, Kembangarum, Krapyak, Krobokan, Manyaran, Ngemplaksimongan,
Salamanmloyo, Tambakharjo, Tawangmas, Tawangsari
33.74.16 Tugu

(Javanese: ꦠꦸꦒꦸ, romanized: Tugu)

28.13 29,436 32,822 33,800 7 Jerakan, Karanganyar, Mangkang Kulon, Mangkang Wetan, Mangunharjo,
Randu Garut, Tugurejo
33.74.15 Ngaliyan

(Javanese: ꦔꦭꦶꦪꦤ꧀, romanized: Ngaliyan)

42.99 128,415 141,727 145,500 10 Bambankerep, Beringin, Gondoriyo, Kalipancur, Ngaliyan, Podorejo, Purwoyoso,
Tambak Aji, Wonosari

Geography

[edit]
The view of downtown Semarang.

Semarang is located on the northern coast of Java. The city of Semarang is one of the most important cities located on the north coast of Java and is the main hub connecting Jakarta and Surabaya, and cities in the southern interior of Java Surakarta and Yogyakarta. Semarang City has a height ranging from 2 m (6.6 ft) below sea level up to 340 m (1,120 ft) above sea level with a slope of 0%–45%. Semarang City is a city that has a unique topographic condition in the form of a narrow lowland area and hilly areas extending from the west side to the east side of Semarang City. The city is located about 558 km (347 miles) east of Jakarta and 312 km (194 miles) west of Surabaya.

Lowland areas in Semarang City are very narrow. The lowland area in western Semarang only has a width of 4 km (2.5 miles) from the coastline, while in the eastern Semarang, the low-lying area has a width of 11 km (6.8 miles) from the coastline. This lowland area is a flood plain from the large rivers that flow in Semarang City, such as Kali Garang (West Flood Canal), Pengkol River, and Bringin River. This low-lying area stretches on the northern side of Semarang and covers almost 40% of the total area of Semarang. This lowland area is known as the lower town (Semarang Ngisor), as well as the center of the city's economic activity. Under these conditions, the lower city area is often hit by annual flooding and its peak during the rainy season. In a number of regions, especially North Semarang, floods are sometimes also caused by overflowing sea tides (tidal floods). The hilly area in Semarang stretches on the south side. These hills are part of a series of northern Java mountain ranges that stretch from Banten to East Java. The hilly area in the city of Semarang is known as the upper city (Semarang Dhuwur). This hilly region is also the upstream area of the big rivers that flow in the city of Semarang. The upper city area is also near Mount Ungaran.

Climate

[edit]

Semarang features a tropical monsoon climate (Köppen: Am). The city celebrates Christmas and New Year in summer (due to the location in Southern Hemisphere), however summer months (December to February) are the rainiest, coldest and wettest months. The city features distinctly wetter and drier months, with winter (June through August) being the driest months and hotter than summer. Spring and autumn are the transitions between wet and dry seasons and hotter than both summer and winter. However, the average monthly rainfall does not fall below 60 mm (2.4 in), hence the tropical rainforest categorization. Semarang on average sees approximately 2,800 mm (110 in) of rain annually. Average temperatures in the city are relatively consistent, hovering around 28 °C (82 °F). Diurnal temperature variation slightly increases in the dry season.

Climate data for Semarang (Jenderal Ahmad Yani Airport) (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1999–2023)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 35.4
(95.7) 		34.4
(93.9) 		34.4
(93.9) 		35.2
(95.4) 		35.2
(95.4) 		35.6
(96.1) 		35.4
(95.7) 		36.7
(98.1) 		37.9
(100.2) 		39.5
(103.1) 		38.2
(100.8) 		36.0
(96.8) 		39.5
(103.1)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 31.2
(88.2) 		30.9
(87.6) 		31.5
(88.7) 		32.2
(90.0) 		32.9
(91.2) 		32.9
(91.2) 		32.9
(91.2) 		33.4
(92.1) 		34.2
(93.6) 		33.8
(92.8) 		32.7
(90.9) 		31.5
(88.7) 		32.5
(90.5)
Daily mean °C (°F) 27.2
(81.0) 		27.0
(80.6) 		27.6
(81.7) 		28.2
(82.8) 		28.5
(83.3) 		28.1
(82.6) 		27.9
(82.2) 		28.1
(82.6) 		28.4
(83.1) 		28.7
(83.7) 		28.0
(82.4) 		27.4
(81.3) 		27.9
(82.3)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 24.6
(76.3) 		24.4
(75.9) 		24.7
(76.5) 		25.1
(77.2) 		25.3
(77.5) 		24.2
(75.6) 		23.6
(74.5) 		23.3
(73.9) 		24.0
(75.2) 		24.8
(76.6) 		24.9
(76.8) 		24.6
(76.3) 		24.5
(76.0)
Record low °C (°F) 21.8
(71.2) 		20.2
(68.4) 		22.5
(72.5) 		20.2
(68.4) 		21.9
(71.4) 		20.2
(68.4) 		19.2
(66.6) 		19.2
(66.6) 		19.8
(67.6) 		21.6
(70.9) 		21.8
(71.2) 		21.0
(69.8) 		19.2
(66.6)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 356.7
(14.04) 		379.4
(14.94) 		192.8
(7.59) 		192.9
(7.59) 		136.9
(5.39) 		100.1
(3.94) 		46.6
(1.83) 		45.8
(1.80) 		85.9
(3.38) 		153.0
(6.02) 		235.8
(9.28) 		289.5
(11.40) 		2,215.4
(87.2)
Average precipitation days 17.3 16.6 13.0 13.0 8.9 6.1 3.7 3.1 4.8 9.8 14.5 17.2 128
Average relative humidity (%) 82 82 80 79 75 72 68 67 66 69 76 81 75
Average dew point °C (°F) 23
(74) 		23
(74) 		24
(75) 		23
(74) 		23
(74) 		22
(72) 		22
(71) 		21
(70) 		22
(71) 		22
(72) 		23
(74) 		23
(74) 		23
(73)
Mean monthly sunshine hours 160.6 142.1 177.4 202.1 243.3 235.3 269.1 283.8 267.8 251.1 201.6 152.9 2,587.1
Mean daily daylight hours 12.5 12.3 12.1 12 11.8 11.7 11.8 11.9 12.1 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.1
Average ultraviolet index 12 12 12 12 11 10 10 12 12 12 12 12 12
Source 1: Starlings Roost Weather[30]
Source 2: Weather Atlas[31] and Time and Date[32] (humidity only)

Semarang River and flood control

[edit]

Like Singapore River, Semarang is constructing Semarang River at Banjir Kanal Barat (Garang River) near Karangayu Bridge. In the middle of July 2011, gardens in river banks and some traditional boats are available to use. The project will be finished in 2013 with river gardens, trotoars, garden lighting, water activities, art sites, sport sites and balconies and stairs for sightseeing.[33] In August 2011, a 421 m (1,380 ft) tunnel dodger at Kreo river has been finished and Jatibarang Dam construction can begin, with completion targeted for July 2013. The dam is planned to release 230 m3/s (8,100 cu ft/s) of flood water and will generate 1.5 MW of electricity, provide a drinking water resource and a boost to tourism.[34]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
YearPop.±%
1950371,000—    
1955424,374+14.4%
1960485,444+14.4%
1965552,128+13.7%
1970626,703+13.5%
1975782,967+24.9%
19801,009,460+28.9%
19851,125,836+11.5%
19901,242,737+10.4%
19951,333,157+7.3%
20001,427,341+7.1%
20051,438,733+0.8%
20101,555,984+8.1%
20151,698,777+9.2%
20201,653,524−2.7%
20221,659,975+0.4%
source:[35][36]

The largest ethnic group in Semarang is the Javanese, followed by minorities of Chinese, Arabs, Indian, and others (including local ethnicities such as Sundanese, Batak, Madura, Malay, Balinese etc.). The dominant religion is Islam with a significant Christian minority.

Semarang has a large Chinese community. As in other regions of Java, especially in Central Java, they have mingled closely with the local population and use Javanese in communication for hundreds of years. About 3.5% of the city's population is ethnic Chinese, many residing in a Chinatown in the vicinity of Gang Pinggir. The Chinatown is called "Kampong Pecinan Semawis" and expresses many aspects of traditional Chinese culture including foods, rituals, and houses of worship.

See also: Javanese people
Ethnic groups in Semarang[37]
  1. Javanese (94.2%)
  2. Chinese (3.48%)
  3. Others (2.28%)

Economy

[edit]

As the capital city of Central Java, and fifth largest city of Indonesia, the economy of Semarang is quite large. Semarang has transformed and changed dynamically towards a better direction. In a period of less than 10 years, Semarang Metropolitan continues to build a vital financial contribution to Indonesia due to the growing trade and industry and services. As a consequence, people's purchasing power increased, capital inflows, consumer confidence, and doing business indexes were relatively conducive to the development of several CBDs such as Simpang Lima City Center (SLCC), Pemuda Central Business District (PCBD), and Gajahmada Golden Triangle (GGT). Major Indonesian and international financial and banking sectors alikes such as Bank Mandiri, BCA, BNI, BRI, Panin Bank, HSBC, Bank Permata, Standard Chartered, RaboBank, Citibank, DBS, UOB, OCBC NISP, KEB Hana Bank, CIMB Niaga, and Maybank have regional offices in Semarang.

The western part of the city has many industrial parks and factories. Like other metropolitan cities within Indonesia, due to a developing economy and increasing income, Semarang has many shopping malls.

Transportation

[edit]

Road

[edit]

Semarang is on the Indonesian National Route 1 road, which connects it to Merak and Ketapang (Banyuwangi). Indonesian National Route 14 toward Bawen starts here. Semarang has a toll road, the Semarang Toll Road.[38] The city is connected to Solo by Semarang–Solo Toll Road.[39]

Semarang's largest bus terminals are Mangkang and Terboyo.[40] The primary means of public transportation is by minibus, called "bis". Ojek (motorcycle taxis), Angkot (share-taxi) micro-buses, taxi-cabs plays vital role in public transportation of the city. Go-Jek and Grab have online taxi and Ojek services.

Semarang is served by bus rapid transit called Trans Semarang, which operates in six routes.[41] Perum DAMRI also serves in six designated routes in the city.

Rail

[edit]
Semarang Old Town seen from Semarang Tawang railway station.

Semarang was connected to Surakarta (Solo) by a rail line in 1870.[42] At present there are two large train stations in Semarang: Semarang Poncol and Semarang Tawang. Semarang is connected to Bandung, Jakarta, and Surabaya by inter-city train services. Kedungsepur commuter rail connects Semarang Poncol Station eastward to Ngrombo Station in Grobogan Regency.

Air

[edit]
Ahmad Yani International Airport.

Semarang's Ahmad Yani International Airport is served by a number of operators.[43] In 2018, the airport terminal was relocated to a new and much larger site; the old terminal continues to be used for government and military flights.[44]

Sea

[edit]
See also: Port of Tanjung Emas

The main seaport is the Tanjung Mas seaport.

Landmarks and places of interest

[edit]
Further information: Dutch architecture in Semarang
Blenduk Church, the oldest church in Central Java.
Sam Poo Kong, the oldest Chinese temple in the city.
  • Semarang old town (Kota Lama), which is sometimes referred to by locals as "Little Netherlands." It was established in the 18th century when Indonesia was a Dutch colony. There are more than 50 well-maintained colonial buildings in Kota Lama, displaying 18th, 19th, and 20th century European-influenced architecture.[45]
  • China Town: Chinatown in Semarang has a night market known as 'Pasar Semawis', which is known for its cuisine and Chinese new year celebration.[46]
  • Tugu Muda (Youth Monument) is a monument built to commemorate the services of the heroes who have fallen in the Battle of Five Days in Semarang. The height of Tugu Muda is 53 meters. Tugu Muda is located in front of Lawang Sewu at Pemuda street. It depicts the Tugu Muda fighting spirit and patriotism of Semarang residents, especially the youth who are persistent, self-sacrificing in high spirits maintaining the independence of Indonesia.[47]
  • Lawang Sewu (Javanese for "A Thousand Doors") was built as the headquarters of the Dutch East Indies Railway Company. The colonial era building is reputedly a haunted house.[citation needed]
  • Blenduk Church (Nederlandsch Indische Kerk) was built in 1753, the church is one of the oldest building in Kota Lama.
  • The Sam Poo Kong temple is the oldest Chinese temple in the city.[48] Tay Kak Sie Temple was established in 1746, it is dedicated to Guanyin Bodhisattva and various Taoist Deities.
  • Central Java Grand Mosque: This mosque has a Muslim museum, located at Jl. Gajah Raya. The architecture of the mosque is inspired by the mosques in Mecca and Medina.[49]
  • Vihara Buddhagaya Watugong: The 45 m (148 ft) Buddhist temple has been named by MURI as the highest pagoda in Indonesia. It's located at Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan Watugong, about 45 minutes drive from the center.
  • Pancasila Square: Located within the heart of Simpang Lima City Center (SLCC) CBD; is an infamous public arena at the town center. It has tourist pedicabs, cars, bicycles, chairs, pedestrian track, public toilet, roller skates, traditional games, grass field and others.

Culture

[edit]
Semarang (?) batik made prior to 1867, in the workshop owned by batik pioneer Carolina Josephina von Franquemont (1817–1867). Photo courtesy of the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, Bangkok

Education

[edit]
Diponegoro University
Semarang State University campus gate

There are 593 elementary schools, 220 junior high schools, 106 senior high schools, and 88 vocational high schools, both public and private in Semarang.[50]

There are 20 universities in Semarang, 12 of them private and 8 public. The most renowned universities of Semarang are Diponegoro University and Soegijapranata University.

