Province

Central Java

Overview Economy

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

September 11, 2024

For seekers of legendary culinary experiences, come visit the Sentiling Market Nostalgia Cuisines held at Metro Point in the Semarang Old Town, Central Java Province.

The event, which is part of the 13th Old Town Festival that has "Heritage in Diversity, will take place from 5-15 September 2024.

Febriyanto Rachmat, Chief Executive Officer of Samsaka Group that organizes the culinary festival, said that various legendary and authentic culinary delights from several regions are available at the market. He said that there are around 55 food and beverage stands present at the event.

They include the typical culinary delights from Semarang, Solo, Yogyakarta, Jakarta, Palembang, Makassar, to Kalimantan.

"Please come to the Sentiling Market Nostalgia Cuisines in the (Semarang) Old Town, we are open from 15.00 to 22.00 WIB (Western Indonesia Time). Here we offer many legendary foods, such as Bebek Sinjay, Madura then wingko babat which has been around since 1955, Limun Linggar Djati 1948, Soto Betawi, Toko Oen from Semarang, and others," Febriyanto elaborated.

He hopes that the event would attract many people to visit the Semarang Old Town and the series of events during Old Town Festival 2024.

"So [we hope that] the Sentiling Market becomes a destination for culinary lovers, especially the younger generation who we hope can recognize and taste authentic Indonesian cuisine," Febriyanto said.

Productivity, Added Value, Intellectual Property, and Competitiveness Special Staff for the Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Joshua Simanjuntak gave his appreciation for the Old Town Festival and its Sentiling Market Nostalgia Cuisines.

"We see the presence of the Semarang Old Town Festival as a celebration of cultural heritage that revives the atmosphere of the sleepy Semarang Old Town," he said.

Joshua hopes that the Old Town Festival and its culinary event could be an example for other cities, because many also have old town destinations like Semarang. He considered Sentiling Market Nostalgia Cuisines as an interesting event that celebrates traditional Nusantara cuisines.

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