UK Envoy Highlights Semarang’s Heritage Economic Potential

KBRN, Jakarta: The British Ambassador to Indonesia, Dominic Jermey, visited Semarang Tawang Station, Central Java, on Thursday, October 23, 2025. The visit was part of a Walking Tour activity toward the Kota Lama (Old Town) area of Semarang together with representatives from PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), stated-owned railway company.

The event showcased the connection between the heritage area of Tawang–Kota Lama and an integrated urban transportation system. Participants followed a route from the station’s main hall to key points in the historic district.

KAI’s Director of Finance and General Affairs, Indarto Pamoengkas, stated that the area’s development is supported by the UK PACT (Low-Carbon Cities and Transport) program. He explained that a joint study with Techne Praxis aims to optimize the potential of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in the Kedungsepur region.

“This collaboration is not only a research effort but also a milestone to maximize the potential of rail-based urban transportation connecting Semarang, Kendal, Demak, Semarang Regency, Salatiga, and Grobogan. Through the Transit-Oriented Development approach, KAI seeks to revitalize the areas around stations to become sustainable centers of economic, social, and cultural activity,” Indarto said on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

KAI is carrying out the revitalization of Semarang Tawang Station to preserve its architectural authenticity while improving its transportation services. The plan aims to make the station a public facility that supports community mobility and social activities.

KAI data shows an increase in passengers at Semarang Tawang Station from January to September 2025 compared with the same period in 2024. A total of 1,394,802 passengers departed from the station, growing by 7.1 percent compared with the previous year.

The number of arriving passengers also rose by 4.7 percent, from 1,211,688 to 1,268,580 during the same period. This data reflects increased travel activity in the operational area of Regional Division 4 Semarang.

KAI Vice President of Public Relations, Anne Purba, said the increase indicates the impact of area development on people’s mobility patterns. She noted that Semarang Tawang Station plays a role not only as a transportation hub but also as part of the city’s urban space.

“Semarang Tawang Station serves not only as transportation infrastructure but also as a magnet for economic, historical, and cultural tourism activities. More people now see the station as part of a valuable travel experience,” Anne said.

During the visit, the British Ambassador held discussions with Indarto Pamoengkas and several stakeholders. The talks focused on strengthening heritage area governance to make it more adaptive to climate change and community needs.

The Tawang–Kota Lama area has now developed into a historical destination connected to intercity train services. The management of the area is directed toward balancing cultural heritage preservation with the development of modern transportation in the city of Semarang. (Diffa Sephiawardhani/Bambang MBKA)