  • Diponegoro University (UNDIP): It is one of national or state-owned universities in Semarang, founded in 1957. The university has 11 faculties and 2 schools: Faculty of Economics and Business, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Fishery and Marine Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Faculty of Public Health, Faculty of Animal Agriculture, Faculty of Psychology, Vocational School, and Postgraduate School. The university also offers a postgraduate program. Diponegoro University is one of the best universities in Indonesia.[51]
  • Semarang State University in Indonesian Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES): It is one of national or state-owned universities in Semarang, founded in 1965. The university has 8 faculties and Postgraduate School: Faculty of Science Education, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Language and Art, Faculty of Sport Science, Faculty of Social Science, Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Law, and Faculty of mathematics and science. Semarang State University is one of the best university in Indonesia.
  • Soegijapranata Catholic University (UNIKA): It is one of the private universities in Semarang, founded in 1982. There are 8 faculties in UNIKA: Faculty of Architecture and Design, Faculty of Law and Communication, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Language and Arts, Faculty of Economics and Business, Faculty of Agricultural and Technology, Faculty of Psychology, and Faculty of Computer Science.
  • Muhammadiyah University of Semarang (UNIMUS): It is one of the private universities in Semarang, founded in 1996. On 4 August 1999 the Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia issued an Operational Permit for the University of Muhammadiyah Semarang with number: 139/D/O/1999. 14 study programs that obtained operational permits at the beginning of the opening in 1999 including: Public Health Study Program (Bachelor's degree), Statistics Study Program (Bachelor's degree), Mechanical Engineering Study Program (Bachelor and Diploma degree), Electrical Engineering Study Program (Bachelor and Diploma degree), Food Technology Study Program (Bachelor's degree), Agricultural Technology Study Program (Bachelor's degree), Management Study Program (Bachelor's degree), Company Administration Study Program (Diploma degree), Accounting Study Program (Diploma degree), English Language Study Program (Bachelor's degree), English Language Study Program (Diploma degree) and Japanese Language Study Program (Diploma degree).
  • In Semarang, there is also a public university providing education through distance learning or distance education at Universitas Terbuka (Indonesia Open University).[52]

Sports

[edit]

There are several sport centres in Semarang. Jatidiri sport centre or Jatidiri Stadium is one of the biggest sport centres in Semarang, located in Karangrejo, Gajahmungkur. The centre comprises a soccer field, in line skate track, tennis filed, climbing wall, swimming pool, and many others. The capacity of the centre is about 21,000 people.[53]

Knight Stadium is a futsal and basketball centre in Semarang, located in Grand Marina complex. There is a café and fitness centre in Knight Stadium.[54]

Cuisine

[edit]
Lumpia Semarang.

Semarang is widely known for its bandeng presto (pressure-cooked milkfish), Lumpia, Wingko, Tahu Gimbal, and Ganjel Rel. Semarang has also been called 'The city of Jamu' because it is an important centre for the production of jamu which are a range of Indonesian herbal medicines that are popular across Indonesia[55] Semawis Market, also known as Pecinan Semarang (Semarang's Chinatown), hosts a plethora of street food vendors, offering a wide varieties of dishes.[56]

Festivals

[edit]

Dugderan [id] is an annual festival in Semarang designated to welcome the Ramadan month (a fasting month for Moslems). The word "dug" describes the sound of bedug (traditional Indonesian musical instrument). The word "der" describes the sound of fireworks.

The icon of the festival is a special puppet dragon-like animal called Warak Ngendog. The word "warak" stands for "holy" and the word "ngendog" expresses a reward for Muslims. Warak Ngendog's feet are chained, representing people's desire that should be postponed during this holy month. As Dugderan is a festival unique for Semarang, it represents an important attraction for both local people and visitors.[57]

Media

[edit]

Suara Merdeka is the major local newspaper in Semarang, as well as Central Java. Other major newspapers include Tribun Jateng and Wawasan.

Awards

[edit]

Semarang has received the Adipura Award 6 times in a row since 2012. The Adipura Award is given for achievement in cleanliness and greenery at parks, streets, markets, shop buildings, premises, schools, even cleanliness of water ways and rivers.[58] Semarang City received the title of Best Smart Living and Best Smart Economy City in the Indonesia Smart Nation Award 2018.[59]

Greater Semarang

[edit]

Greater Semarang (known as Kedungsepur) was initially defined by the government as Semarang city, Semarang Regency, Salatiga city, Kendal Regency, and Demak Regency.[60] It was later extended to include the western part (12 districts only) of Grobogan Regency. Despite the definition, rural and urban cores remain distinct and have not amalgamated into a continuous urban sprawl as is the case in Greater Jakarta.

Delineation of Semarang metropolitan area[61]
Administrative division Area
in
km2 		Pop'n
2010
census[7] 		Pop'n
2020
census[8] 		No.
of
districts 		No.
of
villages
City of Semarang 373.78 1,555,984 1,653,524 16 177
City of Salatiga 57.36 170,332 192,322 4 23
Demak Regency 900.12 1,055,579 1,203,956 14 249
Grobogan Regency (part)[62] 1,396.32 797,160 888,581 12 191
Kendal Regency 1,118.13 900,313 1,018,505 20 286
Semarang Regency 950.21 930,727 1,053,094 19 235
Total Kedungsepur 4,795.92 5,410,095 6,009,982 85 1,161

Sources: BPS Jateng[63]

Notable people

[edit]

Sister cities

[edit]
See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Indonesia

Semarang is twinned with:

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Semarang

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Semarang is the capital and largest city of province in , situated on the northern coast of island as a major and economic hub. The city proper has a of approximately 1.7 million residents, while the broader exceeds 6 million, reflecting rapid driven by trade and industrial growth. Founded as a trading settlement in the early and fortified by the in the , Semarang developed into a key colonial for spices and commodities, blending Javanese, Chinese, and European influences in its and . Notable landmarks include the Dutch-era building, the octagonal Blenduk Church from 1753, and the expansive Great Mosque of Central Java, symbolizing the city's multicultural heritage. Economically, Semarang serves as a center for , , and services, supported by its Tanjung Emas , though land from extraction poses ongoing environmental risks.

History

Early Settlement and Pre-Colonial Period

Archaeological findings indicate human activity in the Semarang area dating back to the , including relics from Hindu temples associated with the Mataram Kingdom, though many such artifacts have been lost or entered private collections. An ancient site in Duduhan Village has been identified as potential remnants of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom, suggesting early structured settlements or religious structures amid the region's Hindu-Buddhist cultural landscape. By the , the area was known as Bergota, likely a modest coastal settlement facilitating along Java's northern shores. The transition to Islamic influence occurred with the rise of the in the late 15th century, under which Semarang emerged as a key fiefdom and regency, serving as a strategic port for maritime commerce in spices, textiles, and agricultural goods. Ki Ageng Pandan Arang (also known as Ki Ageng Pandanaran or Sayyid Ki Ageng Pandan Arang), a religious scholar and noble, was appointed as the first bupati (regent) of Semarang by Sultan Demak Bintara, marking the formal establishment of local governance around the mid-16th century. Local traditions attribute to him the clearing of forested land (babat alas) dominated by trees (asem), whose burned remnants (arang) gave rise to the name "Asem Arang," evolving into Semarang; this act transformed a into a more organized settlement centered on the Semarang River estuary. Under Demak and later the , Semarang functioned primarily as a bustling , leveraging its position on Java's north coast for intra-island and regional trade networks, with growing Muslim communities fostering mosques and markets. The city's pre-colonial economy relied on the Semarang River as a vital waterway for docking vessels, supporting export of , , and forest products while importing goods from across the . This period solidified Semarang's role as a multi-ethnic trading hub, incorporating Javanese, Arab, and early Chinese merchants, prior to its cession to the in 1678 by the Mataram Sultan.

Dutch Colonial Development (1678–1942)

The Dutch East India Company (VOC) acquired control of Semarang in 1678 through a treaty with the Mataram Sultanate, whereby Sultan Amangkurat II ceded the port city as partial repayment for military debts incurred during succession disputes. The VOC promptly fortified the settlement, constructing a replacement fortress for the earlier one at nearby Jepara and establishing administrative oversight to secure trade routes in spices, textiles, and agricultural goods from Central Java. By 1682, Semarang was formalized as a VOC-administered territory, evolving from a modest trading post into a walled enclave housing European officials, soldiers, and merchants, with indigenous and Chinese communities relegated to peripheral kampungs. In 1705, following intermittent occupations and consolidations, Semarang was officially designated a VOC city, solidifying its role as a regional hub for exporting , , and while importing European manufactures and Asian luxuries. The saw accelerated development as Dutch authorities elevated Semarang to provincial capital status around , prioritizing its deep-water harbor for inter-island and European shipping amid declining Mataram influence. Trade volumes surged, with the port handling over 100 ships annually by the mid-1700s, fueled by monopolistic VOC controls that extracted tolls and tributes, though hampered by corruption and the company's mounting debts leading to its 1799 bankruptcy. Under direct Dutch Crown rule post-VOC, Semarang's economy boomed via the (1830–1870), compelling peasant labor for cash crops like sugar and coffee, which comprised 30% of Java's exports by 1850 and generated 800 million guilders in revenue for the metropole. Infrastructure investments included canals for flood mitigation—critical given the city's coastal —and the Semarang–Vorstenlanden railway opened in 1873, linking plantations to the port and boosting cargo throughput to 500,000 tons yearly by 1900. Administrative reforms under the Ethical Policy (1901 onward) spurred , with European quarters featuring neoclassical edifices like the Blenduk Church (rebuilt 1753) and government offices, while Chinese merchants dominated commerce in the kota Cina district. The early 20th century marked industrialization, exemplified by the Semarang–Joana Steam Tram Company (founded 1864), whose headquarters, (built 1904–1921), symbolized rail expansion connecting sugar mills to export facilities and employing 1,500 workers by 1920. from 45,000 in 1900 to 220,000 by 1930 reflected influxes of Javanese laborers and Eurasian clerks, though ethnic segregation persisted, with Dutch residents numbering under 5,000 and enjoying privileges like piped water unavailable to natives. Semarang's strategic status endured, handling 1.2 million tons of freight in 1938, until Japanese forces seized it in March 1942, interrupting colonial operations. Throughout, Dutch governance emphasized extractive efficiency over local welfare, yielding prosperity for the empire but entrenching inequalities that fueled later movements.

Japanese Occupation and Path to Independence (1942–1949)

The Japanese Imperial Army captured Semarang in early March 1942 as part of the broader invasion of , following the rapid defeat of Dutch colonial forces across the . The city, a key port and administrative center in , fell under the control of the Japanese 16th Army, which established to exploit local resources for the war effort. A Japanese mayor, —reportedly one of the few with prior long-term experience in —was appointed to oversee Semarang, reflecting Tokyo's initial reliance on experienced personnel for urban governance amid wartime strains. During the occupation from 1942 to 1945, Japanese policies in Semarang emphasized economic mobilization and labor extraction, including the romusha system of forced labor that conscripted hundreds of thousands of Indonesians for infrastructure projects, military support, and resource shipments to Japan, often under brutal conditions leading to high mortality rates from malnutrition, disease, and overwork. Food shortages intensified due to requisitioning and disrupted agriculture, while the military police (Kenpeitai) enforced strict control, suppressing dissent through arrests and executions; local newspapers like Sinar Baroe propagated Japanese ideology, promoting the "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere" but prioritizing wartime production over genuine development. The Japanese also formed auxiliary forces such as the Peta (Pembela Tanah Air), recruiting Indonesian volunteers in Semarang and surrounding areas for defense roles, which inadvertently fostered nationalist sentiments and military training among locals. These measures, while building some infrastructure like airfields, exacerbated suffering and resentment, with systemic abuses including forced prostitution networks documented in Semarang. Following Japan's surrender on August 15, 1945, and Indonesia's proclamation of independence on August 17 in Jakarta, Semarang's residents quickly mobilized under the Republican banner, forming the Badan Keamanan Rakyat (BKR, People's Security Agency) and local pemuda (youth) militias to secure the city amid the power vacuum. Japanese troops, under orders from Allied Supreme Commander Lord Mountbatten to maintain order until Allied forces arrived, retained arms and resisted disarmament, leading to escalating tensions. The Battle of Semarang erupted on 15, 1945, triggered by Japanese killings of Indonesian civilians and officials, including the shooting of Dr. Kariadi, a prominent local physician dispatched to inspect a , on October 14. Indonesian forces, comprising around 7,000 BKR members, police, and pemuda—later reinforced from outside—clashed with the Japanese 16th garrison in urban fighting across Semarang, capturing key sites like the building and Japanese barracks after five days of intense combat ending October 19. Indonesian commander Supriyadi led the assault, which resulted in Japanese losses estimated at 888–949 soldiers and over 441 civilians, while Indonesian casualties were reportedly under 300, though figures vary; the victory yielded thousands of rifles, artillery pieces, and ammunition seized from Japanese stockpiles, bolstering Republican defenses. This engagement, deemed the first major battle of the nascent Indonesian National Army by General A.H. Nasution, symbolized local resistance and accelerated the revolution's momentum in . British Allied forces landed in Semarang on October 20, 1945, to repatriate Japanese troops and internees, but faced Republican opposition and withdrew much of the Japanese garrison by October 24 without major clashes, prioritizing over reimposing colonial order. The Dutch, seeking to reclaim , reoccupied Semarang in late 1945 through negotiations and force, establishing it as a logistical hub for operations due to its harbor, , and rail links. From 1946 to 1949, the city experienced recurrent , including Dutch public security raids and Republican guerrilla actions in the hinterlands, with violence peaking during the 1947–1948 "police actions" that targeted Republican supply lines; Semarang remained contested until the Dutch transfer of sovereignty on December 27, 1949, integrating it fully into the independent Republic of .

