Tracing the Chinese Settlement in Pekalongan: Reading Changes in the Past for Concepting Future Development

Abstract

As a city in the north coast of Java, Pekalongan was once a port city for Chinese traders who then settled there and built a settlement. This settlement today has been progressed to a certain point where it shows different characteristics from its original situation. However, this paper examines how and what changes have occurred in Chinese settlement in Pekalongan only from 2012 to 2018. From the identification of changes, ideas are built on how its future development should be. By using a comparative study, the research shows that besides minor changes on demography, the Chinese settlement area has been underdeveloped for some years. Thus, this area requires a concept or development guideline for its sustainable future. One of which could be carried out by utilizing its economic potential as a Batik city.