Metro

History

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History and Development of Metro City: An Oasis of Colonization in the Heart of Lampung

Metro City, located in the central position of Lampung Province, has a unique and specific historical narrative compared to the coastal areas surrounding it. With an area of 73.54 km², Metro stands as a testament to the successful internal migration program designed from the Dutch colonial era to the Indonesian independence period.

The Beginning and the Dutch Colonial Era

Metro's history began in 1936, when the Dutch East Indies colonial government initiated the Kolonisatie program to reduce population density on the island of Java. This area was initially part of the Sukadana District, inhabited by the indigenous Lampung Pubian people. On June 9, 1937, this settlement was officially named "Meterm" (from Dutch, meaning center or middle). This name was later adopted by the local tongue as "Metro".

A key figure in Metro's early development was Raden Mas Arsyad Thohir, who led the first wave of transmigrants from Central and East Java. Under the supervision of assistant resident J.D. Carriere, Metro was designed with a neat urban layout, adopting a grid system that is still visible today. The success of this program was marked by the construction of a technical irrigation network utilizing the flow of the Way Sekampung River, transforming wilderness into productive rice granaries.

Japanese Occupation and the Struggle for Independence

During the Japanese occupation (1942–1945), Metro experienced difficult times as its produce was exploited for war efforts. However, the spirit of nationalism flourished. Local freedom fighters like KH. Gholib played a crucial role in mobilizing the people's resistance. After the Proclamation in 1945, Metro became one of the defense bases against the Dutch Military Aggression. Its landlocked geographical position made Metro a strategic point for guerrillas to organize logistics and communication between areas in Central Lampung.

Cultural Heritage and Historical Sites

Metro's cultural identity is the result of a harmonious assimilation between Javanese traditions brought by the colonists and Lampung's local wisdom. One of the most iconic physical heritages is the Taqwa Mosque Tower and the Dutch-era Health Center, which is now Ahmad Yani Regional General Hospital. Additionally, there is the Meterm Monument commemorating the city's founding. The tradition of mutual cooperation (gotong royong) and the modified "Subak" irrigation system have become social identities that distinguish Metro from other regions.

Transformation Towards a Modern City

After undergoing various administrative status changes, Metro was officially designated as an Autonomous City on April 27, 1999, based on Law No. 12 of 1999. Directly bordering Central Lampung Regency to the North and West, and East Lampung Regency to the South and East, Metro is now transforming into a "City of Education".

Although it does not have a coastline, Metro's advantage lies in its orderly spatial planning and its history as a center for agricultural innovation. Metro's history is not just a story of population relocation, but a symbol of successful ethnic integration and sustainable infrastructure development in the heart of Sumatra Island.

Geography

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Geography of Metro City: Agrarian Heart of Lampung Province

Metro City is a unique territorial entity in Lampung Province. With an area of 73.54 km², this city holds the status of a "rare" region as it is the only administrative city in Lampung that is entirely surrounded by land without a coastline (landlocked). Located at coordinates 5°06'–5°09' South Latitude and 105°17'–105°19' East Longitude, Metro occupies a cardinal position precisely in the central part of Lampung Province. Administratively, this city directly borders three main buffer regions, namely Central Lampung Regency to the north and west, and East Lampung Regency to the south and east.

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Topography and Landscape

Topographically, Metro is dominated by lowlands with very gentle slopes, ranging from 0-3%. Its elevation ranges from 30 to 60 meters above sea level. Although it does not have steep mountains or valleys, the soil characteristics in Metro are heavily influenced by river sediments. The city's hydrological network is strengthened by the presence of Way Batanghari and several small tributaries that flow through the city. The existence of a technical irrigation system built since the colonial era (Way Sekampung Irrigation) is a vital man-made geographical feature, creating a neatly arranged freshwater landscape amidst settlements.

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Climate Pattern and Seasonal Variation

Metro City has a tropical wet climate influenced by monsoon winds. The average air temperature ranges from 26°C to 28°C with a fairly high humidity level. Annual rainfall in this region is considered high, reaching 2,000 mm to 2,500 mm per year. The rainy season usually occurs between October and April, while the dry season lasts from May to September. Its inland position causes daily temperature fluctuations to be relatively stable, although occasional hot temperatures can increase due to the lack of high hilly topographic barriers around the city.

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Natural Resources and Ecological Zones

Metro's main geographical strength lies in its agrarian sector. The soil in this region is of the red-yellow podzolic and latosol types, which are very fertile for agricultural activities. Most of Metro's area still functions as a vast technical paddy field ecological zone, making it a food granary for the surrounding areas. Although it does not have extensive protected forests or large mineral deposits, Metro has rich freshwater biodiversity along its irrigation channels and small rivers. City shade trees and green open parks serve as ecological corridors for various local bird species, maintaining ecosystem balance amidst controlled urban development. Metro's strategic inland location makes it a crucial logistics distribution center for inter-regional connectivity in Lampung.