Post-Independence Era and Military Role (1950–Present)

Following Indonesia's recognition of sovereignty by the on December 27, 1949, Semarang solidified its status as the administrative capital of province, a role it had assumed provisionally in amid the . The city underwent rapid urbanization in the ensuing decades, expanding to encompass surrounding villages and transitioning from a population of approximately 500,000 in 1950 to over 1 million by the 1980s through industrial growth, port modernization, and infrastructure projects under centralized planning. This development prioritized trade hubs in the old city core, where commercial activities persisted as the primary economic driver into the mid-1950s, supported by of colonial-era assets like and rail systems. Semarang's post-independence trajectory reflected broader Indonesian state-building efforts, including modernization initiatives from the late 1950s that aimed to replace informal settlements with structured , though implementation lagged due to resource constraints and political instability during (1959–1966). Under the New Order regime (1966–1998), the city benefited from accelerated industrialization, with state-led investments in manufacturing and shipping elevating its GDP contribution; by 1990, Semarang hosted key , food , and automotive assembly plants, driving a population surge to 1.2 million. Post-Reformasi after 1998, empowered local governance, fostering private sector-led expansions in services and logistics, though challenges like uneven persisted, with straining flood-prone lowlands. The city's military significance stems from hosting the headquarters of Kodam IV/Diponegoro, the Indonesian Army's regional command for , established in Semarang's Banyumanik district along Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan to oversee defense operations across the province. Named after the 19th-century Javanese resistance leader Prince Diponegoro, the command maintains battalions for territorial security, counter-insurgency, and , playing a pivotal role in suppressing banditry and unrest in the , when Semarang faced sporadic rural incursions amid economic dislocation. During the 1965 anti-communist operations, Kodam IV units in Semarang coordinated purges targeting PKI sympathizers, resulting in thousands of detentions and executions that stabilized the region under Suharto's consolidation of power, though exact figures remain contested due to archival limitations. In contemporary roles, the command supports civil-military cooperation, including flood relief in Semarang's subsidence-affected areas and territorial training, with over 20,000 personnel under its jurisdiction as of 2020.

Geography and Environment

Topography and Location

Semarang lies on the northern coast of Java island in Indonesia, positioned at approximately 6°58′ S latitude and 110°25′ E longitude, functioning as the capital of Central Java Province. The municipality spans an area of 373.70 km², representing about 1.15% of Central Java's total land area. The city's topography features a transition from flat coastal lowlands in the north to undulating hills in the south, with some areas exhibiting slopes of 0% to 45%. Elevations vary from near in the coastal zones—where certain districts average around 3-4 meters above mean —to approximately 340 meters in the southern highlands. This diverse terrain influences urban development patterns, with denser settlement concentrated in the northern plains.

Climate Characteristics

Semarang features a (classified as Am under the Köppen-Geiger system), marked by consistently high s, elevated humidity, and pronounced seasonal variations in driven by monsoonal influences. The city experiences minimal temperature fluctuation year-round, with daytime highs typically ranging from 30°C to 33°C (86°F to 91°F) and nighttime lows seldom dropping below 24°C (75°F), resulting in an average annual temperature of approximately 28°C (82°F). The warmest months are and , with averages around 29°C (84°F), while February sees slightly cooler conditions at about 27°C (81°F); such stability stems from the equatorial proximity and maritime influences of the . Precipitation totals average 2,527 mm annually, concentrated in a from to May, when monsoonal flows from the northwest bring heavy, frequent rains—peaking in with up to 430 mm (17 inches). In contrast, the from to features reduced but still notable rainfall (often 50–100 mm per month), with as the driest, influenced by southeast suppressing convective activity. Relative consistently exceeds 80%, fostering muggy conditions that amplify perceived heat, particularly during afternoons when is partial. These patterns exhibit interannual variability tied to phenomena like El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which can intensify dry spells or exacerbate flooding during wet phases, as observed in Semarang's coastal setting from 2012–2021 data. Wind speeds average 5–10 km/h, predominantly from the northwest in the wet season and southeast in the dry, occasionally strengthening during tropical cyclones affecting the region. Sunshine hours total around 2,000 annually, with the dry season offering clearer skies and higher solar radiation.

Rivers, Flooding, and Water Management

Semarang's river system primarily consists of the Garang River and its main tributaries, the and rivers, which originate in the upstream highlands and flow through the city's lowland floodplains toward the . These waterways, along with smaller rivers such as Pengkol and Bringin, drain surplus rainfall and support urban hydrology, but their channels are prone to from natural and upstream , reducing capacity during heavy rains. The city's position in a deltaic plain exacerbates this, with nine major rivers contributing to a network that handles both fluvial and tidal influences. Flooding in Semarang arises from multiple interacting factors, including intense rainfall, river overflow, inadequate drainage, rapid , and pronounced land rates exceeding 10 cm per year in northern areas due to excessive extraction. Historical events underscore the severity: the 1990 along the Kali Garang, triggered by upstream , reduced recharge zones, and channel overflow, resulted in 47 deaths on and 76 more on , affecting over 100,000 residents. More recent episodes, such as the 2021 floods—the worst in a decade—involved overflow from clogged canals and subsidence-amplified tidal surges, inundating low-lying districts and displacing thousands. Flat and high building further impede runoff, while sea-level rise compounds tidal flooding, with events occurring year-round but peaking in the rainy season (October-April). Water management strategies emphasize structural interventions like river normalization, systems, and pump installations to mitigate both riverine and tidal floods. The , inspired by Dutch engineering, encloses lowlands with dikes and pumps to control internal water levels, addressing subsidence-induced vulnerabilities in coastal zones. Key projects include the and Flood Management initiative, featuring construction upstream, river channel improvements, and non-structural measures such as early warning systems and to enhance recharge. In northern Semarang, retention ponds store excess floodwater and regulate groundwater, while pump stations in flood-prone areas have reduced chronic inundation by facilitating rapid drainage during peak events. Despite these, challenges persist due to ongoing and enforcement gaps, with community assessments indicating variable success in infrastructure maintenance and tidal control.

Land Subsidence, Erosion, and Environmental Degradation

Semarang has undergone pronounced land subsidence since the late , driven chiefly by over-extraction of to meet escalating demands from urban expansion, industrial activities, and a growing exceeding 1.6 million residents. This anthropogenic compaction of compressible alluvial soils beneath the city has produced spatially variable rates, with averages of 6–7 cm per year and peaks reaching 10–12 cm per year in northern and eastern districts as observed through satellite interferometry from 2014 to 2023. Approximately 20% of the city's land area, particularly in densely populated coastal zones with soft sediments, registers notable subsidence, contrasting with more stable southern highlands. The manifests in differential sinking, with northern Semarang and adjacent Demak Regency experiencing the most severe effects, up to 8 cm annually in localized hotspots, potentially leading to 1.5–2 meters of cumulative descent over two decades absent intervention. This vertical displacement amplifies structural failures, including cracked buildings, tilted like roads and utilities, and heightened vulnerability to seismic activity, while economic damages are projected in the billions of rupiah annually from repairs and lost productivity. Coastal areas face compounded risks, as lowers relative elevations, extending inundation from high and storms inland by up to several kilometers during events. Coastal erosion in Semarang's northern shoreline, spanning roughly 15–20 km, erodes land at rates of 5–10 meters per year in unprotected segments, fueled by subsidence-induced lowering of beaches, wave undercutting, and reduced sediment supply from upstream damming of rivers like the Kali Garang. This abrasion has claimed agricultural fields, settlements, and port facilities, with over 1,000 hectares lost since the 1990s, exacerbating saltwater intrusion into aquifers and fisheries. Mangrove ecosystems, vital for natural buffering, have degraded by 30–50% in affected zones due to drowning from subsidence and direct clearing for development, diminishing biodiversity and carbon sequestration capacities. Broader stems from these dynamics, including chronic tidal flooding ("rob") that contaminates surface waters with saline intrusion and , impairing and promoting vector-borne diseases in low-lying wards. Soil salinization has rendered thousands of hectares unproductive for , while fragmented habitats accelerate loss in Java's northern coastal belt. Studies attribute these trends to unchecked pumping—estimated at 50–100 million cubic meters annually—despite regulatory bans since 2010, underscoring causal links between resource and irreversible geomorphic shifts. lags, with persisting at 5–10 cm yearly post-2020, signaling ongoing ecological strain.

Governance and Administration

Municipal Government Structure

The municipal government of Semarang functions within Indonesia's decentralized framework as outlined in Law No. 23 of 2014 on Local Government, which establishes cities (kota) as autonomous entities led by an elected mayor and supported by a regional legislature. The executive branch is headed by the Mayor (Wali Kota), elected for a five-year term alongside a Deputy Mayor through direct popular vote, as conducted in the November 27, 2024, local elections. The Mayor holds primary responsibility for policy implementation, public services, and administrative coordination, assisted by the Regional Secretary (Sekretaris Daerah) who oversees daily operations. Supporting the Mayor are three expert staff members advising on specialized domains including governance, law, and politics; economy; and development planning. The executive apparatus further comprises three assistants handling pemerintahan (administration), economy, and pembangunan (development), under which fall various sections (bagian) such as tata pemerintahan (government affairs) and hukum (legal affairs). Operational execution occurs through multiple departments (dinas) and agencies (badan), including those for public works, education, health, industry and trade, and spatial planning, each led by a director reporting to the Regional Secretary. The legislative branch consists of the Semarang City Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD Kota Semarang), a unicameral body with 50 members elected via open-list across six electoral districts every five years, as in the 2024 legislative elections where 50 representatives were inaugurated on August 14, 2024. The DPRD approves the city , enacts regional regulations (perda), and conducts oversight of executive performance through four commissions: A (government and law), B ( and ), C (social and urban ), and D (development planning and environment). This structure ensures checks and balances, with the DPRD able to interpellate the on policy matters.

Administrative Divisions and Urban Planning

Semarang City is administratively structured as an autonomous under Indonesian , comprising 16 known as kecamatan and 177 subdistricts or urban villages termed kelurahan. These include Banyumanik, Candisari, Gajahmungkur, Gayamsari, Genuk, Gunungpati, Mijen, Ngaliyan, Pedurungan, Semarang Barat, Semarang Selatan, Semarang Tengah, Semarang Timur, Semarang Utara, Tembalang, and Tugu, each further subdivided into kelurahan ranging from 8 to 16 per district. This hierarchical system facilitates local , with kecamatan heads appointed by the and kelurahan led by elected officials responsible for community-level administration, service delivery, and development coordination. The city's total administrative area spans 373.8 square kilometers, with urban development concentrated in five primary zones: Central, East, West, South, and North Semarang, reflecting topographic variations from coastal lowlands to inland hills. has expanded from 15% of the land in 1990 to approximately 50-52% by 2020, driven by peripheral sprawl in southern, eastern, and western areas, though this has resulted in low-density growth with uneven infrastructure access. Urban planning in Semarang is guided by the Regional Spatial Plan (Rencana Tata Ruang Wilayah, RTRW) for 2011–2031, enacted via Municipal Regulation No. 14 of 2011 and amended by No. 5 of 2021, which prioritizes integrated to balance , , and hazard mitigation. The plan envisions creating safe, comfortable, productive, and sustainable spaces through strategies such as mixed-use zoning in core areas, networks for connectivity, conservation of corridors, and controlled industrial expansion, including beach reclamation in western zones. Key initiatives include the adoption of principles since 2013, focusing on digital governance and transport enhancements like (BRT) expansions and links to the Demak Sea Toll Road. Major projects encompass port expansions, the Industrial Park, Pearl of Java mixed-use development, and BSP Industrial City, aimed at boosting productivity while addressing deficits. Planning efforts confront significant challenges, including rapid low-density sprawl that isolates peripheral communities from services, with 60% of the exposed to floods, subsidence, or landslides—particularly 23% to flooding and 26.3% to in northern coastal districts. rates, exacerbated by extraction, reach up to 11 cm annually in vulnerable areas, complicating vertical and necessitating relocation programs for affected settlements. Public space access remains limited at 0.7% of city area, utilization hovers at 20%, and inter-agency coordination gaps hinder sustainable implementation, though the RTRW mandates hazard-resilient zoning and to mitigate these risks.

Political History, Elections, and Governance Critiques

Semarang's governance evolved from its founding as a regency on May 2, 1547, under Kyai Ageng Pandan Arang II as the first bupati, during the Pajang Sultanate. Dutch colonial influence intensified after 1682, when the VOC assumed control amid Mataram debts, transforming it into a key administrative and trade hub with a formal established in under a walikota (). Post-independence, Semarang's local leadership shifted to elected officials following Indonesia's 1945 proclamation, amid the 1945 Battle of Semarang where Indonesian forces clashed with retreating Japanese troops, solidifying nationalist control. The city's political landscape features a directly elected and vice mayor, serving five-year terms, alongside the Semarang City Regional (DPRD), a unicameral body with 50 seats allocated via among parties like PDI-P, PKS, and Demokrat. Early post-independence mayors included Moch. Ichsan and Koesoebiyono (1949–1950), transitioning to civilian administration under and eras, with Semarang historically dubbed the "Red City" due to its role in founding Indonesia's in 1920. Local elections, or Pilkada, occur simultaneously nationwide; the 2020 Semarang contest featured a single candidate pair—incumbent Hevearita Gunaryanti Rahayu and running mate Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti—winning unopposed after rivals withdrew, prompting critiques of reduced competition and democratic deficits. The 2024 Pilkada, held November 27, involved multiple candidates but faced post-election disputes, including a January 2025 petition alleging legal flaws and calling for a revote, though the case was withdrawn. Governance critiques center on persistent corruption vulnerabilities in , , and gratification, as exposed by Indonesia's (KPK). In 2024, KPK raids on Semarang City Hall uncovered irregularities in 2023–2024 goods/services and alleged Rp 2 billion from the regional , leading to travel bans for four officials. Former Mayor Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti (Mbak Ita), Semarang's first female mayor serving post-2021, and her husband Alwin Basri were jailed in August 2025 for three graft cases involving similar malfeasance during her tenure. These incidents reflect broader Indonesian challenges, where decentralized authority has amplified risks without commensurate oversight, as noted in KPK probes revealing systemic flaws nationwide. Critics argue such scandals undermine and fiscal accountability, with Semarang's cases exemplifying how in —evident in familial ties among candidates—exacerbates elite dominance over voter choice. Despite anti- efforts, enforcement remains reactive, with low conviction rates in some judgments due to evidentiary hurdles like proving .

