Hanny Nurmalita: How Diskominfo Semarang Empowers the City’s Creative Economy through Digital Collaboration

14 hours ago
3 min read

Portrait of Hanny Nurmalita smiling while speaking in Collabox Creative Hub during Creator Spotlight session.

The Semarang City Communications and Information Service (Diskominfo) not only serves as a government information manager but also plays a crucial role in the growth of the city's creative economy. Through her role in social media, Hanny Nurmalita and her team continue to connect the public, communities, and local businesses so they can grow together through inclusive and collaborative communication.

Building City Image Through Digital Communication

In Semarang’s creative movement, Diskominfo Semarang (Department of Communication and Information) plays a crucial role as the digital backbone connecting the local government with its people.

At the heart of this mission is Hanny Nurmalita, a social media specialist at the department, who manages city-wide communication and supports initiatives that highlight tourism, education, and the creative economy.

“We don’t just handle the mayor’s communication,” said Hanny. “We work on everything under the Semarang City Government, from schools to MSMEs and tourism. Our goal is to help every local story get heard.”

Diskominfo Semarang Supports the Growth of the Creative Ecosystem

Semarang’s creative economy has experienced significant growth in recent years — something that, according to Hanny, is driven by the synergy between the community and Diskominfo Semarang’s communication efforts.

She shared how many creative collectives have emerged from the ground up, supported by government promotion and exposure through social media.

“The creative economy in Semarang is rising because the community itself takes initiative,” she explained. “Groups like Bersukaria and Kolektif Hysteria show how creativity can build both culture and economy.”

Becoming a Support System for Local Creators

Through consistent storytelling and public outreach, Diskominfo Semarang acts as a support system for creators, small businesses, and events that shape the city’s identity.

“We want to amplify local movements,” said Hanny. “As the government’s communication team, our role is to boost what creators do, so the creative economy doesn’t move alone, we grow together.”

This collaboration helps small and emerging brands gain visibility across digital platforms and connects them with audiences that value local craftsmanship.

“Ini Usahaku”: Telling the Stories of Local Entrepreneurs

One of Diskominfo Semarang’s key initiatives is the “Ini Usahaku” program, a digital campaign highlighting business owners across the city. Each episode showcases how MSMEs in Semarang develop their ideas, adapt to challenges, and expand their businesses.

“We feature entrepreneurs from every level, from beginners to established names,” said Hanny. “This helps the public understand what support systems are available and builds stronger relationships between the city and creative players.”

The initiative reflects Diskominfo’s mission to make information transparent, accessible, and empowering for the people of Semarang.

Overcoming Challenges and Building Sustainable Growth

Like many government bodies, Diskominfo Semarang faces the challenge of balancing policy, funding, and priorities to meet the rapid growth of the creative sector. Hanny emphasized that while not all programs can be executed at once, continuous evaluation ensures progress every year.

“We review every activity, participation rates, impact, and relevance,” she said. “Each evaluation helps us create more targeted and effective programs.”

Collaboration Made Simple with Diskominfo Semarang

Collaboration with Diskominfo Semarang is open and accessible.

“Anyone can reach us easily through our Instagram @semarangpemkot or visit our office at Balaikota Semarang on Jalan Pemuda,” Hanny said. “We’re always ready to explore new collaboration ideas.”

The department continues to build bridges between the government, creators, and citizens, ensuring that innovation and inclusion go hand in hand.

Semarang’s Character through Hanny’s Eyes

When asked what makes Semarang irreplaceable, Hanny smiled. “The accent,” she said. “The way people say ‘ik’ or ‘ya o’ that’s what makes Semarang feel like home, no matter where you are.”

For her, Semarang stands on three pillars: Tolerance, Multiculturalism, and Potential. From its diverse cultural roots to the emerging creative industries, fashion, film, and digital media, Diskominfo Semarang continues to empower local communities to bring these stories to life.

Message for Semarang Creatives

"Let's work together to advance Semarang, especially in the creative economy. The government can't do it alone. We want to grow together with everyone so that Semarang can become a center for the creative industry, not only in Central Java but also in Indonesia," Hanny concluded.

Tentang Creator Spotlight

Creator Spotlight is a storytelling series by Collabox Creative Hub that features innovators, changemakers, and creators shaping the creative economy in Central Java. Through this program, Collabox highlights collaboration and local identity as key drivers of progress in Semarang’s creative ecosystem.