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

June 5, 2025

The Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry has officially designated the Dieng Plateau area as a national geopark through ESDM Ministerial Decree No. 172.K/GL.01/MEM.G/2025 on May 7, 2025.

"Alhamdulillah, Dieng has been designated as one of the national geoparks. This is a source of pride for all of us and hopefully it will motivate us, especially in preserving the environment and cultural heritage there," said Banjarnegara Regency Tourism and Culture Office (Dinparbud) Head Tursiman in Banjarnegara Regency, Central Java on May 27, 2025.

He explained that the management of Dieng geopark includes many aspects, such as geology, ecology, etc. The Dieng National Geopark area consists of 23 geological diversity sites (geosites), eight biodiversity sites (biosites), 10 Cultural Diversity sites (Cultural Sites), and six other interesting destinations.

The ESDM Ministry defines a geopark as a sustainable regional development landscape that combines three diversities, namely geological, biological, and cultural diversity. The purpose of its management is to develop the local community's economy based on the protection of the three diversities found in the area.

In addition to presenting stunning natural panoramas from an altitude of around 2,000 meters above sea level (masl), the Dieng Plateau also has a wealth of history and culture from hosting Hindu temples dating from 8th century Common Era (C.E.). Moreover, the temperature in Dieng can even reach 0° Celsius during the dry season.

Notable tourism destinations at the Dieng Plateau include:

  1. Warna Lake: The icon of Dieng tourism, the lake's uniqueness is how its color can change depending on the reflection of sunlight since its waters contain sulfur;
  2. Pengilon Lake: The lake's very clear waters that allow visitors to see their reflection led to its name, as pengilon means glass;
  3. Sikidang Crater: The crater offers a view of an active volcanic crater that includes a hot water lake and sulfur gas eruptions;
  4. Arjuna Temple: The aforementioned Hindu temple on the Dieng Plateau that was built around the 8th-9th century CE, the Arjuna Temple is part of the Arjuna Temple Complex Tourism Area which also includes the Semar Temple, Srikandi Temple, Puntadewa Temple, and Sembadra Temple;
  5. Sikunir Hill: This hill offers a great location to enjoy the sunrise. Visitors could also behold the beauty of Mount Sindoro, Mount Prau, Mount Slamet, Mount Merapi, Mount Merbabu, and Mount Sumbing from Sikunir Hill;
  6. Dieng Plateau Theater: Provides documentary films about the Dieng Plateau for visitors who want to know more about the area's stories;
  7. Dieng Cultural Festival: A dreadlock-cutting ceremony involving Dieng Plateau children.

Moreover, visitors can also enjoy the panorama of the dense forest around Dringo Lake to see the local residents' agricultural system, such as the performance of the Merdada Lake irrigation source in the residents' rice fields that can only accommodate rainwater.

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