Demographics

Population Growth and Density

The population of Semarang Municipality was recorded at 1,694,743 in 2023 by Indonesia's Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS). The city encompasses 373.78 square kilometers, yielding an average of approximately 4,534 inhabitants per square kilometer. This figure positions Semarang among Indonesia's denser urban areas, with densities exceeding 10,000 per square kilometer in central districts like Semarang Tengah, while peripheral areas such as Gunungpati remain below 1,000 per square kilometer. Historical growth has been positive but decelerating. From 2018 to 2022, annual rates fluctuated, peaking at 1.57% in 2019 before dropping to 0.21% in 2022, reflecting trends of urban consolidation and reduced net migration amid infrastructure strains and land subsidence issues. Over the preceding two decades, the expanded from roughly 1 million to nearly 1.7 million, driven primarily by rural-to-urban migration and natural increase, establishing Semarang as Indonesia's fifth-largest by municipal . These dynamics contribute to pressures on , services, and environmental capacity, with gradients underscoring a compact core surrounded by lower- suburbs and hilly outskirts. Recent BPS projections suggest continued modest growth, potentially reaching 1.8 million by 2030 if current rates persist, though and flooding may influence future patterns.

Ethnic and Linguistic Composition

The population of Semarang is overwhelmingly ethnic Javanese, reflecting the broader demographic patterns of province where Javanese constitute over 97% of residents according to national surveys. A significant minority consists of , historically concentrated in urban trade and commerce sectors due to colonial-era migration patterns, comprising an estimated several percent of the city’s inhabitants based on local profiles. Smaller communities include , often descendants of traders from the , and migrants from other Indonesian regions such as Sundanese or , though these groups remain marginal in overall composition; precise recent percentages are not systematically tracked in post-2010 censuses, which prioritize other demographic metrics like age and over self-reported . Linguistically, Indonesian serves as the primary and , used in , , and inter-ethnic communication across the city's 1.6 million residents as of 2020 census figures. Javanese predominates in informal and familial settings, particularly the coastal Semarang dialect (known as basa Semarangan), which features distinct phonetic shifts, vocabulary borrowings from Dutch and Chinese due to historical influences, and a less hierarchical system compared to inland Javanese varieties like those of or Solo. This dialect is spoken by the ethnic Javanese majority and adopted by many Chinese and residents for local integration, though code-switching with Indonesian is common in multicultural urban contexts; minority languages like among Chinese communities persist in private spheres but lack public prominence.

Religious Diversity and Social Dynamics

Semarang exhibits significant religious diversity within Indonesia's predominantly Muslim context, with comprising the majority of adherents. According to 2023 data from the Semarang City Civil Registry Office, out of a total of 1,694,740, number 1,485,169 or 87.55%, reflecting the Javanese cultural dominance infused with Islamic practices. Protestants account for 115,684 individuals or 6.82%, while Catholics total 83,960 or 4.95%, concentrations often linked to historical Dutch colonial influences and the ethnic Chinese community. Buddhists, primarily of Chinese descent, make up 9,958 or 0.59%, with at 1,165 or 0.07% and others at 0.03%. This composition underscores Semarang's role as a multicultural hub, where religious sites like the Great Mosque of Central Java coexist with landmarks such as Gereja Blenduk, Indonesia's oldest Protestant church built in 1753, and Buddhist temples like Tay Kak Sie. Social dynamics are shaped by Pancasila's emphasis on and tolerance, fostering interfaith forums and community initiatives to prevent conflicts. Studies highlight positive Muslim-Christian interactions in urban neighborhoods, supported by local government programs promoting religious moderation. Challenges persist, particularly in interfaith marriages, which spark controversies due to legal ambiguities under Indonesia's requiring shared for civil recognition, often leading to social ostracism or family disputes in Semarang. Academic analyses describe these unions as testing cultural norms, with couples navigating external pressures through and selective disclosure, though is achieved in some cases via mutual respect. Potential conflicts arise from proselytization or place-of-worship disputes, mitigated by efforts that emphasize and legal compliance. Overall, Semarang's dynamics reflect causal tensions from ethnic-religious overlaps—such as Chinese amid Muslim majorities—but empirical evidence points to sustained coexistence rather than systemic strife, bolstered by .

Economy

Primary Industries and Employment

Semarang's primary industries, which include , rearing, , , and , contribute minimally to the city's (GRDP). In 2023, the combined , , , and sector accounted for 1.05% of GRDP at current market prices, down slightly from 1.07% in , reflecting the urban character of the city and ongoing land conversion for non-agricultural uses. Mining and quarrying remained negligible, contributing just 0.05% to GRDP in both and 2023. These sectors' limited output underscores Semarang's economic shift away from extractive activities toward and services, with confined to peripheral urban farming and coastal . Employment in primary industries is correspondingly small, as the city's workforce of approximately 873,358 persons in 2023 is predominantly absorbed by secondary and tertiary sectors. involves limited cultivation, such as 251 quintals of water spinach and 192 quintals of long beans harvested from 4 and 3 hectares respectively in 2023, supporting only a of jobs amid urban expansion. , primarily marine-based, sustains 1,259 households engaged in capture fisheries, yielding 3,057.63 tons of marine production and 9.82 tons from inland waters that year, but this represents a minor share of total compared to dominant sectors like utilities, , and services. and employ even fewer workers, with no significant large-scale operations reported in the urban core.

Port Economy and International Trade

Tanjung Emas Port serves as the primary maritime gateway for Semarang and province, handling the majority of the region's imports and exports. As 's fourth-busiest port by activity, it facilitates logistics for surrounding industrial zones and supports Semarang's role as a trade hub. The port manages diverse types, including , bulk goods, and general , with operations centered on the Semarang Terminal (TPK Semarang) managed by PT Semarang Terminal. In 2024, TPK Semarang recorded a container throughput of 895,904 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), marking a 15% increase from 781,841 TEUs in 2023, driven by rising export volumes to markets including (up 14%) and the (up 26%). Overall volume at Tanjung Emas has shown consistent growth from 2020 to 2024, with unloading and loading activities expanding to bolster regional supply chains. Key exports include wood products, textiles, and agricultural goods such as , while imports encompass machinery, , and raw materials; general exports reached 50,600 tons in 2023. The port connects Semarang to major international routes, with primary trading partners in —such as , , and —alongside connections to , , and other Southeast Asian nations. This network enhances export performance through efficient logistics, though factors like government policies and product quality influence outcomes. upgrades, including capacity expansions at TPK Semarang and digitalization initiatives, aim to accommodate projected growth amid Indonesia's broader maritime hub ambitions. Economically, Tanjung Emas drives Semarang's trade-dependent growth by enabling access to global markets and supporting employment in , warehousing, and related sectors. Its proximity to special economic zones reduces freight costs and attracts , contributing to the city's 5.79% GDP expansion in 2023. However, port operations generate externalities, including land use pressures, , and environmental strain from increased maritime activity, necessitating balanced development to sustain long-term viability.

Growth Metrics, Challenges, and Inequality

Semarang's economy has demonstrated steady growth in recent years, with the (GRDP) expanding by 5.79% in 2023, the highest rate among municipalities, followed by a slight deceleration to 5.62% in 2024. The 2024 GRDP reached 267.551 billion at current prices, reflecting resilience amid national slowdowns, though below Indonesia's overall 5.03% growth for the year. Key challenges include chronic flooding from tidal inundation, riverine overflows, and land subsidence rates exceeding 10 cm annually in coastal areas, which inflict substantial economic damage estimated in billions of rupiah through disruption, losses, and reduced industrial productivity. The city's shift from to services and has heightened vulnerability to employment migration and urban congestion, exacerbating in legacy industrial zones while straining in a port-dependent . Income inequality remains moderate, with a Gini coefficient of 0.405 in 2023, signaling uneven distribution despite growth, as wealth concentrates in trade and real estate sectors. Poverty rates have declined to 4.03% in 2024 from 4.23% in 2023, the lowest in Central Java, affecting approximately 40,000 residents and underscoring effective poverty alleviation amid broader urban disparities. However, slum conditions and informal sector reliance persist, limiting inclusive gains from economic expansion.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Road Systems and Urban Mobility

Semarang's road network comprises arterial, collector, and local roads, forming the backbone of urban connectivity in the city, which spans approximately 373.78 square kilometers. Key arterial roads facilitate inter-district travel, while recent infrastructure developments, such as the Semarang-Demak toll road section 1A, incorporate innovative Sosrobahu elevated construction techniques to reduce disruptions on existing highways, with progress reaching 64.2% as of June 2025. Road expansions have empirically shortened travel times between districts and improved traffic flow, though land use changes induced by these developments have spurred urban sprawl and increased vehicle dependency. Urban mobility faces significant challenges from congestion, with drivers losing an estimated 37 hours annually to jams and spending around 17 hours idling on highways, contributing to productivity losses as over 56% of workers report frequent lateness. In the , average vehicle speeds drop to 13.45 km/h over short 2 km stretches during peak hours, reflecting high volumes and inadequate capacity on legacy roads. These issues stem causally from rapid outpacing growth, with private vehicles dominating amid limited alternatives. To address these, Semarang has prioritized via the Trans Semarang (BRT) system, which integrates dedicated lanes and hybrid buses—72 units operational by 2018—to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. Complementary measures include bus signal priority under initiatives for real-time synchronization, intermodal connectivity studies promoting sustainable linkages, and green corridors to improve first- and last-mile access via pedestrian-friendly designs. Inclusive policies, developed with community input, aim to boost ridership, which rose from 36% to 60% post-BRT and ride-hailing integration in peripheral areas, though persistent connectivity gaps in pedestrian hinder full efficacy.

Rail and Mass Transit Networks

Semarang is integrated into 's national railway network, operated by PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), with the Trans-Java mainline providing intercity connections to major cities such as , , and . The city's primary rail hubs are Semarang Tawang Station, the oldest major station in opened on July 19, 1868, and Semarang Poncol Station, both facilitating economy and executive class services on routes like those to and . Local service is provided by the KA Kedungsepur, a diesel-powered linking Semarang's metropolitan area (known as Kedungsepur, encompassing , Demak, Semarang, , and Purwodadi) with routes from Semarang Poncol or to Ngrombo in Grobogan Regency, stopping at eight stations including Alastua and Tuntang. As of February 6, 2025, the service upgraded to modern with increased capacity beyond the prior 136 seats, maintaining a flat fare of Rp 10,000 while enhancing comfort for daily commuters and tourists. The line has gained popularity, with ongoing studies for low-emission transport integration around Station planned through 2026. Mass transit in Semarang relies on the Trans Semarang Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, launched in 2010, which operates eight main corridors and four feeder routes across the city and parts of Semarang Regency using 116 buses of large (82-passenger capacity) and medium sizes. Daily ridership averaged 40,000 trips by 2023, reflecting a 65% increase from 2021 levels, supported by innovations like bus signal priority and plans for dedicated BRT corridors to further reduce congestion. No operational urban rail systems such as MRT or LRT exist, though a light rail transit project has been proposed with elevated tracks to address growing urban mobility needs.

Airports, Seaports, and Logistics Hubs

Jenderal Achmad Yani International Airport (IATA: SRG), located approximately 10 km northeast of central Semarang, serves as the city's primary aviation gateway. Following the inauguration of a new international passenger terminal in June 2018, the airport's annual capacity reached over 6 million passengers, with projections estimating growth to 15.4 million by 2037. Cargo handling expanded concurrently to 16,000 tons per year, up from 10,000 tons, supporting regional export activities. The facility features a 2,650-meter by 45-meter and received recertification in May 2025, enabling resumed operations for overseas routes. Tanjung Emas Port, Semarang's main maritime facility managed by Pelindo III, functions as a critical node for Central Java's , specializing in containerized cargo, bulk goods, and regional passenger services. Container throughput stood at 731,289 TEUs in 2018, with recent expansions targeting 1.2 million TEUs by 2029 amid a 15% year-on-year increase reported in 2025. upgrades include a new 150-meter offshore operational from 2025 to enhance vessel berthing and alleviate congestion, alongside balanced export-import volumes, such as 385,224 TEUs in exports for a recent period. The port's channel depth of 10 meters and container wharves support vessels up to significant draft, facilitating in commodities like textiles, , and manufactured goods. Semarang integrates these assets into broader logistics networks, with Tanjung Emas anchoring distribution for Central Java's industrial zones. Key facilities include container depots and warehouses operated by firms such as Indra Jaya Swastika, providing integrated storage and proximate to the port. Multinational operators like maintain offices in Semarang for end-to-end freight forwarding, customs clearance, and inland transport linking to national highways and rail. These hubs benefit from the port's projected throughput growth but face challenges from bottlenecks, prompting ongoing investments in capacity to support Indonesia's national logistics goals.

Utilities, Flood Control, and Infrastructure Deficiencies

Semarang's utility infrastructure faces persistent challenges, including intermittent supply disruptions and capacity constraints amid rapid urban expansion. Clean water access remains deficient in several districts, prompting initiatives like the West Semarang Drinking Water Project, which targets potable supply to 31 sub-districts in West Semarang, Tugu, and Ngaliyan areas to mitigate shortages exacerbated by groundwater overexploitation and contamination risks from . provision, managed through national subsidies that stabilize costs for low-income households, nonetheless suffers from reliability issues tied to aging grids and demand surges, though specific access rates exceed 90% in urban cores per broader Indonesian utility metrics. Wastewater and systems lag, with untreated discharge contributing to and health risks in densely populated zones. Flood control efforts are undermined by severe land , with rates of 100–120 mm per year recorded in northern and eastern coastal sectors, primarily caused by unregulated extraction for industrial and domestic use. This affects roughly 20% of the city's land, particularly alluvial and high-density areas, amplifying tidal inundation and permanent flooding of low-lying neighborhoods, where outpaces sea-level rise and erodes natural barriers. Interventions include retention ponds designed to store and regulate aquifers, alongside partial bans on deep-well pumping, yet enforcement gaps and socioeconomic dependencies on persist, resulting in ongoing vulnerability documented in studies from 2021–2023. Reducing by 50% could cut flood damages by 26% in core areas, per modeling, but current trajectories indicate escalation without stricter regulation. Broader deficiencies compound these issues, with drainage networks hampered by inadequate design, heavy , and funding shortfalls, leading to frequent overflows during monsoons. inflicts structural damage on roads, bridges, and buildings, generating substantial economic losses through differential settling and foundation failures, as evidenced in comparative analyses of affected sites. In expanding industrial zones like Wijayakusuma, development has strained ancillary systems, revealing gaps in drainage, power distribution, and water reticulation that threaten . Overall, these interconnected shortfalls—rooted in causal factors like depletion and unplanned growth—necessitate integrated governance, though local capacities remain limited by resource and coordination barriers as of 2024.

