Semarang Mayor Pushes Investment, Education and Cultural Cooperation in Meeting with Indian Ambassador
Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng received a courtesy visit from Indian Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty at the mayor's meeting room on Thursday, 19 February 2026. The meeting served as an important moment for strengthening bilateral relations between India and Indonesia, particularly with the city of Semarang, in the fields of investment, education, tourism and cultural exchange.
In her remarks, Agustina stated that the relationship between Semarang and India is not merely a modern diplomatic one but has been woven together over centuries through maritime trade routes and cultural exchange. She cited historical traces still felt today, such as the existence of Kampung Pekojan and the tradition of Bubur India (Indian porridge) at the Jami' Pekojan Mosque during every Ramadan.
"India for us is not just a friendly nation, but also part of the history that has shaped the soul of Semarang. This relationship is a legacy that we must continue through real collaboration," Agustina said.
She also expressed appreciation for Indian investment contributions in Semarang, including the presence of pharmaceutical company PT Macleods Pharmaceutical Indonesia and textile firm PT Bitratex Industries, which she said have had a positive impact on the regional economy and employment.
Beyond the economic sector, educational cooperation was also highlighted. The Semarang city government noted the existence of a community service programme by students from O.P. Jindal Global University at the Jatirejo Tourism Village in partnership with local universities, as well as the inauguration of an "India Corner" at Semarang State University, facilitated by the Indian Embassy as a space for cultural promotion and study opportunities.
The Indian Ambassador expressed appreciation for the city government's welcome and the contributions of the Indian community in Semarang, which he said plays an active role in economic and social activities. He also reaffirmed the Indian government's commitment to expanding scholarship and training programmes for Indonesians, including regional government officials.
According to him, relations between the two countries are currently in an excellent phase, particularly following President Prabowo Subianto's state visit to India and the planned visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Indonesia this year. He expressed hope that people-to-people contact could be further strengthened through educational cooperation and professional training.
In response, Agustina stated that the Semarang city government is ready to follow up on concrete cooperation opportunities, including sending officials to participate in training programmes in India and opening up collaboration in the creative industries and film sectors.
"We hope this visit marks the beginning of strategic steps to expand investment, improve human resource quality, and strengthen Semarang's position as a destination for historical and cultural tourism for Indian visitors," she said.
The Semarang city government assessed that the potential for cooperation between both parties remains very broad, given the shared characteristics of coastal communities that are open, adaptive, and uphold cultural and spiritual values. The city government is optimistic that, with sustained synergy, the Semarang-India relationship can develop into a mutually beneficial global partnership.
In her remarks, Agustina stated that the relationship between Semarang and India is not merely a modern diplomatic one but has been woven together over centuries through maritime trade routes and cultural exchange. She cited historical traces still felt today, such as the existence of Kampung Pekojan and the tradition of Bubur India (Indian porridge) at the Jami' Pekojan Mosque during every Ramadan.
"India for us is not just a friendly nation, but also part of the history that has shaped the soul of Semarang. This relationship is a legacy that we must continue through real collaboration," Agustina said.
She also expressed appreciation for Indian investment contributions in Semarang, including the presence of pharmaceutical company PT Macleods Pharmaceutical Indonesia and textile firm PT Bitratex Industries, which she said have had a positive impact on the regional economy and employment.
Beyond the economic sector, educational cooperation was also highlighted. The Semarang city government noted the existence of a community service programme by students from O.P. Jindal Global University at the Jatirejo Tourism Village in partnership with local universities, as well as the inauguration of an "India Corner" at Semarang State University, facilitated by the Indian Embassy as a space for cultural promotion and study opportunities.
The Indian Ambassador expressed appreciation for the city government's welcome and the contributions of the Indian community in Semarang, which he said plays an active role in economic and social activities. He also reaffirmed the Indian government's commitment to expanding scholarship and training programmes for Indonesians, including regional government officials.
According to him, relations between the two countries are currently in an excellent phase, particularly following President Prabowo Subianto's state visit to India and the planned visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Indonesia this year. He expressed hope that people-to-people contact could be further strengthened through educational cooperation and professional training.
In response, Agustina stated that the Semarang city government is ready to follow up on concrete cooperation opportunities, including sending officials to participate in training programmes in India and opening up collaboration in the creative industries and film sectors.
"We hope this visit marks the beginning of strategic steps to expand investment, improve human resource quality, and strengthen Semarang's position as a destination for historical and cultural tourism for Indian visitors," she said.
The Semarang city government assessed that the potential for cooperation between both parties remains very broad, given the shared characteristics of coastal communities that are open, adaptive, and uphold cultural and spiritual values. The city government is optimistic that, with sustained synergy, the Semarang-India relationship can develop into a mutually beneficial global partnership.