Capital of the Central Java province, Semarang remains one of Indonésie's principal cities. Located on Java's northern coast known as the Pasisir, it is one of the island's major economic hubs. Still little known among travelers, the city is nonetheless well worth a visit!

History

Due to its strategic position, Semarang was once a trading post of great importance. Open to the world, it was a major hub of international commerce from the 15th to 18th centuries. Its peak was notably the result of the arrival of numerous Chinese merchants who settled in Semarang. The widespread diffusion of Islam by Middle Eastern traders also had a strong impact on the cultural and commercial influence of the region.

However, the numerous wars of succession affecting the former kingdom of Mataram forced the sovereigns of the time to become indebted to the VOC, the Dutch East India Company. Semarang thus eventually came under Dutch rule in the 17th century. They then sought to transform the port city into a more modern and efficient economic center. As a result, Semarang became Java's second largest city by the 18th century, just after Batavia (formerly Jakarta). It was then open to the world and exported its products throughout Asia, Africa, America and Europe.

Semarang is known as one of the landing points of French poet Arthur Rimbaud when he enlisted with Dutch forces. It is also the birthplace of Willem Einthoven, a celebrated physiologist who received the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1924.

Semarang Today

The city is home to approximately 1,300,000 inhabitants today. The main ethnic groups gathered in Semarang are Javanese and Chinese. Indeed, it remains home to Java's most significant Chinese community.

Semarang's culinary specialties are heavily influenced by Chinese gastronomy. This is notably the case with the famous lumpia Semarang, a vegetable spring roll originating from the province.

Semarang is also a university city. It boasts excellent road and tourist infrastructure (hotels and restaurants). It is home to the Achmad Yani International Airport, a bus station and the city port. It is also typically the departure point for travelers heading to the Karimunjawa Islands.

For now, Semarang remains an unpopular destination among foreign tourists. That may not last long, however! Indeed, the government is currently seeking to promote the city to make it one of Indonésie's most popular destinations.

What to See in Semarang?

There are numerous monuments to visit in Semarang. Given that the city was a crossroads of ethnic and cultural diversity, interesting architecture abounds. Several neighborhoods are recommended, notably Chinatown and the Kota Lama area, which features old colonial homes.

Also visit the Sam Poo Kong Chinese temple, built in honor of Chinese commander Cheng Ho Ming. Each year, the site also hosts a festival dedicated to him.

The Lawang Sewu monument is also worth seeing. It was indeed the former headquarters of the Dutch railway company. During World War II, it was taken over by the Japanese during the Japanese occupation of Indonésie. Lawang Sewu also served as a theater of conflict during the Indonesian War of Independence. Locals often believe that this recently renovated monument is haunted. Nevertheless, it is one of the city's main tourist attractions.

Semarang is also home to the Great Mosque of Java, the Gereja Blenduk Protestant Church, the Tanjung Mas port and numerous museums, including the Indonesian World Records Museum. Many archaeological sites are accessible from the city, such as the famous Gedong Songo temples, Candirejo, and more. Plenty to feast your eyes on!