Cultural and Historical Landmarks

Colonial Architecture and Old Town Preservation

Semarang's centers on the Old Town (Kota Lama), founded as a Dutch trading outpost in 1678 through an agreement between the Mataram Kingdom and the (VOC), with the city designated as the VOC's administrative seat in 1708. The area originated around the De Vijfhoek fortress, constructed between 1708 and 1741, which featured five bastions and was expanded eastward before its walls were demolished in 1824 to facilitate highway infrastructure under Governor Daendels. By the early , Semarang had evolved into a major hub, incorporating industrial influences like introduced in 1864, which shaped its urban layout spanning approximately 40 acres with warehouses, banks, and consulates. The reflects a fusion of European styles adapted to local conditions, including medieval fortified designs, ornamentation, and modern elements such as arcades, balconies, and courtyards, often credited to architects like J.P. de Bordes and Henry Thomas Karsten. Iconic structures include , built between 1904 and 1907 as the headquarters of the Railway Company (NIS), renowned for its extensive doors and role in colonial administration and transportation. Another landmark is the Blenduk Church (Gereja Immanuel), erected in 1753 as Central Java's oldest Protestant church, displaying neo-classical features with an octagonal dome added during later renovations. Additional preserved edifices encompass the Nederlandsch-Indische Levensverzekering building from 1916 and G.C.T. Van Dorp & Co. dating to 1858, exemplifying Dutch commercial and insurance architecture. Preservation efforts intensified with Semarang's designation as a Cultural Conservation Area under Decree No. 682/P/2020, encompassing 274 historic buildings of which 104 have been conserved. Initiatives include City Regulation No. 8 of 2003 for heritage protection, the establishment of the Old Town Museum in 2020, annual festivals since 2012 organized by the Old Town Management Board (AMBO), and infrastructure upgrades like systems implemented in 2007 to combat flooding. Specific restorations target sites like , the 1920s Monod Diephuis repurposed as a community space, and the late-19th-century Spiegel Bar & Bistro, supported by local architects, foundations such as Oen Semarang, and government allocations exceeding US$16.5 million for drainage and roads as of 2021. Challenges persist due to environmental threats including recurrent tidal flooding, land subsidence, and material decay from over 50 years of exposure, compounded by structural issues like damage and high maintenance costs estimated at 52 billion rupiah. Property ownership disputes, elevated building taxes, and insufficient public awareness have historically hindered progress, though revitalization has boosted and positioned the site on 's Tentative World Heritage List since 2015 under criteria (ii) for cultural exchanges and (iv) for exemplary .

Religious Sites and Multicultural Heritage

Semarang's religious sites embody its historical role as a multicultural trading hub in , where Javanese, Chinese, Arab, and Dutch influences converged through commerce and migration since the . The city's diverse religious landscape includes prominent Islamic, Christian, and Chinese Buddhist-Confucian structures, reflecting a where over 80% adhere to alongside significant Christian and Buddhist minorities. This coexistence stems from Semarang's port economy, which drew settlers establishing enduring communities and places of worship. The Gereja Blenduk, or Immanuel Protestant Church, stands as Central Java's oldest surviving church, constructed in 1753 by Dutch colonial authorities to serve the European Protestant community. Its distinctive octagonal dome, added during a 19th-century renovation, combines neoclassical and Dutch architectural elements, with the interior featuring wooden pews and a from the colonial era. Located in the Old Town, the church hosted key historical events, including services during the period, and continues as an active worship site for the local Protestant population. The Masjid Agung Jawa Tengah, inaugurated on November 14, 2006, by President , serves as the provincial grand on a 10-hectare complex capable of accommodating up to 15,000 worshippers. Its design fuses Javanese, , and Roman styles, highlighted by a 99-meter Asmaul Husna Tower offering city views and a rotating , alongside facilities like a and documenting Islamic history in . As the largest in by capacity, it underscores Islam's dominance in Semarang while incorporating modern infrastructure for communal use. The Sam Poo Kong Temple complex, the oldest Chinese temple in Semarang dating to the early , originated from the landing of Zheng He's fleet, whose helmsman Wang Jinghong is venerated there. Spanning multiple pavilions blending Chinese ornate roofs with Javanese motifs, it functions as a multi-ethnic worship site for Buddhists, Confucians, and even , hosting annual carnivals that draw thousands. This adaptability highlights Semarang's Chinese community's integration, which traces to trade ties and persists through preserved rituals amid the city's 5-10% ethnic Chinese demographic. These sites illustrate Semarang's heritage of under Indonesia's Pancasila framework, where historical trade fostered tolerance despite occasional tensions, as evidenced by joint festivals and preserved multicultural districts like and the Arab Quarter. Preservation efforts, including Old Town revitalization since the 2010s, aim to maintain this diversity against urban pressures.

Museums, Monuments, and Public Attractions

, constructed between 1904 and 1907 as the headquarters of the Railway Company, stands as one of Semarang's most iconic colonial-era structures, characterized by its extensive use of doors—over 1,000 in total—reflected in its Javanese name meaning "thousand doors." The building's architecture blends European neoclassical elements with local adaptations, including underground tunnels originally used for utilities and later associated with wartime events during Japanese occupation. Today, it functions as a cultural attraction and partial , housing exhibits on railway history and colonial artifacts, drawing visitors for guided tours that highlight its role in Semarang's infrastructural development. The Ranggawarsita Museum, a state-operated provincial institution, maintains a collection exceeding 40,000 artifacts focused on Central Java's cultural and historical heritage, including Javanese antiquities, textiles, puppets, and geological fossils. Established to preserve regional identity, the museum features dioramas depicting historical events and ethnographic displays of traditional crafts, situated amid landscaped gardens that enhance its appeal as an educational site. Visitors can explore sections on pre-colonial artifacts alongside modern Javanese art, underscoring Semarang's position as a cultural crossroads. Simpang Lima, Semarang's central public square also known as Pancasila Field, serves as a modern urban hub spanning approximately 4 hectares, surrounded by shopping malls, cinemas, and the Great Mosque of . Developed in the mid-20th century as a symbol of national unity, it hosts frequent events, markets, and recreational activities, accommodating up to thousands during festivals with features like fountains and monuments to Indonesian independence figures. The area's grassy expanses and pedestrian pathways facilitate community gatherings, reflecting Semarang's blend of commercial vibrancy and public accessibility. The Mandala Bhakti Museum, located in South Semarang's Barusari district, documents Indonesia's independence struggle through military artifacts, photographs, and weaponry from the revolutionary period, emphasizing Central Java's contributions post-1945. Housed in a dedicated building since its establishment in the , it includes exhibits on key battles and national heroes, providing a focused narrative on post-colonial efforts. Sam Poo Kong Temple complex, while primarily a religious site, functions as a major public attraction with historical monuments commemorating Zheng He's 1405 visit, featuring stone inscriptions and pagodas blending Chinese and Javanese styles across five main buildings. As Semarang's oldest Chinese heritage landmark, it attracts tourists for its annual multicultural carnivals and photo opportunities, including costume rentals that highlight its role in fostering inter-ethnic harmony. The site's layout preserves 15th-century maritime trade links, with entry fees supporting maintenance of its ornate pavilions and gardens.

Society and Culture

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Semarang's culinary traditions are characterized by a fusion of Javanese staples, Chinese immigrant influences, and Peranakan adaptations, stemming from the city's role as a historic trading that attracted diverse ethnic groups since the . Chinese migrants in particular introduced techniques, which evolved into local variants using indigenous ingredients like and , while Javanese elements emphasize sweet-savory balances with and spices. This multicultural synthesis is evident in markets and family-run stalls, where preservation of recipes relies on oral transmission rather than formal documentation, maintaining authenticity amid urbanization. The emblematic dish, , consists of thin wrappers filled with sautéed , , or , mushrooms, and carrots, then fried until crisp and served with a derived from local . Originating from Chinese culinary practices brought by early 19th-century immigrants to Semarang's (Pecinan), it differs from standard Indonesian by its drier filling and emphasis on crunch, often sold fresh or frozen for export as a signature product. Vendors like those on Gang street claim recipes unchanged for generations, with annual production supporting small-scale economies. Bandeng Presto, pressure-cooked (Chanos chanos), exemplifies Semarang's innovation in ; the high-pressure method, developed locally in the mid-20th century, softens bones without removing them, allowing consumption whole after seasoning with , , and chili. Sourced from nearby coastal areas like Juwana, it is vacuum-sealed for durability, making it a popular with sales peaking during holidays; nutritional analyses highlight its high calcium content due to edible spines. Other staples include Wingko Babat, a dense cake of glutinous rice flour, grated coconut, and sugar, baked or steamed and originating from the Babat district near Semarang, where it was traditionally prepared for travelers; its chewy texture and subtle sweetness reflect agrarian Javanese resourcefulness. Tahu Gimbal features fried tofu and shrimp fritters (gimbal) tossed in a tangy sauce of fermented shrimp paste (petis), bean sprouts, and cabbage, a affordable street snack tracing to port laborers' needs for quick, protein-rich meals. Babat Gongso, stir-fried cow tripe in a thick gravy of sweet soy sauce, onions, and chilies, underscores the use of offal in everyday fare, often paired with rice for family gatherings. These dishes, prepared with minimal mechanization in home kitchens or warungs, sustain cultural continuity despite modern fast-food incursions.

Festivals, Customs, and Community Events

Semarang hosts a variety of festivals and customs that reflect its Javanese-Islamic heritage intertwined with Chinese influences, emphasizing community gatherings, religious observances, and cultural parades. These events often feature processions, traditional performances, and shared meals, drawing locals and visitors to sites like historic mosques and temples. The Dugderan Festival, held annually in the weeks leading to Ramadan, marks the anticipated arrival of the holy month through vibrant parades known as "warok" processions, where participants in traditional attire carry symbolic items like the "gundhul-gundhul pacul" bamboo structure representing agricultural prosperity. Performances include reog dances, brass gamelan music, and fireworks, centered around the Kampung Kauman area near the Great Mosque of Central Java. This event, rooted in 19th-century traditions, fosters communal excitement and preparation for fasting. Grebeg Syawal, observed on the seventh day after Idul Fitri (typically late or early May, such as April 5, 2025), culminates Syawalan with a of "gunungan" heaps of harvested foods like , fruits, and pastries from the Masjid Gedhe Kauman, symbolizing gratitude and distribution to the community. The parade involves bearers carrying these offerings amid prayers and music, preserving Javanese-Islamic dating to the era of local sultans. Similar Syawalan practices, including grave-cleaning rituals called Nyadran, extend family pilgrimages to ancestral tombs during Syawal, reinforcing and remembrance. Chinese New Year celebrations, aligned with the (e.g., January 29, 2025, for the Year of the Snake), animate Semarang's districts like Gang Lombok and the Temple complex with lion dances, firecrackers, and markets such as Semawis Lunar offering traditional foods like bakpao and keranjang. These events, influenced by the city's community established since the voyages of , include temple prayers and family feasts, blending Confucian rituals with local Javanese elements. The Semarang Old Town Festival, held periodically (e.g., September 5-15, 2024), complements this by showcasing multicultural arts, music, and cuisine in preserved colonial venues, promoting .

Education Institutions and Literacy Rates

Semarang maintains a literacy rate of 98.2% among individuals aged 15 and above as of 2021, exceeding the national Indonesian average of 96% recorded in 2020. This figure reflects sustained improvements in basic education access, though earlier data from 2013 indicated a rate of 95% for the city. High literacy correlates with Semarang's leading Human Development Index of 83.55 in Central Java for 2021, driven in part by educational attainment. Primary and junior secondary education in Semarang achieves near-complete participation, with a school enrollment rate of 99.97% for children aged 7-12 in 2022, encompassing both public and private institutions. Indonesia's national policy mandates nine years of compulsory , comprising six years of primary schooling followed by three years of junior secondary, and Semarang's system aligns with this through a network of state-run and private schools. Senior secondary enrollment remains strong, though specific city-level rates hover around 80-90% based on provincial trends, with efforts focusing on vocational tracks to address urban labor demands. Higher education in Semarang is dominated by public universities emphasizing STEM, social sciences, and teacher training. Diponegoro University (UNDIP), established in 1957 as a public institution, serves as the city's flagship, offering programs across 11 faculties and ranking among Indonesia's top universities for output and enrollment exceeding 50,000 students. The State University of Semarang (UNNES), founded in 1965, specializes in education and , with additional campuses supporting teacher certification for Central Java's schools. Private institutions complement this landscape, including Soegijapranata Catholic University, focused on and business, and Dian Nuswantoro University, known for and since 1986. Overall, these institutions contribute to Semarang's role as an educational hub in , though challenges persist in aligning curricula with global standards amid national concerns over learning outcomes.

Sports Facilities and Athletic Achievements

Semarang's primary is the Jatidiri Stadium complex, a multi-purpose facility primarily used for football and with a capacity of 25,000 spectators. Opened in 1982 and renovated in 2016 by the provincial government, it features a main , track, , and auxiliary sports halls for events like and . The stadium serves as the home ground for , the city's professional football club competing in Indonesia's Liga 1, and has hosted regional competitions including meets. PSIS Semarang has recorded notable domestic successes, including two Indonesian national championships and titles in the Indonesian Second Division. The club's golden era spanned 2005–2007, when it secured third place in national competitions, and it previously triumphed in the Perserikatan-era league at the smaller Citarum Stadium, which now hosts PSIS's junior teams with a capacity of 5,000. These achievements underscore Semarang's role in Indonesian football development, though the club has faced challenges in maintaining top-tier consistency amid financial and infrastructural constraints. Beyond Jatidiri, university-affiliated facilities contribute to grassroots athletics; Diponegoro University's GOR complex offers , , and football fields, while Universitas Negeri Semarang's Prof. Soegijono Building includes courts for , , and . These venues support local training and host inter-university tournaments, fostering talent pipelines for national teams. Semarang has produced PSIS alumni like Maman Abdurrahman, a with over 100 club appearances, but lacks prominent international Olympic or world championship medalists tied directly to the city. Recent additions, such as courts at private clubs, indicate emerging recreational sports growth.

