Salatiga

Salatiga is a town in Central Java, Indonesia, sitting between several volcanoes at the foot of Mount Merbabu. The streets run in gentle curves through residential neighborhoods, fields, and commercial areas, while the elevation keeps temperatures moderate year-round.

A stone inscription from the year 750 marks the first written mention of the settlement, founded then as a tax-exempt village under a local ruler. Over the centuries the place developed into a trading point between coastal regions and the highlands.

The name of the town may derive from three local words referring to meetings and trade, reflecting its role as a stopping point for travelers. On weekends the small streets fill with visitors who buy handmade work in wood and bamboo or stop in small restaurants.

Several terminals offer connections to surrounding towns and villages, while local minibuses link residential areas and the center. The cooler mountain air makes walking comfortable, especially in the morning and evening.

Besides coffee and rubber, machines for processing agricultural products are made here, a combination rarely found in smaller towns. The workshops often sit right next to plantations, so visitors can observe the link between cultivation and production.

Location: Central Java

Inception: July 24, 0750

Elevation above the sea: 700 m

Shares border with: Semarang

Website: http://salatiga.go.id

GPS coordinates: -7.33889,110.50222

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:08