Located near the center of Java Island, Indonesia, Semarang serves as the political and economic hub of Central Java Province. Semarang is a port city that blends a rich history with a multicultural society, and in recent years, the development of industrial parks has been progressing steadily.

This article provides an overview of Semarang’s basic information and access, its key industries, as well as the advantages and considerations for Japanese companies expanding into the region.

Basic Information about Semarang

Location, Area, and Population

Semarang City is located almost at the midpoint of Java Island, which stretches east to west. Semarang City, the capital of Central Java Province, is situated along the northern coast, while Semarang Regency lies inland to the south.

Area and Population of Semarang (2023)

• Semarang City: Area – 373.78 km²; Population – 1,694,743
• Semarang Regency: Area – 1,019.27 km²; Population – 1,080,648

Over the past 10 years, Semarang City has consistently ranked among the top 10 most populous cities in Indonesia (considering Jakarta as a single city). The population peaked at 1.81 million in 2019, and since 2020, it has remained in the 1.6 million range. Meanwhile, the population of Semarang Regency increased by 9.4% over the last decade, from 990,000 in 2014.

References:
BPS Kabupaten Semarang, “Luas Wilayah Kabupaten Semarang (km²), 2023” / “Jumlah Penduduk Menurut Kabupaten/Kota (Jiwa), 2022-2023”
BPS Kota Semarang, “Luas Wilayah, Jumlah Penduduk, dan Kepadatan Penduduk (Jiwa/km²), 2021-2023”

Semarang City and Semarang Regency

Semarang consists of two separate administrative regions: Semarang Regency of Central Java Province and Semarang City of Central Java Province.

In Indonesia, a regency (Kabupaten) and a city (Kota) are administratively equal. Although both the regency and city share the same name in this case, Semarang City is not a part of Semarang Regency. Each exists as an independent entity under Central Java Province.

Semarang City, located along the northern coastline, is known as a port city where history and multiculturalism intersect. Landmarks include Kota Lama, which still preserves buildings from the Dutch colonial era, as well as a streetscape where historic churches and Buddhist temples coexist with mosques.

Climate

Although Java Island stretches a long distance from east to west, it is relatively narrow from north to south, and the climate does not vary significantly in flatland areas. Semarang shares a tropical climate similar to Jakarta, with two main seasons: the rainy season from around October to March, and the dry season from around April to September.

However, due to its coastal location, Semarang City experiences relatively high temperatures and humidity. The annual average temperature in Semarang City was 28.0°C in 2022, slightly higher than Indonesia’s national average of 27.2°C in 2023.

Semarang Regency extends inland and includes areas at elevations exceeding 1,000 meters. As a result, certain regions experience a cooler highland climate, especially in the mornings and evenings. The average annual temperature here is 25°C (2022). The mountainous areas are also prone to rainfall even during the dry season and are often covered in mist.

References:
GoodStats, “Simak Rata-Rata Suhu Tahunan di Indonesia”
BPS Provinsi Jawa Tengah, “Suhu Udara Rata-rata menurut Stasiun Pengamatan di Provinsi Jawa Tengah, 2018 – 2022 (°C), 2021-2022”

Transportation

Train

Semarang City has two train stations that bear the name “Semarang”: Semarang Tawang Station and Semarang Poncol Station, which are approximately 2 km apart.

Intercity / Medium-to-Long Distance Lines
Semarang Tawang Station serves as the terminal for medium-to-long-distance trains that connect cities across Java Island, including Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya. It is the main arrival point for those accessing Semarang from these cities.

The station is also served by the Joglosemarkerto Line, which circulates through Central Java and Yogyakarta. This line stops at 20 stations, including Yogyakarta, Solo, Semarang, Tegal, and Purwokerto, and offers two classes of seating.

Local Line
Semarang Poncol Station also accommodates medium-distance trains, in addition to serving as the originating station for the Kedung Sepur Line, a local rail service. This line connects to Ngrombo Station, located about 75 km to the east, passing through Semarang Tawang Station.

Bus

Semarang City operates a citywide bus system known as Trans Semarang, which covers nearly the entire urban area. With its convenience and affordability, it is widely used for commuting and school transportation.

Other Modes of Transport

For narrow roads where buses cannot operate, Angkot (Angkutan Kota)—shared minivans functioning as route taxis—are a popular mode of transport for local residents. These vehicles cover a wide range of areas within both the city and regency, often stopping near major train stations and educational institutions as well as residential areas.

For tourists, the Semarang city government operates three types of sightseeing buses (Si Kenang, Si Denok, and Si Kuncung). These allow passengers to view major tourist attractions and historical sites from the comfort of the bus. Each type of bus offers a different theme, route, and fare structure.

Accessing Semarang from Japan

From Japan to Jakarta

While Ahmad Yani International Airport is located within Semarang City, there are currently no direct flights from Japan. Therefore, travelers must first arrive at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport, located on the outskirts of Jakarta.