Media Outlets and Cultural Production

Semarang's media landscape is dominated by local print, broadcast, and digital outlets serving , with Suara Merdeka as the leading daily , founded on August 11, 1949, and known for its focus on regional , , and community issues, maintaining a alongside its online platform suaramerdeka.com. The has adapted to digital shifts by emphasizing local content to sustain relevance amid national media competition. Radio stations, including state-run (RRI) Pro 2 Semarang and commercial outlets like Delta FM on 96.5 MHz, provide news, talk shows, and music programming tailored to urban listeners. Television coverage relies on national networks with local affiliates, such as Semarang, which airs regional news segments within broader Indonesian broadcasts. Cultural production in Semarang emphasizes traditional rooted in coastal Javanese traditions, particularly Gambang Semarang, a multifaceted ensemble originating in the early 20th century that integrates percussion, kroncong-influenced vocals, , and comedic skits to depict multicultural narratives blending Javanese, Chinese, and Arab influences. This art form, performed at community events and festivals, serves as a marker of local identity, with groups revitalizing it through educational programs and digital recordings to counter declining participation among youth. Historical theater initiatives, such as those led by Dutch architect Thomas Karsten in the 1920s, pioneered "people's theater" by fusing Javanese literary, , and musical elements into accessible public performances, influencing modern community-based staging. Contemporary music scenes feature informal elements like bamboo instrument buskers on city streets, who adapt traditional techniques for urban audiences, alongside digital shifts in local ensembles transferring live shows to online platforms post-2020. Literature and film production remain limited locally, with most output tied to national Javanese cultural hubs rather than Semarang-specific institutions.

Urban Challenges and Resilience

Greater Semarang Metropolitan Expansion

The Greater Semarang metropolitan area, also known as Semarang Raya or encompassing the Kedungsepur corridor (including Regency, Demak Regency, Semarang , Kabupaten Semarang, and adjacent zones), has expanded rapidly due to in-migration, natural population increase, and economic pull factors centered on Semarang as Central Java's hub. This region, formalized through inter-local government coordination since the early 2000s, covers approximately 5,000 square kilometers and supports industrial, port-related, and service-sector activities that drive outward growth. Population in the surpassed 6 million by 2020, reflecting sustained annual growth rates exceeding 1.5% amid Indonesia's broader trends. Semarang City's alone reached 1.7 million in 2022, up from 1.4 million in 2000, with the metro area's expansion fueled by a 55% city-level rise between and 2020. This demographic pressure has led to built-up area tripling in Semarang over the same period, converting agricultural and peri-urban lands into residential, commercial, and industrial zones, particularly along coastal plains and upland fringes. Urban expansion patterns exhibit low-density sprawl, with peripheral developments averaging 59.3 people per —well below the 150 people per hectare threshold for sustainable —and 58% of recent growth occurring in isolated, low-service areas. In the Kedungsepur sub-area, a "" sprawl typology predominates, marked by discontinuous jumps in built-up land driven by land speculation, inadequate , and demand from manufacturing hubs like the Kendal Industrial Park, established in 2015. Such patterns have fragmented landscapes, reducing farmland by over 20% in fringe regencies between 2000 and 2020 while increasing vulnerability to flooding and transport inefficiencies. Recent developments include infrastructure projects like the Middle and Outer Ring Roads (initiated post-2010) and the Pearl of Java integrated plan, aimed at channeling growth into mixed-use nodes and containing sprawl through . However, enforcement gaps persist, with unauthorized peri-urban settlements contributing to spatial inefficiency and service delivery costs rising 15-20% per kilometer in sprawled zones as of 2022 assessments. in the region outpaced Central 's provincial average by 1-2 percentage points annually through 2023, underscoring the causal link between port expansions (e.g., Tanjung Emas throughput doubling since 2010) and metropolitan extension, though without corresponding controls, this risks exacerbating and inequality.

Housing, Slum Development, and Planning Failures

Semarang's housing landscape is dominated by informal settlements, or kampungs, which span approximately 415 hectares across 64 villages in 15 of the city's 18 sub-districts, driven by rapid and rural-to-urban migration. These areas, often located in low-lying coastal and riverine zones, house a significant portion of the , with 26.4% living below the line and facing chronic deficits such as inadequate and . Slum proliferation stems from limited affordable formal options and economic pressures, leading residents to construct substandard dwellings on marginal land prone to environmental hazards. Government initiatives like the Kampung Improvement Program (KIP), implemented since the 1970s and adapted locally, have targeted through infrastructure enhancements, community participation, and pathology reduction, yielding partial successes in Semarang by improving access to basic services in select areas. However, persistent obstacles include funding shortages, insecurities, and uneven enforcement, resulting in incomplete coverage and recurring degradation. Thematic revitalization projects, such as Kampung Pelangi in South Semarang—launched in 2016 under the national slum eradication program—repainted and renovated homes to foster tourism and economic activity, initially attracting visitors and generating local income but later declining due to poor maintenance, strain, and fading community buy-in. Urban planning failures are starkly evident in Semarang's unmanaged land , primarily caused by excessive extraction for industrial, commercial, and domestic use—peaking at 38 million cubic meters annually around 2000—which has induced rates of 6–11 cm per year in northern coastal districts, with peaks up to 19 cm in some spots from 1999 to 2011. This anthropogenic process, compounded by natural and building loads, affects roughly 20–26% of the city's land and population, particularly in alluvial northern zones like Genuk and Tambak Lorok, where predominates. Impacts include widespread cracking of residential structures, damage (e.g., 61% of networks and 23% of roads exposed), and permanent inundation extending 2–3 km inland, displacing thousands and amplifying flood risks for low-income kampung dwellers unable to afford relocation or reinforcements. Governance shortcomings exacerbate these issues: weak regulatory enforcement on use, fragmented authority post-2014 decentralization (shifting coastal oversight to provinces), and insufficient local funding—averaging USD 71,500 per sub-district annually—have permitted unchecked urban expansion into subsidence hotspots, increasing built-up areas by over 2,200 hectares from 2017 to 2023 while eroding protective green spaces. Relocation schemes frequently fail by resettling residents to comparably vulnerable sites, and measures like road elevation redirect floodwaters into adjacent neighborhoods, heightening residential exposure without addressing root causes. Economic tolls include IDR 3.5 trillion in losses from -induced damages as of recent estimates, underscoring a broader absence of integrated resilience planning despite decades of scientific warnings. These lapses reflect prioritization of short-term development over evidence-based , perpetuating cycles of slum vulnerability and housing insecurity.

Disaster Response, Flood Mitigation, and Sustainability Efforts

Semarang experiences recurrent flooding primarily driven by land rates of up to 10-12 cm per year in northern and eastern areas, exacerbated by over-extraction, sea-level rise, and inadequate drainage . A major event from December 29, 2022, to January 7, 2023, affected public sentiment and highlighted vulnerabilities, with tidal flooding occurring both in rainy and dry seasons. In February 2021, heavy rains caused that resulted in one death and impacted over 90,000 residents across districts including East Semarang and North Semarang. Disaster response mechanisms include emergency deployments such as temporary barriers; for instance, during extreme tidal events exceeding 180 cm recorded from 2017-2021, the coordinated rapid interventions using flexible barriers like FlexMac to contain water ingress. Local government efforts also involve evacuation protocols and task forces established under the National Urban Resilience (NUFReP), with Semarang forming a city-level resilience unit by the end of 2023 alongside cities like and . Historical responses trace back to colonial-era management, evolving through post-1990 reforms, though persistent has limited long-term efficacy. Flood mitigation strategies focus on structural and non-structural measures, including the construction of the West Tidal Canal and East Tidal Canal to divert tidal waters and reduce inundation risks. The Integrated Water Resources and Flood Management Project (IWRFMP) in western Semarang integrates drainage improvements with subsidence control via reduced extraction, alongside proposals for expanded public networks to curb over-pumping. Collaborative initiatives, such as those with JICA and for pumping infrastructure, aim to enhance water expulsion during floods, while the "One Resilient Semarang" project incorporates floodable parks for storage and low-tech facilities to support energy resilience. Sustainability efforts emphasize climate adaptation and urban resilience, with Semarang's 2016 City Resilience Strategy (CRS) addressing tidal and flash floods, waste management, and subsidence through multi-stakeholder frameworks. Participation in the Asian Cities Climate Change Resilience Network (ACCCRN) since 2009 has driven vulnerability assessments and livelihood strategies for coastal communities, focusing on food security and economic flexibility amid subsidence-induced risks. Dutch-Indonesian partnerships under Integrated Water Resilience programs combine subsidence mitigation with water scarcity solutions, prioritizing groundwater regulation over purely climate-attributed narratives. Despite these, ongoing subsidence—primarily anthropogenic from aquifer depletion—continues to outpace some interventions, necessitating cost-benefit analyses for investments like polders or relocation in high-risk zones.

Notable Individuals

Political and Administrative Leaders

Dr. Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti serves as the of Semarang since her inauguration on February 20, 2025, for the 2025–2030 term, following her victory in the November 2024 mayoral election. A graduate of with degrees in English literature and , Pramestuti previously served as a member of the Indonesian from 2014 to 2024, representing the (PDI-P). Her administration has prioritized community welfare, including support for programs and infrastructure repairs for substandard housing, with 920 units addressed in 2025. Pramestuti succeeded Hevearita Gunaryanti Rahayu, who held the position from August 2021 until February as Semarang's first female . Hevearita, affiliated with PDI-P and known as Mbak Ita, faced corruption allegations involving procurement irregularities, including fabricated school furniture contracts worth approximately Rp 1.7 billion in 2023 and gratuities totaling Rp 2.24 billion from sub-district projects. In August , she was sentenced to five years in prison and fined Rp 683 million in restitution, while her husband, Alwin Basri, received eight years and a Rp 4 billion fine for related graft. These convictions highlight ongoing challenges in municipal governance transparency, as investigated by Indonesia's (KPK). Administrative leadership in Semarang operates under a directly elected mayoral system established post-independence, with the mayor overseeing city planning, public services, and disaster mitigation amid frequent flooding. The vice mayor, Iswar Aminuddin, appointed alongside Pramestuti, supports executive functions with a background in civil service. Historical figures like Hendrar Prihadi, who served as mayor in the early 2010s, contributed to urban development initiatives during a period of economic growth.

Cultural, Scientific, and Business Figures

(c. 1811–1880), born in Semarang to an Arab-Javanese noble family, emerged as Indonesia's pioneering Romantic painter, blending European techniques with local motifs after training in the and associating with European royalty. His works, such as depictions of Javanese wildlife and historical events, marked a shift from traditional Javanese art toward and naturalism, influencing subsequent Indonesian artists despite his elite patronage limiting broader accessibility during his lifetime. In science, (1860–1927), born in Semarang to a Dutch family, developed the string galvanometer, the first practical electrocardiograph, enabling precise recording of heart electrical activity and earning him the 1924 in or . His innovation, built on earlier capillary electrometers, standardized cardiac diagnostics globally, with Semarang's multicultural environment possibly exposing him early to diverse intellectual influences before his family's return to the . Business figures include (1866–1924), born in Semarang, who expanded his father's trading firm into a sugar monopoly controlling over 100,000 hectares of plantations across and beyond by the early 1900s, establishing the Oei Tiong Ham Concern as Southeast Asia's largest pre-World War II conglomerate through strategic exports to and . Later, (born 1941 in Semarang) and his brother Michael transformed their family's clove cigarette business into the Group, Indonesia's second-largest tobacco firm by the 1980s, with revenues exceeding $5 billion annually by 2020 and diversification into banking and property, leveraging Semarang's port heritage for export dominance.

International Relations

Sister Cities and Diplomatic Partnerships

Semarang maintains agreements with several international counterparts, primarily to promote economic, cultural, and technological exchanges. These partnerships, formalized through memoranda of understanding (MoUs), reflect the city's paradiplomatic efforts to enhance local development amid Indonesia's decentralized governance framework. Key sister city relationships include:
CityCountryEstablishment YearFocus Areas
1993Science, technology, and trade cooperation, leveraging shared interests in urban development and education.
Jung-gu (Busan)2016Infrastructure, natural resources, and cultural exchanges, building on bilateral diplomatic ties established in 1973.
2018Historical and economic linkages, emphasizing mutual heritage preservation and investment opportunities.
2023Complementary to provincial sister relations between and , targeting tourism, industry, and .
Additional partnerships, such as with , , have been noted in local policy documents for advancing maritime and trade initiatives, though specific MoU dates remain less documented in . Beyond formal twinning, Semarang pursues broader diplomatic engagements through hosting international events, including the 2021 International Festival to boost and global visibility, and the 2024 EU-Indonesia security dialogue, which addressed regional stability and cooperation. These activities underscore the city's role in subnational , often aligning with national while addressing local priorities like disaster resilience and investment attraction. Proposed ties, such as with , , for empowerment programs, remain in discussion as of 2024 but lack formal ratification.

International Awards and Recognitions

Semarang City Government received an Honourable Mention in the Public Service Awards on June 21, 2024, for its "Outreach Service for Maternal Care and Stunted Children" (SANPIISAN) initiative in the category of fostering innovation to deliver inclusive and equitable services. The program targets improvements in and nutrition to combat child stunting, aligning with on zero hunger, and was recognized for its community-based approach to equitable service delivery in urban settings. In the architectural domain, the Microlibrary Warak Kayu in Semarang was awarded ArchDaily's Building of the Year 2021, marking 's first win in this international competition for innovative design using sustainable, locally sourced timber. This recognition highlights Semarang's contributions to and community literacy projects amid challenges. Semarang's participation in the World Health Organization's Healthy Cities Network has yielded supportive data on urban health improvements, though formal international awards in this framework remain primarily national or regional as of 2023. Efforts to nominate Semarang Old Town for World Heritage status are ongoing, with its inclusion on Indonesia's tentative list since 2021, but no designation has been granted.

