IPB University MPD Students Study Smart City Development, MSMEs, and Local Tourism in Semarang City
Graduate students from the Regional Development Management (MPD) Study Program at IPB University conducted an academic visit to Semarang City, Central Java. The visit covered three locations: the Semarang City Government, Djadhoel Batik Village, and Wonolopo Tourism Village. Dr A. Faroby Falatehan, Chairman of the MPD Study Program, and Dr Deni Lubis, Secretary of the MPD Study Program, accompanied the students.
Dr A. Faroby Falatehan, Chairman of the MPD Study Program at IPB University, emphasized the significant role local governments currently play in regional development. He noted that the Semarang City Government is actively initiating smart solutions to address the challenges faced by the city’s residents.
These initiatives are part of ongoing efforts to establish Semarang as a smart city, with programs supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The 4P Program (Assistance, Education and Training, Capital, and Marketing), managed by the Semarang City Cooperative and MSME Office, has been instrumental in advancing these efforts.
“MSME development continues, especially in realizing an environmentally friendly MSME sector. In tourism, the development of artificial tourism options serves as an effective solution for Semarang City, which holds a strategic position as a ‘transit city’ on Java Island,” he remarked.
Sugeng Hartanto, SSos, MT, Chief of Planning, Control, and Development Evaluation at the Semarang City Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), stated that the Semarang City Government is actively working to build a livable, advanced, and sustainable metropolitan city.
“This vision is being realized through a smart city development program aimed at creating a smart economy, a smart environment, and a smart society,” he explained.
He added that smart city development, while often associated with digitalization, is not solely about technological advancements. The smart city initiatives in Semarang are intended to provide intelligent solutions to various local issues, thereby improving public services and supporting MSME and tourism development.
“We are very pleased to welcome the visit from the MPD Study Program at IPB University. This visit provides an opportunity for us to share insights and exchange knowledge regarding the processes and challenges involved in Semarang City’s development planning,” he added.
Supriyanto, an artisan from the Kampung Jamu (Herbal Village) in Wonolopo Tourism Village, shared insights into the formation and designation of Kampung Jamu. In 2016, Kampung Jamu was designated as one of Semarang City’s Thematic Villages by the Mayor of Semarang.
“As of 2024, there are 30 artisans who continue to produce herbal medicine and support the existence of this herbal medicine tourism village,” he added. (HBL/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)
