Water as Leverage- Setting the scene for a call for action

Water as Leverage for Resilient Cities Asia Setting the Scene for a Call for Action Content
sector (especially the traditional batik craft)
in Genung Pati, which is closely connected
to the informal sector, is expected to evolve
into a creative industry and might initiate
female empowerment in the city’s workforce
(Kurniawari, 2012; Haryono, 2013; Handoyo,
Handoyo & Pati, 2017; Rahayuningsih, 2016).
Furthermore, the northeastern coastal
zone of Demak, which is currently suffering
from tidal flooding and industrial pollution,
is being redeveloped by replanting the
natural protection of the mangrove forests.
Economically speaking, the city aims to
combine this with ecotourism and urban
farming that had disappeared due to water
issues. Similarly, the ecozone around
Jatibarang is to be combined with urban
farming and ecotourism as well (ecoshape,
n.d.; Murtini, Harani & Ernadia, 2017).
Lastly, the city wishes to make human
resources more competitive. This mainly
depends on improving educational levels.
Hence, the accessibility of universities
is becoming more important. Interesting
initiatives include a pro-religious diversity
and an ecological university, which have the
potential to combine economic ambitions with
socio-cultural and ecological ambitions.
3.1.4
Diverse social heritage
As a port city, Semarang has a relatively tolerant
population, attracting minorities like Chinese and
Hindu communities from other parts of Indonesia,
thus contributing to the city’s steady growth.
Many ‘Kampongs’ can
be found around the
city. They form typical
socio-spatial structures
defined as fenced
villages or compounds
with a strong communal
character.
Semarang, like the rest of Indonesia, has
a Muslim majority that comprises about
90% of the population. As is typical for the
northern coast of Java, the city also has a
Chinese minority that comprises about 5%
of the population and is mostly situated
around Gang Pinggir in the historical center of
Semarang. The historical center also contains
the historical Dutch quarter, which is the most
intact Dutch settlement in all of Java. Recently,
the municipality has released funds to renovate
the quarter. Furthermore, the former Dutch
presence can still be seen from the fact that
10% of the population is Christian (Badan
Pusat Statistik, 2010). Given Semarang’s
multicultural past, there are initiatives aiming
for peace between cultural groups. Recently,
for instance, the Wahid Hasyim University has
reached out to promote moderate Islam and
peace between cultural groups (Suherdjoko,
2017).
As a result of the diverse history of Indonesia,
the social heritage of the city is extremely
rich, with a multi-ethnic society coexisting
without any relevant social tensions. There is
a historical presence of a Chinese population
and a series of preserved buildings from the
Dutch colonial era, which are under UNESCO
protection and contribute to the archeological
value of the city (UNESCO. Taylor, J. 2010).
Hoping to increase
tourism in the city,
Semarang’s government
is stimulating the
renovation of the
colonial city center.
228 SEMARANG
Urban Dynamics
PART 2/Background Information on the Partner Cities
229