References

  1. https://www.semarangkota.go.id/
  2. https://unhabitat.org/sites/default/files/2024/01/140823_semarang_profile_final.pdf
  3. https://jogloplus.com/2023/11/01/semarang-the-venice-of-java/
  4. https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6011/
  5. https://www.indonesia.travel/en/US/travel-ideas/semarang-attractions-not-to-be-missed
  6. https://resilientcitiesnetwork.org/downloadable_resources/Network/Semarang-Resilience-Strategy-English.pdf
  7. https://www.southeastasianarchaeology.com/2007/02/09/eighth-century-hindu-temple-relics-lost-in-semarang-indonesia/
  8. https://en.tempo.co/read/707738/ancient-mataram-site-found-in-semarang
  9. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13467581.2021.2024196
  10. https://www.detik.com/jateng/budaya/d-7460588/mengenal-ki-ageng-pandanaran-sosok-ulama-pemimpin-pertama-semarang
  11. https://halosemarang.id/dikenal-sebagai-tokoh-pendiri-kota-semarang-begini-sejarah-dan-silsilah-ki-ageng-pandanaran/
  12. https://main.semarangkab.go.id/profile/sejarah/
  13. https://pthms.com/news/6-unique-facts-about-semarang-you-need-to-know
  14. https://jsju.org/index.php/journal/article/view/426
  15. https://www.kamtuuindonesia.com/blog/semarang-a-city-blending-dutch-colonial-history-with-javanese-and-chinese-culture
  16. https://en.tempo.co/read/2051808/the-history-of-semarang-old-town-built-by-the-voc
  17. http://www.art-in-society.de/AS6/Pratiwo/Pratiwo%281a%29.shtml
  18. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23311886.2023.2170740
  19. http://www.world-guides.com/asia/indonesia/central-java/semarang/semarang_history.html
  20. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304881990_Semarang_a_Colonial_Provincial_Capital_and_Port_City_in_Java_c1775
  21. https://www.e3s-conferences.org/articles/e3sconf/pdf/2023/85/e3sconf_icenis2023_01018.pdf
  22. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23311983.2024.2335774
  23. https://theses.hal.science/tel-01398359/file/TH2016PESC1010_diffusion.pdf
  24. https://isvshome.com/pdf/ISVS_8-1/ISVS_ej_8.1.1_Riti_Published.pdf
  25. https://notesplusultra.com/2016/03/01/holland-in-java-the-old-town-of-semarang/
  26. https://factsanddetails.com/indonesia/Places/sub6_10b/entry-6776.html
  27. https://histofreak.com/dutch-colonies-in-nusantara-how-dutch-colonization-influences-modern-day-indonesia/
  28. https://countrystudies.us/indonesia/15.htm
  29. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2941923
  30. https://www.jstor.org/stable/3035318
  31. https://brill.com/view/journals/bki/154/3/article-p416_3.pdf
  32. https://www.jstor.org/stable/27864775
  33. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/41017432_The_secret_of_major_Kido_The_battle_of_Semarang_15-19_October_1945
  34. https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/9789048556861-008/html
  35. https://www.jstor.org/stable/jj.399493.8
  36. http://www.hubert-herald.nl/IndoJawaTe.htm
  37. https://brill.com/downloadpdf/book/edcoll/9789004280724/B9789004280724-s008.pdf
  38. https://e3s-conferences.org/articles/e3sconf/pdf/2021/93/e3sconf_icenis2021_04005.pdf
  39. https://unnes.ac.id/konservasi/to-preserve-the-values-of-prince-diponegoros-struggle-25-students-from-the-faculty-of-social-and-political-sciences-of-unnes-visited-the-iv-diponegoro-military-command-headquarter/
  40. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318657051_Banditry_in_Semarang_1950-1958
  41. https://psychotraumanet.org/sites/default/files/documents/Eickhoff-The%2520Memory%2520Landscapes%2520of%25201965%2520%2520in%2520Semarang.pdf
  42. https://www.facebook.com/WartaKodamDiponegoro/
  43. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Geographical-location-of-Semarang_fig6_322519599
  44. https://weatherspark.com/y/121546/Average-Weather-in-Semarang-Indonesia-Year-Round
  45. https://ppid.semarangkota.go.id/profil-kota-semarang/
  46. https://jdih.semarangkota.go.id/assets/public/data_dokumen/perwal17_2018%28ketik%29.pdf
  47. https://ijog.bgl.esdm.go.id/index.php/IJOG/article/download/392/275
  48. https://jdih.semarangkota.go.id/assets/public/data_dokumen/perda72014.pdf
  49. https://kecsmgtimur.semarangkota.go.id/keadaangeografisdaerah
  50. https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/sea-swallowing-us-whole-how-sinking-land-rising-sea-level-threaten-semarang-laborers
  51. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19475705.2012.692336
  52. https://jrisetgeotam.brin.go.id/index.php/jrisgeotam/article/viewFile/1195/pdf
  53. https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/indonesia/semarang
  54. https://www.sunheron.com/cities/indonesia/semarang-weather-climate/
  55. https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/indonesia
  56. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366940373_Relationship_of_ENSO_El_Nino_-_Southernoscillation_and_monsoon_index_on_variability_of_rainfall_and_sea_surface_height_in_coastal_City_Semarang_Central_Java
  57. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/1025/1/012037/pdf
  58. https://www.worldwateratlas.org/narratives/water-as-leverage/semarang/
  59. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S221209552030674X
  60. https://www.e3s-conferences.org/articles/e3sconf/pdf/2021/93/e3sconf_icenis2021_04015.pdf
  61. https://flows.hypotheses.org/6071
  62. https://geologi.ft.undip.ac.id/en/investigating-the-past-flood-events-in-semarang/
  63. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010023001543
  64. https://www.ctii.co.jp/en/project/detail/74
  65. https://www.grundfos.com/about-us/cases/pump-station-solves-chronic-flooding--boosts-quality-of-life-in-
  66. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/395485700_Assessing_The_Succes_of_Flood_and_Tidal_Flood_Control_Infrastructure_Program_in_Semarang_A_Community_Perspective
  67. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S156984322300403X
  68. https://www.mdpi.com/2413-8851/9/7/266
  69. https://www.ecoshape.org/app/uploads/sites/2/2017/08/Economic-assessment-of-subsidence-in-Semarang-and-Demak-Indonesia.pdf
  70. https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/18055
  71. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/environmental-economics/articles/10.3389/frevc.2023.1073089/full
  72. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/11491425.pdf
  73. https://ejournal.undip.ac.id/index.php/geoplanning/article/download/63255/pdf
  74. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0273117718300711
  75. https://www.e3s-conferences.org/articles/e3sconf/pdf/2025/50/e3sconf_icenis2025_02043.pdf
  76. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/396401844_The_Socio-Economic_Impacts_of_Land_Subsidence_in_Coastal_Semarang
  77. https://indonesia.wetlands.org/publication/a-roadmap-to-address-land-subsidence-for-central-java/
  78. https://ppid.semarangkota.go.id/profil-kota-semarang/daftar-dinas-badan-kecamatan-dan-kelurahan-di-kota-semarang/
  79. https://eprints.undip.ac.id/81563/10/ALDILA_HASNA_LATIFA_21020115120051_LP3A_LAMPIRAN_BAGAN_STRUKTUR_ORGANISASI_PEMKOT_SEMARANG.docx.pdf
  80. https://tapem.semarangkota.go.id/struktur
  81. https://www.semarangkota.go.id/id/layanan
  82. https://www.detik.com/jateng/berita/d-7323116/daftar-lengkap-50-anggota-dprd-kota-semarang-terpilih-periode-2024-2029
  83. https://kota-semarang.kpu.go.id/blog/read/50-anggota-dprd-kota-semarang-hasil-pemilu-2024-resmi-dilantik
  84. https://eskripsi.usm.ac.id/files/skripsi/A11A/2012/A.131.12.0011/A.131.12.0011-07-BAB-IV-20190130025022.pdf
  85. https://dprd.semarangkota.go.id/page/info_keanggotaan
  86. https://silaker.semarangkota.go.id/monografi/
  87. https://jdih.semarangkota.go.id/dokumen/view/peraturan-daerah-kota-semarang-nomor-5-tahun-2021-tentang-perubahan-atas-peraturan-daerah-kota-semarang-nomor-14-tahun-2011-tentang-rencana-tata-ruang-wilayah-kota-semarang-tahun-2011-2031-1200
  88. https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Details/175985/perda-kota-semarang-no-5-tahun-2021
  89. https://authentic-indonesia.com/blog/semarang-old-town-history-in-central-java/
  90. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14623528.2017.1393945
  91. https://eudl.eu/doi/10.4108/eai.9-10-2020.2304720
  92. http://semarang-tourism-magazine.blogspot.com/2010/08/history-of-semarang.html
  93. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366807885_The_Democratic_Anomaly_in_2020_Regional_Head_Elections_PILKADA_with_a_Single_Candidate_in_Semarang_City
  94. https://en.mkri.id/news/details/2025-01-09/PPI_Claims_Semarang_Mayoral_Election_Legally_Flawed%2C_Calls_for_Revote
  95. https://en.tempo.co/read/1892884/kpk-conducts-further-searches-at-semarang-city-hall
  96. https://www.kompas.id/artikel/en-kpk-geledah-balai-kota-semarang-empat-orang-dicegah-ke-luar-negeri
  97. https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2025/08/28/semarangs-first-female-mayor-husband-jailed-for-corruption.html
  98. https://voi.id/en/news/401352
  99. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340573636_Mens_Rea_and_State_Loses_on_Corruption_Cases_An_Analysis_of_Corruption_Court_Judgment_of_Semarang
  100. https://semarangkota.bps.go.id/en/statistics-table/2/MjM5IzI=/area.html
  101. https://semarangkota.bps.go.id/en/statistics-table/2/NDgjMg==/population-density.html
  102. https://semarangkota.bps.go.id/en/statistics-table/2/MTQ5IzI=/jumlah-dan-laju-pertumbuhan.html
  103. https://www.iseas.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/iseas_working_papers_2014_1.pdf
  104. https://langmedia.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/documents/id_semarang_language_r1e.pdf
  105. https://www.indonesia-tourism.com/central-java/semarang.html
  106. https://pustakadata.semarangkota.go.id/upload/pdf/466-kota-semarang-dalam-angka-semarang-2024.pdf
  107. https://knepublishing.com/index.php/KnE-Social/article/download/15277/24550
  108. https://ojs.unimal.ac.id/dialektika/article/view/23778/10136
  109. https://mjsl.usim.edu.my/index.php/jurnalmjsl/article/download/812/446
  110. https://kneopen.com/kne-social/article/view/18491/
  111. https://journal.unnes.ac.id/journals/edaj/article/download/19370/3340
  112. https://www.jica.go.jp/english/our_work/evaluation/oda_loan/post/2002/pdf/044_full.pdf
  113. https://indoshippinggazette.com/2025/shipping-lines-express-strong-support-for-expanding-tpk-semarangs-capacity/
  114. https://tricruise.id/member/infrastructure-expansion-plan-for-semarang-port-container-terminal/
  115. https://www.pwc.com/id/en/media-centre/infrastructure-news/june-2025/port-infrastructure-central-java-intensifies-improvements.html
  116. https://jateng.bps.go.id/en/statistics-table/2/MjcyNSMy/volume-of-exports-at-tanjung-emas-port-semarang-by-kind-of-commodity.html
  117. https://logisticiran.com/en/blog/show/464/sea-freight-in-semarang-port
  118. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2213624X25001658
  119. http://journal.lifescifi.com/index.php/ebh/article/view/231
  120. https://indoshippinggazette.com/2025/sptp-to-expand-capacity-of-container-terminal-tpk-semarang/
  121. https://www.cekindo.com/blog/international-business-expansion-plan
  122. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-025-04448-0
  123. https://www.scitepress.org/Papers/2019/100599/100599.pdf
  124. https://semarangkota.bps.go.id/id/news/2024/03/01/152/rilis-pertumbuhan-ekonomi-kota-semarang.html
  125. https://semarangkota.bps.go.id/id/pressrelease/2025/03/03/225/ekonomi-kota-semarang-tahun-2024.html
  126. https://jatengprov.go.id/beritadaerah/2023-pertumbuhan-ekonomi-kota-semarang-tertinggi-se-jateng/
  127. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312923928_Potential_Economic_Losses_Due_to_Tidal_Inundation_and_Flood_at_Semarang_City
  128. https://justjobsnetwork.org/research/reports/semarang-the-front-lines-of-indonesias-employment-migration-and-urban-challenges/
  129. https://semarangkota.bps.go.id/id/statistics-table/2/MTA5IzI=/koefisien-gini.html
  130. https://semarangkota.bps.go.id/id/pressrelease/2024/08/01/198/kemiskinan-kota-semarang-tahun-2024.html
  131. https://www.suaramerdeka.com/semarang-raya/0413438373/bps-sebut-angka-kemiskinan-di-kota-semarang-tahun-2024-menurun-berikut-datanya
  132. https://energydata.info/dataset/semarang-indonesia-transport-infrastructure-esa-eo4sd-urban
  133. https://www.pwc.com/id/en/media-centre/infrastructure-news/june-2025/progress-on-semarang-demak-toll-road-section-1a-reaches-64-2-percent.html
  134. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366835649_Road_Transportation_Development_and_Land_Use_Changes_in_Semarang_City_Central_Java_Indonesia
  135. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/1475/1/012005/pdf
  136. https://jsret.knpub.com/index.php/jrest/article/view/652
  137. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375067236_Evaluation_of_Traffic_Engineering_Management_in_Semarang_City_CBD_with_the_Contram_Application
  138. https://itdp.org/2025/03/19/in-this-indonesian-city-green-corridors-bolster-public-transit/
  139. https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/partnership/?p=29984
  140. https://www.jocm.us/2025/JCM-V20N4-491.pdf
