Province

Central Java

Central Java

Covering a total area of 34,337 square kilometers in the middle of the island of Java, Central Java is a province comprising 29 regencies and six municipalities, including Magelang, Surakarta, Salatiga, Semarang, Pekalongan, and Tegal, with Semarang serving as Central Java’s administrative capital. The province also encompasses the Special Region of Yogyakarta, which remains under its jurisdiction.

As of 2023, Central Java has a total population of 37.5 million people with a population density of 200 people per square kilometer, according to data from the Central Java Central Statistics Agency (BPS). Out of this population, the majority adhere to Islam with/ Oftentimes, those who adhere to Islam are classified into two groups: the Santri, who strictly adhere to Islamic teachings and Sharia law, and the Abangan, who identify as Muslims but retain strong influences from Javanese spiritual beliefs, known as Kejawen, in their customs and practices. Other religions practiced in the province include Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Khonghucu, and indigenous belief systems. Cities such as Semarang, Magelang, Surakarta, and Salatiga boast Christian populations.

In Central Java, the predominant ethnic group is the Javanese, making the province a renowned cultural epicenter of Java, with Surakarta hosting the royal palace of Java. A notable minority population consisting of the Chinese community has seamlessly integrated with the Javanese, with many conversing in Javanese with distinct accents in their daily interactions. This palpable influence is especially evident in cities such as Semarang and Lasem, the latter often referred to as the Le Petit Chinois or Little China Town, situated in the northeastern corner of Central Java. Other notable ethnic groups residing in Central Java are the Sundanese, Batak, Madura, Lampung, Betawi, Malay, Minangkabau, and other ethnic groups.

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Central Java’s economy

Central Java's economy, with a Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) totaling Rp 1.102 trillion in 2023, thrives on diverse sectors. Among the leading contributors are the manufacturing industry sector, having contributed Rp 361 trillion, the construction sector with Rp 115 trillion, and the wholesale retail and trade sector – including automotive and motorcycle repair – with Rp 161 trillion in contributions to the province’s GRDP.

The Indonesian government is also developing a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the region of Kendal. The Kendal SEZ specializes in export-oriented industries, import substitution, high-tech products (HTP), and specialized applications supporting Industry 4.0 and Industry 4.0-based logistics. With projections indicating an investment potential of Rp 72 trillion and the creation of 20,000 job opportunities by 2025, the Kendal SEZ stands as a promising investment destination.

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Latest News

November 1, 2024

The government has asked textile company Sri Rejeki Isman (Sritex) to resume production even though it was recently declared bankrupt by a Semarang court.

"Regarding Sritex, the government is indeed concerned. Layoffs should not happen. We are also asking Sritex to keep producing as usual," Manpower Minister Yassierli said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, as quoted by kompas.com.

"We also ask all employees to remain calm because the government will provide the best solution. The current situation is still in the legal process, and the steps taken so far have been very good in my opinion, and God willing, there will be no problems."

Yassierli said President Prabowo Subianto had specifically requested that there be no layoffs to protect Sritex’s around 50,000 employees.

"We will not let [any layoffs] happen," Yasserli said.

This decision was made after President Prabowo Subianto met with Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartanto, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and Yassierli on Tuesday to discuss the issue.

Prabowo has instructed the Industry Ministry, Manpower Ministry, Finance Ministry, and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Ministry to explore various options to save Sritex.

Sritex, the largest textile company in Southeast Asia, was declared bankrupt by the Semarang Commercial Court on Oct. 23, 2024, in response to a petition by Indo Bharta Rayon.

The respondents included Sritex and its subsidiaries Sinar Pantja Djaja, Bitratex Industries, and Primayudha Mandirijaya, all of whom were found negligent in meeting their payment obligations in a decision dated Jan. 25, 2022.

In response, Sritex's management has filed an appeal and is seeking government support to sustain its operations.

The Industry Ministry’s chemical, textile and miscellaneous products director general Reni Yanita said the ministry would hold a follow-up discussion with the other ministries on possible rescue schemes.

"Options like emergency funds or incentives are on the table, but we need to determine the best model for implementation," she said in Jakarta on Monday, as quoted by tempo.co.

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