The Influential Factors in Creating Entrepreneurs at Thematic Villages in Semarang

Abstract

Thematic Village is one of the programs to advance the economy in urban villages, including in Semarang. However; some good programs cannot be implemented well; as time goes by, they go down. Many factors are influencing the survival of Thematic Village, including the existence of entrepreneurs at Thematic Villages. The research objective is to analyze the factors influencing the existence of entrepreneurs at thematic villages at Semarang. It is a qualitative descriptive study conducted at 15 Thematic Villages in Semarang. There are 3 three (3) key informants in each village; i.e. 1 thematic village administrator and 2 entrepreneurs at each thematic village. Data are collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. Data are analyzed with data triangulation, i.e. data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results show that the existence of entrepreneurs at thematic villages is strongly influenced by (1) individual motivation for self-development, motivation to advance the village, motivation for earning income; (2) the role of the government, both the city government and the village government for setting the policies and;(3) the role of tertiary institutions through research and service programs; (4) The role of financial institutions for soft loan programs and business training.

Policy Model of Thematic Village Development Based Pentahelix in Realizing Sustainable Development Goals

“…To address these issues, enhancing communication, scheduling regular meetings, and aligning visions and missions are recommended to improve collaboration and decision-making within the Pentahelix model. Thematic villages play a crucial role in community empowerment and economic development (Santoso et al, 2021). By actively involving the community in the development process, thematic villages can enhance social and economic aspects while leveraging local potentials (Ngabiyanto et al, 2019).…”

“…The success of thematic village development lies in community participation and the realization of positive impacts, including increased income and enhanced local potential (Ngabiyanto et al, 2019). Such initiatives not only empower communities economically but also contribute to the overall development of the region (Santoso et al, 2021). The concept of thematic villages is closely linked to the idea of creative placemaking, where the unique potential of a place is harnessed to drive sustainable development (Qonitah & Ekomadyo, 2022).…”