  141. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/1394/1/012033
  142. https://itdp.org/2024/04/22/how-indonesian-cities-are-prioritizing-inclusive-public-transport/
  143. https://journalenrichment.com/index.php/jr/article/view/179
  144. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/313/1/012016/pdf
  145. https://www.seat61.com/Indonesia.htm
  146. https://en.tiket.com/kereta-api/stasiun/semarang-poncol-smc
  147. https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_transit-line-KS-Semarang-4425-2436576-53477823-1
  148. https://banyumas.tribunnews.com/2025/02/06/kereta-kedungsepur-semarang-grobogan-tampil-lebih-modern-tapi-harga-tetap-rp-10-ribu
  149. https://muria.inews.id/read/554792/tak-lagi-gunakan-krd-ka-kedungsepur-semarang-purwodadi-hadir-dengan-rangkaian-baru
  150. https://www.merahputih.com/post/read/kai-dan-pemerintah-inggris-kembangkan-kawasan-transportasi-rendah-emisi-di-kota-semarang
  151. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/BRT-Lite-Corridor-Routes-in-Semarang_fig1_355013943
  152. https://investinindonesia.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Semarang_Light-Rail-Transit.pdf
  153. https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/ahmad-yani-international-airport-semarang/
  154. https://www.flightglobal.com/indonesias-semarang-airport-inaugurates-new-terminal/128422.article
  155. https://australiaindonesia.com/infrastructure/jokowi-opens-first-eco-friendly-floating-airport/
  156. https://www.pwc.com/id/en/media-centre/infrastructure-news/april-2025/international-airports-increase.html
  157. https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/6.Indonesia.pdf
  158. https://ijs.co.id/en/about-us
  159. https://www.dpworld.com/en/about-us/our-locations/indonesia
  160. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/addressing-legal-and-regulatory-barriers-to-quality-infrastructure-investment-in-india-indonesia-and-the-philippines_fb81e1be-en/full-report/indonesia_84b82dbc.html
  161. https://resilientcitiesnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Semarang-Urban-Power-Profile.pdf
  162. https://ejournal.undip.ac.id/index.php/ilmusos/article/download/61194/26183
  163. https://indonesia.wetlands.org/id/publikasi/a-roadmap-to-address-land-subsidence-for-central-java/
  164. https://rgsa.openaccesspublications.org/rgsa/article/download/11181/5935/38065
  165. https://www.matec-conferences.org/articles/matecconf/pdf/2018/06/matecconf_sibe2018_08001.pdf
  166. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381202617_Impact_of_Industrial_Estate_Development_on_Infrastructure_Sustainability_in_the_Wijayakusuma_Industrial_Area_Semarang/fulltext/66692c06b769e769192d04f3/Impact-of-Industrial-Estate-Development-on-Infrastructure-Sustainability-in-the-Wijayakusuma-Industrial-Area-Semarang.pdf
  167. https://unnes.ac.id/fisip/2023/05/31/exploring-traces-of-history-and-culture-stored-in-lawang-sewu-semarang-city/
  168. https://indonesia.go.id/kategori/budaya/8774/menyusuri-jejak-sejarah-gereja-blenduk?lang=1
  169. https://destinasian.com/editorial/restoring-the-old-town-of-semarang
  170. https://indonesia.travel/jp/en/explore-indonesia/java/central-java/semarang
  171. https://www.traveloka.com/id-id/explore/destination/sejarah-gereja-blenduk-di-semarang-trp/427376
  172. https://indonesia.travel/gb/en/travel-ideas/masjid-agung-jawa-tengah/
  173. https://visitjawatengah.jatengprov.go.id/en/article/5-islamic-religious-tourism-in-semarang-city
  174. https://indonesia.travel/sa-en/explore-indonesia/java/central-java/semarang---sam-poo-kong-temple
  175. https://visitjawatengah.jatengprov.go.id/en/destinations/sam-poo-kong-chinese-temple
  176. https://uispp2025.uksw.edu/semarang-old-town/
  177. https://indonesia.travel/sa-en/explore-indonesia/java/central-java/semarang---lawang-sewu
  178. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/indonesia/semarang/attractions/lawang-sewu/a/poi-sig/1313738/1002223
  179. https://visitjawatengah.jatengprov.go.id/en/article/lawang-sewu-and-its-history
  180. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297712-d3668956-Reviews-Museum_Ranggawarsita-Semarang_Central_Java_Java.html
  181. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/indonesia/semarang/attractions/ronggowarsito-museum/a/poi-sig/1058747/1002223
  182. https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/142351/best-museums-in-semarang
  183. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/indonesia/semarang/attractions/simpang-lima/a/poi-sig/1058742/1002223
  184. https://www.indonesia-tourism.com/central-java/simpang-lima.html
  185. https://evendo.com/locations/indonesia/semarang/simpang-lima
  186. https://www.indonesia-tourism.com/central-java/semarang/mandala_bhakti_museum.html
  187. https://indonesia.travel/au/en/explore-indonesia/java/central-java/semarang---sam-poo-kong-temple
  188. https://www.klook.com/en-US/activity/46269-the-great-temple-sam-poo-kong-ticket-semarang/
  189. https://ppid.semarangkota.go.id/18071-2/
  190. https://www.agoda.com/travel-guides/indonesia/semarang/discover-semarangs-street-food-fiesta-a-culinary-adventure/
  191. https://travelsetu.com/guide/semarang-tourism/food-in-semarang
  192. https://daihatsu.co.id/en/tips-and-event/tips-sahabat/detail-content/oleh-oleh-khas-semarang/
  193. https://www.agoda.com/travel-guides/indonesia/semarang/savor-semarang-your-guide-to-culinary-delights-and-fun/
  194. https://www.facebook.com/groups/461729267900126/posts/1680218052717902/
  195. https://indonesia.travel/en-US/travel-ideas/semarang-attractions-not-to-be-missed
  196. https://halosemarang.id/sejumlah-tradisi-syawalan-di-semarang-masih-eksis/
  197. https://app.advcollective.com/travel-guides/Semarang/dugderan-festival-semarang-cultural-adventure
  198. https://www.indonesia-tourism.com/central-java/semarang/nyadran_tradition.html
  199. https://banyumas.tribunnews.com/2025/04/01/sejumlah-tempat-di-semarang-bakal-menggelar-syawalan-mulai-sesaji-rewanda-hingga-kupat-jembut
  200. https://indonesia.travel/gb/en/travel-ideas/experience-the-vibrant-chinese-new-year-celebration-in-semarang/
  201. https://www.trac.astra.co.id/en/blog/en-event/semarang-old-town-festival-2024-event-highlights-and-schedule/1059
  202. https://kemenpar.go.id/en/tourism-and-creative-economy-events/5-exciting-destinations-to-celebrate-chinese-new-year-in-indonesia
  203. https://www.theglobaleconomy.com/Indonesia/Literacy_rate/
  204. https://www.bps.go.id/en/statistics-table/2/NCMy/literacy-rate.html
  205. https://semarangkota.bps.go.id/en/statistics-table/2/MjU1IzI=/angka-partisipasi-sekolah--aps--menurut-kelompok-umur-dan-jenis-kelamin.html
  206. https://www.e3s-conferences.org/articles/e3sconf/pdf/2019/51/e3sconf_icenis2019_09016.pdf
  207. https://undip.ac.id/language/en/profile
  208. https://unnes.ac.id/
  209. https://www.edarabia.com/universities/semarang/
  210. https://www.thejakartapost.com/opinion/2022/09/14/the-literacy-myth.html
  211. https://www.worldstadiumdatabase.com/jatidiri-olympic-stadium-stadium-semarang-in-indonesia.htm
  212. https://www.transfermarkt.us/psis-semarang/stadion/verein/20646
  213. https://www.transfermarkt.us/psis-semarang/erfolge/verein/20646
  214. https://www.kompas.id/artikel/en-riwayat-klub-perintis-psis-semarang-merintis-keajaiban-ketiga
  215. https://wanderlog.com/place/details/15973804/sport-center-facilities
  216. https://unnes.ac.id/campus-life/explore-unnes/sports-and-recreations/
  217. https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-athletes-from-indonesia/reference
  218. https://adshr.org/index.php/vo/article/view/248/255
  219. https://www.atlantis-press.com/proceedings/icispe-18/125922568
  220. https://ppid.diskominfo.jatengprov.go.id/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Data-Media-Jawa-Tengah.pdf
  221. https://www.atlantis-press.com/article/125911155.pdf
  222. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340568093_Gambang_Semarang_Music_as_A_Cultural_Identity_Of_Semarang%27s_Community
  223. https://journal.isi.ac.id/index.php/resital/article/viewFile/13564/3915
  224. https://www.e3s-conferences.org/articles/e3sconf/pdf/2021/93/e3sconf_icenis2021_01052.pdf
  225. https://www.iieta.org/journals/ijsdp/paper/10.18280/ijsdp.180825
  226. https://journal.ugm.ac.id/kawistara/article/view/3908
  227. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2210670718313969
  228. https://www.atlantis-press.com/proceedings/icas-17/25886457
  229. https://www.ijbel.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/LAW-40-The-Phenomenon-Of-Life-Of-The-Poor-In-City-Slums.pdf
  230. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347671225_The_Implementation_of_the_Kampung_Improvement_Program_in_Semarang_Some_Obstacles_and_Impacts
  231. https://indonesiaexpat.id/featured/kampung-pelangi-slum-transformation-creative-sustainability/
  232. https://www.qeios.com/read/8VS8IU
  233. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/1543/1/012019
  234. https://floodlist.com/asia/indonesia-floods-semarang-february-2021
  235. https://www.geofabrics.co/sites/default/files/flood-emergency-response-flexmac-temporary-flood-barrier-case-study-mar23.pdf
  236. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099042224073018781/pdf/P1736711f130c604618e81102a92c074cec.pdf
  237. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/363688238_Flood_Disaster_in_Semarang_City_from_Colonial_to_Reformasi_A_Review_of_its_Management
  238. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372362923_Analysis_of_Semarang_City_Government%27s_Mitigation_Efforts_to_Reduce_Flood_Disaster_Risk_to_Support_National_Security
  239. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2664328625000610
  240. https://www.grundfos.com/sa/campaign/IMEA-WU-Gate-Pump-Campaign1
  241. https://www.worldwateratlas.org/narratives/water-as-leverage/wal-in-semarang-team-one-resilient-semarang/
  242. https://resilient-cities.com/learning-from-semarangs-climate-actions/
  243. https://unair.ac.id/en/climate-change-challenge-coastal-community-adaptation-towards-achieving-sustainable-community-resilience-in-central-java-indonesia/
  244. https://partnersforwater.nl/projects/integrated-water-resilience-in-semarang/
  245. https://ppid.semarangkota.go.id/profil-walikota-dan-wakil-walikota-semarang/
  246. https://www.detik.com/jateng/berita/d-7786793/profil-agustina-wilujeng-wali-kota-semarang-pengganti-mbak-ita
  247. https://alumniprofile.undip.ac.id/dr-agustina-wilujeng-pramestuti/
  248. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA-LCAMIoPs
  249. https://indonesiabusinesspost.com/3605/financial-crimes/kpk-names-former-semarang-mayor-husband-corruption-suspects
  250. https://www.kompas.id/artikel/en-lebih-rendah-dari-tuntutan-mantan-wali-kota-semarang-divonis-5-tahun-penjara
  251. https://inp.polri.go.id/artikel/kpk-detains-semarang-mayor-hevearita-over-corruption-case
  252. http://www.citymayors.com/statistics/largest-cities-mayors-ad.html
  253. https://www.iias.asia/the-review/raden-saleh
  254. https://jakartaglobe.id/culture/raden-saleh-artist-of-two-worlds/
  255. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2435435/
  256. https://lemelson.mit.edu/resources/willem-einthoven
  257. https://javaprivatetour.com/discovering-the-legacy-of-oei-tiong-ham-the-sugar-tycoon-of-semarang
  258. https://tobaccowatcher.globaltobaccocontrol.org/articles/18c17e31-0402-3b6d-a49a-380789817c3b/
  259. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329832935_Decentralization_in_International_Relations_A_Study_of_Semarang_City%27s_Paradiplomacy
  260. https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/content/dam/brisbanecitycouncil/corpwebsite/business/documents/brisbanes-sister-city-semarang.pdf.coredownload.pdf
  261. https://www.atlantis-press.com/article/125991142.pdf
  262. https://jumahi.umy.ac.id/index.php/jumahi/article/download/22/12/207
  263. https://www.instagram.com/p/BpZjt_KFNR9/?hl=en
  264. https://www.jatengnetwork.com/jateng/2848746625/jadi-kota-kembar-kota-semarang-dan-fuzhou-siap-bekerjasama
  265. https://ejournal.brin.go.id/jissh/article/view/9101
  266. https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/indonesia-8th-security-dialogue-european-union-takes-place-semarang-0_en
  267. https://stedj-univerzitetpim.com/the-city-diplomacy-to-push-ahead-and-economic-growth-and-building-resilience-against-disaster-case-study-in-semarang-city/
  268. https://www.antaranews.com/berita/3905946/iran-ajak-pemkot-semarang-kerja-sama-sister-city
  269. https://www.un.org/en/desa/un-public-service-awards-recognize-15-initiatives
  270. https://indonesia.un.org/en/272375-indonesia-lands-two-un-public-service-awards-accelerating-sustainable-development
  271. https://www.jakartadaily.id/international/16212996962/indonesia-wins-big-at-un-public-service-awards-for-sustainability-efforts
  272. https://indonesia.travel/uk-en/news-update/archdaily-awards-microlibrary-warak-kayu-semarang-as-building-of-the-year-2021
  273. https://www.who.int/southeastasia/news/feature-stories/detail/healthy-cities-initiative-indonesia
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.