The Chronological Development of Kampung Melayu

The development of commercial activities and the settlement in Kampung Melayu has greatly influenced by the macro development of Semarang city. In the period of mid 18 century to 20 century, Kampung Melayu had a great improvement because of the activity of the old harbor, the Tawang Railway Station, the Johar market, and the development activity of trading and offices in the centre of old city area of Semarang.

In this century, we can see the historical phenomenon which has influenced to the pattern of settlement and the living society especially in the term of socio-cultural and economic:
• Since 1750, the pattern of Kampongs Malaya has changed and developed
• After 1800, the trading activities in Kampung Melayu have increased, especially with the build of the new canal. This phenomenon has influenced also to the development of the settlement in this area.
• Around 1900, the poverty’s rate of Semarang’s inhabitants has increased because of diseases. This disease has been caused by the increasing urbanization. Since 1935, many traders from other area/districts came and lived in Kampung Melayu which has caused the settlement became crowded. The kampong Improvement’s program introduced by Dutch Government at that time could not solve the settlement’s problem in Semarang.
• In the period of 20 century until now, the trading activities in Kampung Melayu has been up and down because of the economic and political situation in Semarang.