Semarang's AI Waste Management Innovation Earns Recognition at Guangzhou Award 2026

The Artificial Intelligence Solusi Sampah, or AISSA, an innovation from the City of Semarang, has been selected as one of 30 Exemplary Initiatives at the prestigious 7th Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation 2026. The announcement was made during the 2026 United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) World Congress in Tangier, Morocco, on 25 June 2026. This achievement further strengthens Semarang’s position as a city capable of delivering solutions to various urban problems through internationally recognised innovation. The Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation is one of the most prestigious awards in the field of urban innovation, held biennially. It was initiated by the Guangzhou Municipal Government in cooperation with United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and Metropolis, the global network of major cities. The award recognises city governments that have successfully delivered real breakthroughs in addressing urban challenges, ranging from governance, digital transformation, and public services to environmental issues and sustainable development in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti said the achievement is recognition that the city’s development direction is on the right track. ‘This award is recognition of the collective work of all elements of Semarang in building a government that is responsive, innovative, and oriented towards solving community problems. A developed city is not only one that can build infrastructure, but also one that can deliver smart solutions for the lives of its citizens,’ Agustina said. She emphasised that the Semarang City Government continues to promote digital transformation as the foundation for faster, more transparent, and effective public services. The use of artificial intelligence is not merely about keeping up with technological developments, but serves as an instrument to improve the quality of life for the community. ‘We want to ensure that every innovation truly benefits residents. Technology must be a tool to accelerate services, protect the environment, increase government efficiency, and make Semarang more comfortable, clean, and competitive. This global recognition encourages us to continue delivering new breakthroughs,’ she said. The 7th Guangzhou Award recorded the highest participation in its history, with 381 innovations from 248 cities across 60 countries. AISSA is an AI-based waste management innovation developed to improve the effectiveness of integrated monitoring, analysis, and waste handling. It forms part of the environmental governance transformation being undertaken by the Semarang City Government towards becoming a smarter and more sustainable city.