Early History
Semarang was originally a small village called Pragota, located in the Simongan Hills area. In the 9th century, it was part of the ancient Mataram Kingdom. The name “Semarang” comes from the Javanese words “asem arang”, meaning “sparsely growing tamarind trees,” describing the area’s geographical condition in the past. In the 15th century, Sunan Pandanaran, one of the Wali Songo (the Nine Islamic Saints), came to Semarang to spread Islam. During this period, Semarang began to develop as a trade hub. In 1705, Semarang officially became part of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) territory. Its port grew into a major trade center for spices, making it a strategic city for the colonial administration. After Indonesia’s declaration of independence in 1945, Semarang witnessed significant struggles against Japanese and Dutch forces. The Battle of Five Days in Semarang (15-20 October 1945) became a symbol of the city’s resistance and the people’s determination to defend independence.

Modern Era
Today, Semarang has evolved into one of Indonesia’s metropolitan cities. It is known for its cultural diversity, historical landmarks such as Lawang Sewu, the Old Town, and its famous local cuisine like lumpia, tahu gimbal, and bandeng presto. Semarang serves as a hub for governance, economy, and education in Central Java. Semarang beautifully blends history, culture, and modernity, making it a fascinating city to explore.