About Semarang

Semarang, the capital of Central Java Province with a city population of 1.5 million and metropolitan area of 6 million residents, serves as Indonesia's fifth-largest city and a vital port on Java's northern coast. Strategically positioned midway between Jakarta and Surabaya, Semarang functions as a crucial commercial and logistics hub connecting Central Java's interior agricultural regions to international shipping routes. The city's most prestigious distinction came when it was recognized as the Cleanest Tourist Destination in Southeast Asia by ASEAN ACTCS from 2020 to 2022, reflecting its successful urban management and commitment to environmental sustainability. Semarang's dual character combines coastal lowlands with hilly inland districts, creating distinct microclimates and diverse urban landscapes ranging from bustling port facilities to tranquil residential hillsides.

What makes Semarang particularly significant is its role as the primary gateway to Borobudur, the magnificent 9th-century Buddhist temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site located approximately 90 kilometers westward. The city's rich historical heritage reflects centuries of multicultural interaction, with particularly strong Chinese-Indonesian influences visible throughout the city. Iconic landmarks include the stunning Blenduk Church (1753), one of Indonesia's oldest Protestant churches featuring distinctive domed architecture, and Sam Poo Kong Temple, a colorful 15th-century Chinese temple complex honoring Admiral Zheng He's legendary voyages. The haunting colonial-era Lawang Sewu ("Thousand Doors") building and the atmospheric Kota Lama (Old Town) district showcase beautifully preserved Dutch colonial architecture. Semarang's unique blend of Javanese, Chinese, and European cultural influences, combined with its award-winning cleanliness and accessibility to world-class heritage sites, makes it an increasingly popular destination for both cultural tourism and business development.