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

October 27, 2025

Solo International Performing Arts (SIPA) 2025 returned to Surakarta City, Central Java Province in Sep. 4–6, 2025. The event took place at the Pura Mangkunegaran Field.

SIPA Director Irawati Kusumorasri explained that SIPA 2025 had "Nifty, Artful, and Visionary" as its theme. In its 17th year, she noted that SIPA featured performances from eight countries and ten regions in Indonesia, bringing works rich in cultural significance.

"SIPA is being held with renewed enthusiasm to strengthen its position as an international performing arts festival by presenting delegates from various parts of the world, including the Indonesian archipelago," she stated at a press conference in Surakarta City, also known as Solo, on Sep. 3, 2025.

The international performances at SIPA 2025 are by Colectivo Glovo (Spain), Dongback Circus and POD Dance Project (South Korea), and Khambatta Dance Company (United States), PARRA.DICE (Netherlands), Sanggar Kirana (Malaysia), Seoul National University (South Korea), and a collaboration between Singapore and Indonesia.

"Each delegation will bring unique performances, ranging from contemporary dance and experimental music to theatrical arts and cross-cultural collaborations," Irawati said.

Regional participants from across Indonesia at SIPA 2025 encompassed NoizeKilla (Bali), Congwayndut (Karanganyar Regency, West Java), Rentak Gading Ethnic Bengkulu (Bengkulu), Duo Etnicholic (Malang, East Java), Sanggar Seni Lepas (West Sumbawa Regency, West Nusa Tenggara), Darryl Simeon (West Halmahera, North Maluku), and Samohung (Trenggalek, East Java).

"SIPA also presents special performances by Patricia Arstuti ft. Ekosdance Company and Semarak Candrakirana Art Center, as well as Kemantren Langenpraja Pura Mangkunegaran," Irawati divulged.

With a total of 18 art groups from Indonesia and abroad, Irawati said SIPA 2025 was a space for expression and a platform for cultural exchange, artistic experiences, as well as a bridge for the brotherhood of nations.

SIPA 2025 was also expected to provide new inspiration for the younger generation and strengthen Solo's position as a global cultural city.

"The delegates will showcase works from their respective regions, including dance, music, and theater," Irawati said.

He added that SIPA 2025 is not just a stage for entertainment, but also a celebration of global culture, a platform for innovation, and a space for intergenerational artistic dialogue. The festival provides a space for audiences to explore global harmony and the potential of future art.

Solo Mayor Respati Ardi stated that the Solo City Government fully supports the event in the Solo.

"Yes, we hope we can work together to ensure the event runs smoothly and its benefits are felt by the residents," Respati said.

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