Semarang Becomes More Inclusive, Enters Top Three Most Tolerant Cities Nationally

The city of Semarang has reaffirmed its position as one of the most tolerant cities in Indonesia by achieving third place nationally in the 2025 Tolerant City Index (IKT). The award from the SETARA Institute was received by Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng, represented by Head of the National Unity and Political Agency Bambang Pramusinto, during a ceremony held in Jakarta on Wednesday, 22 April 2026.

Agustina Wilujeng expressed thanks to the SETARA Institute for this trust, allowing Semarang to once again be among the cities with the highest tolerance scores in Indonesia. “For us, this is not the finish line, but a reminder that nurturing diversity is work that is never finished,” she stated.

This 2025 achievement extends Semarang’s positive record of consistently being a tolerant city over the past five years. Based on historical data, Semarang has shown a very positive trend, starting from 12th place in 2021, jumping to 7th in 2022, entering 5th position in 2023, and occupying 3rd place in 2024. This consistency reflects the strong commitment of the Semarang City Government in delivering inclusive policies for all layers of society.

“Our diversity and tolerance are like flowers growing in the city park. They do not need to be asked to be beautiful, nor praised to be fragrant. They continue to bloom, providing colour and enlivening the space around them. And our task is to ensure that garden remains well-maintained,” she continued.

Agustina emphasised that inclusive policies and warm interfaith encounters are the main keys to why harmony in the capital of Central Java remains very well preserved. “In Semarang, tolerance does not wait for stages and events. It lives in the villages, in places of worship, in public spaces, and in the daily behaviour of our residents. Therefore, we dedicate this award to all Semarang city residents,” Agustina asserted.

This award is hoped to serve as motivation for all parties, from religious leaders and interfaith communities to the younger generation, to continue collaborating in maintaining social stability. With the spirit of making Semarang a warm and safe shared home, the government commits that diversity nurtured with heart will become a strong foundation for a greater and more peaceful future city.