As of April 2025, direct flights are available from both Narita Airport and Haneda Airport to Soekarno–Hatta International Airport, with a flight duration of approximately 8 hours. Connecting flights are required from other airports such as Kansai International Airport.

From Jakarta (Soekarno–Hatta International Airport) to Semarang

• By Air
  Ahmad Yani International Airport does not operate international flights as of 2025, so travelers must use domestic flights. Available airlines from Soekarno–Hatta International Airport include Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air, and Citilink. The flight time is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
• By Train
  Departure stations in Jakarta include Gambir Station, Pasar Senen Station, and Jatinegara Station. The fastest travel time is around 5 hours, with fares starting from IDR 250,000 (USD 16.90) for economy class and IDR 400,000 (USD 27.00) for executive class.
  (Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ IDR 14,800)

From Soekarno–Hatta Airport, travelers can take the KAI airport line to Manggarai Station in about 55 minutes, then connect to other lines to reach their departure station.

• By Bus
  From Jakarta, long-distance buses to Semarang cost around IDR 200,000 to 300,000 (USD 13.50–20.30) and take 8 to 10 hours. Tickets are available via operator websites and travel platforms like Traveloka.

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Key Industries in Semarang

Manufacturing

Semarang hosts multiple industrial parks and thrives in industries such as food processing, furniture, plastics and rubber, and garments. The food sector in particular features many micro and small enterprises.

Semarang’s central location offers excellent access to both eastern and western Java, and proximity to Tanjung Emas Port and Ahmad Yani International Airport strengthens its logistics appeal.

The city government supports infrastructure development and provides investment incentives and streamlined permitting processes.

Tourism

Semarang City features historic buildings, multicultural religious sites, and a vibrant Chinatown. The city promotes tourism through sightseeing buses and cultural events.

Semarang Regency, located in a cooler highland area, offers nature-oriented attractions such as Bandungan, known for resorts and camping sites. Tourism now accounts for 19% of the regency’s GRDP, surpassing agriculture.

The regency promotes tourism villages (Desa Wisata), which combine eco-tourism, cultural experiences, and agritourism.

Agriculture

Semarang Regency is a key agricultural area, producing rice, peanuts, cassava, coffee, chili peppers, cabbage, green onions, and livestock including chickens, ducks, and goats.

Japanese Companies Operating in Semarang

• VOKS Trading
• Nippon Express
• Kintetsu World Express
• Fukuryo
• Mitsubishi Electric
• Yazaki Group
• CKD Corporation

Various Japanese-affiliated dealerships, restaurants, and convenience stores are also present, mainly in Semarang City.

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C2 (Participation in business meetings and purchasing goods): $230
C19 (After-sales service) / C20(Installation and repair of machinery): $300
D2 (Participation in business meetings and purchasing goods (1-year validity)): $380
E23/E24/E25 (Work VISA): $1,500

Key Considerations When Expanding into Semarang

Flooding

Northern Semarang City is vulnerable to flooding due to land subsidence and poor drainage. In mountainous areas of the regency, landslides and river floods occur during the rainy season. Industrial zones are generally better protected but require advance site assessments.

Administrative Distinctions Between the City and the Regency

Semarang City and Semarang Regency are separate jurisdictions, affecting licensing and regulatory processes.

2025 Minimum Wages:

• Semarang City: IDR 3,454,827 (USD 233.40)
• Semarang Regency: IDR 2,750,136 (USD 185.70)
• Central Java Province: IDR 2,169,349 (USD 146.50)
• National Provincial Average: IDR 3,315,728 (USD 224.00)
  (Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ IDR 14,800)

Understanding Local Culture

Semarang, like other regional cities, requires sensitivity to local customs and religious practices.
94.5% of Semarang Regency’s residents are Muslim, compared to 89.1% in Jakarta.

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Semarang’s Cityscape and Industry Through Video

Landmarks of Semarang City

• Tugu Muda (Independence monument)
• Colonial-era High Court Museum
• Lawang Sewu, a historic railway headquarters

Tofu Factory in Semarang Regency

Tahu Oom Shin, founded in 1980, is the oldest tofu factory in Semarang Regency. Visitors can see the traditional production process and enjoy freshly made tofu and soy milk.

Tourism in Bandungan, Semarang Regency

Highlights include Gedong Songo Temple, Ayanaz photo spot, flower parks, and scenic campsites. Many Indonesians favor photogenic destinations, and tourism infrastructure reflects this trend.

The Untapped Potential of Semarang

Compared to Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung, Semarang is less familiar to Japanese companies, but it offers strategic location, logistics advantages, abundant labor, industrial parks, and government support.

A successful entry into Indonesia requires a strategy based on regional characteristics. If your company is interested, please feel free to contact PT. TRICRUISE MARKETING INDONESIA.