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.

Show more

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.

Show more

Latest News

February 17, 2026

The Semarang Chinatown community held the Semawis Chinese New Year Market tradition in 2026 as an inclusive cultural celebration and a catalyst for the local economy. Thousands of people from various ethnicities crowded Semarang's Chinatown area on Feb. 14, 2026, for the annual celebration.

Semarang Chinatown Community for Tourism (Kopi Semawis) Head Harjanto Halim explained that the Semawis Chinese New Year Market originated from the Chinese community's night shopping tradition ahead of Chinese New Year.

"Previously, the tradition was just one night where Chinese people shopped until the evening. Then, it became a three-day celebration in the form of the Semawis Chinese New Year Market," he said.

The market, which stretches from Gang Pinggir to Wotgandul Timur Road, offers a variety of culinary delights, products from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Chinese New Year souvenirs, cultural performances, and social activities.

This year, the Semawis Chinese New Year Market also featured mythological figures such as Sun Go Kong and the Goddess Kwan Im alongside Javanese wayang characters as a symbol of acculturation.

The celebration was also attended by Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and Central Java Governor Com. Gen. (Ret.) Ahmad Luthfi.

Harjanto said the Semawis Chinese New Year Market is both a cultural celebration and a testament to the openness of Chinatown to everyone. He cited the success of cross-ethnic merchants in the area as an example of long-standing social harmony.

Meanwhile, Governor Luthfi emphasized the Central Java Provincial Government's support for various cultural events, including Chinese New Year celebrations at several locations, such as the Sam Poo Kong Temple.

He believes that cultural activities like the Semawis Chinese New Year Market strengthens tolerance between communities as well as positively impact the tourism sector and the regional economy.

Read more
December 30, 2025
November 25, 2025
October 27, 2025
September 22, 2025
August 12, 2025
July 11, 2025
July 3, 2025
June 5, 2025
Load more