Semarang City Government Prepares for Ogoh-ogoh Parade, Here are the Traffic Arrangements and Parking Lots

The Semarang City Government (Pemkot) is preparing to hold the Cross-Religious Cultural Arts Carnival or Ogoh-ogoh Parade on Sunday, 26 April 2026. To maintain the comfort of road users, Pemkot Semarang has prepared a traffic management scheme that will begin gradually from 1:00 PM WIB. Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng explained that road closures will be implemented to provide space for the lengthy procession, starting from ethnic representatives to cross-regional Beleganjur groups. “Because the route passes through the heart of the city, from City Hall to Simpang Lima, sterilisation of the protocol route is a priority. We have mapped out blocking points so that traffic flow can continue even though the main route is closed,” she clarified. Blockades will be set up in the northern area at Simpang Eka Karya and the Siliwangi Hotel roundabout to divert traffic heading towards Tugu Muda. Meanwhile, for residents coming from Thamrin Street and Fatima Zahra, officers will direct vehicles to use alternative routes to avoid congestion in the Jalan Pandanaran corridor. Another critical point is at Simpang Pandanaran 1 and the access to Simpang Lima. Specifically for drivers from the south or Central Java Police Headquarters, traffic at the Pahlawan Fountain Roundabout will be directed to make a U-turn (TIK) to maintain the sterilisation of the Pancasila Field area during the event. Agustina emphasised that visitors should not park vehicles on the roadside along the parade route. Because Pemkot Semarang has prepared official parking pockets at several strategic points. For the parade starting area, parking is available at DP Mall and the City Hall Parking Building. It can also be at SMA 3 Semarang and Mandala Bhakti Museum. Whereas for the finish point, residents can park at Ex Gama Plaza or behind Baiturrahman Mosque. As information, this year’s parade carries the spirit of Memayu Hayuning Bhawono, Memayu Hayuning Sesami, and Memayu Hayuning Diri to realise a safe and tolerant Semarang. The event’s cheer is fully supported by cross-regional solidarity, from PHDI Jepara, PHDI Kendal, to Beleganjur groups from Yogyakarta who will join with local arts such as Rebana, Angklung, Barongsai, to Warak Ngendog. This celebration aims to nurture the harmony of diversity while celebrating Semarang’s achievement as the third most tolerant city in Indonesia, which will be closed with a special performance of the Sendratari Legenda Rawa Pening at Simpang Lima. “Let’s invite family and friends to come and witness the Ogoh-ogoh Parade cheer next Sunday. Let’s celebrate diversity and the beauty of tolerance in Semarang City while maintaining order and cleanliness during the event,” said Agustina.