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 22, 2025

The Indonesian Umbrella Festival (Fespin) has once again enlivened Surakarta City, Central Java. Held at Balekambang Park, the series of events for the festival began ran in Sep. 5-7, 2025. Surakarta Mayor Respati Ardi attended the opening ceremony, which included the Nusantara Umbrella Parade.

Fespin 2025 Director Heru Mataya stated that this year marks the 12th edition of the festival. Fespin was even included in the top ten of the Tourism Ministry's Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN).

"The theme for the 12th Fespin is 'Catra Panji' (Panji Umbrella)," Heru said in Surakarta City, which is also known as 'Solo.'

He explained that the series of events at Fespin 2025 encompassed, among others, the Nusantara Umbrella Parade, a Festival Market showcasing the local community's creative economy potential, and the Selasar Solo Art Market (SAM) showcasing its creative products.

"Next, there's Kampoeng Rempah, a space that offers a wellness experience based on Javanese tradition [which] combines elements of education, relaxation, and active community participation through jamu (Indonesian traditional herbal medicine), spa, yoga, and local herbal products," Heru elaborated.

The Performing Arts event at the festival featured seven groups from various regions in Indonesia, such as the Jakarta Special Capital Region (DKI), Bandar Lampung City, and West Manggarai Regency.

Pop singer Fanny Soegi also enlivened the event. Meanwhile, fashion designers also participated in the Fashion Show at Fespin 2025.

Fespin 2025 presented the Traditional Umbrella Exhibition (De Payung), Creative Umbrella Exhibition, and Mixed Media Umbrella Art. Moreover, a book titled "Catra Panji: Cerita Panji & Dongeng Nusantara" was launched at Fespin 2025. 

In addition, the historical journey of Fespin from 2014 to 2025 will be showcased in the Fespin Museum Exhibition. The Indonesian occasion has a sister festival relationship with the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival in Thailand.

"Fespin is not only an arts and cultural space, but also a space for education and literacy," Heru concluded.

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