Semarang, Capital of Central Java in Indonesia
Semarang is the capital of Central Java in Indonesia, extending from coastal lowlands to hills overlooking the Java Sea. The urban area includes ports, commercial zones, older residential quarters on elevated ground, and newer settlements spread between flat shoreline and green hills.
Sultan Hadiwijaya appointed Pandan Arang as the first regional administrator of this trading settlement in 1547. Later it developed into a major port under Dutch colonial rule, shaping the architecture and urban layout visible today.
The name likely derives from "asem arang," referring to tamarind trees that once grew abundantly here and can still be seen in older neighborhoods today. Markets and residential areas show daily life of different communities living side by side, shaping the rhythm of this port city together.
Public transport such as buses and minibuses connect the 16 districts, and ride-sharing services are widely available. The hills to the south offer cooler air, while coastal areas can be hotter and more humid.
The Dugderan festival announces the start of Ramadan with Javanese and Islamic celebrations marked by street parades and traditional music. The name refers to the drum sounds (dug) and the cannon blast (dhèr) that open the festivities.
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