Dynamics of Urban Growth in Semarang Metropolitan – Central Java: An Examination Based on Built-Up Area and Population Change

Representation of rapid urban growth followed by high rate of land conversion is clearly observed in the case of Semarang Metropolitan. Located in Java Island, this capital city has been performing as the largest urban area in the Central Java Province. This paper aims to examine urban growth pattern in Semarang Metropolitan by applying two main indicators, i.e., (1) additional built-up area 1972-2009 indicated as land conversion, and (2) population change between 1991-2008. Accordingly, distance is regard as an important parameter to further examine the emerging pattern based on the two indicators. Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) were used to analyze satellite images and built-up area development from the different periods. The analyses result show that suburbanization has been taken place in Semarang Metropolitan. The emerging pattern is very common in Asian cities as it is very much similar with the pattern in view selected cities in the neighboring countries (Jakarta, Bangkok, Metro Manila).