Culture

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Cultural Heritage and Identity of Metro City: Lampung's Education Hub

Metro City, with an area of 68.74 km² strategically located in the center of Lampung Province, holds a unique status as an administrative city without a coastline. Although its territory is relatively small and surrounded by three neighboring regions—Central Lampung to the north and west, and East Lampung to the east and south—Metro possesses a rich culture that is a harmonious blend of indigenous Lampung values and strong transmigration influences.

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Harmony of Traditions and Linguistic Diversity

The people of Metro live in a complementary cultural duality. As part of Lampung, the S Pepadun customs remain a primary pillar, especially in ceremonies for conferring customary titles or Begawi. However, due to its history as a transmigration (colonization) destination since the 1930s, a strong Javanese cultural nuance is palpable. This is reflected in language use; besides Indonesian, people communicate daily using the Javanese dialect (Mataraman) and the Lampung language with the O or A dialect. The phrase "Metro Kota Pendidikan" (Metro, the City of Education) is not just a slogan but a cultural identity that shapes its people's character to be more egalitarian and open.

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Performing Arts and Handicrafts

Dance art in Metro is a representation of hospitality. Tari Sembah (Sigeh Penguten) is always present as an opening to customary processions to welcome distinguished guests. Furthermore, Javanese influence brings arts such as *Kuda Lumping* and *Wayang Kulit* which are often performed during the city's anniversary celebrations. In the handicraft sector, Metro is known for the development of unique Batik Metro motifs, combining iconic city symbols—such as the Taqwa Mosque Tower—with typical Lampung ornaments like bamboo shoots. Tapis fabric with gold thread embroidery remains a prima donna, worn by women in sacred ceremonies as a symbol of social status and elegance.

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Local Cuisine and Flavors

Metro's agrarian geography, surrounded by fertile rice fields, influences its cuisine. One of the signature dishes, difficult to find elsewhere, is Metro's version of Seruit, which is grilled fish enjoyed with shrimp paste chili sauce, *tempoyak* (fermented durian), and various fresh *lalapan* (raw vegetables). For snacks, Metro's signature Kemplang and Banana Chips have a crispier texture due to the traditional processing techniques that are maintained. The city is also popular for its "angkringan" culture at night, which serves as a space for cultural interaction for students and local residents.

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Religion and Cultural Celebrations

As a religious city, Islamic holidays are celebrated vibrantly at the Taqwa Mosque, which serves as the city's spiritual center. One tradition that is still preserved is Nyambai, a gathering event for young men and women in Lampung customary attire to strengthen brotherhood. Additionally, the Putri Nuban Festival is an annual agenda that features cultural parades, showcasing Siger traditional attire, and traditional art competitions involving all levels of society from various ethnicities, reinforcing Metro's position as a harmonious city amidst diversity.

Tourism

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Exploring the Charm of Metro City: Lampung's Education and Green Tourism Hub

Metro City is a unique gem in Lampung Province, standing on an area of 73.54 km². Unlike other regions in Lampung famous for their coastlines, Metro is an inland city located precisely in the center (cardinal position) and is surrounded by three neighboring regions: Central Lampung Regency, East Lampung Regency, and is close to access to the provincial capital. Metro's uniqueness lies in its neat urban layout inherited from the Dutch colonial era, making it a calming destination for historical and family tourism.

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Nature Tourism and Green Open Spaces

Although it lacks beaches or high mountains, Metro offers the charm of agrotourism and lush city parks. Dam Raman is the main water tourism icon; a historic dam that has now been transformed into a selfie destination with a suspension bridge and educational boat rides. Additionally, there is Taman Merdeka (Merdeka Park), which serves as the city's lungs, where tourists can enjoy the cool afternoon atmosphere under shady trees while observing the symmetrical city layout.

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Traces of History and Culture

As a city built with the *Colonisation* concept in 1935, Metro preserves rich history. Tourists must visit Dokterswoning (Doctor's House), a cultural heritage building that now serves as a historical information center and creative space. The local Lampung culture, which has acculturated with Javanese culture, can be experienced through various annual art festivals and distinctive handicrafts like Batik Metro, which features a unique bamboo shoot motif.

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Culinary Adventures and Local Experiences

Culinary tourism in Metro is a blend of traditional and modern flavors. A unique experience that must be tried is visiting the Pasar Kreatif (Creative Market) (like Pasar Payungi), where visitors can enjoy traditional market snacks using a transaction system with wooden coins. Don't miss tasting Lampung's signature Seruit or local robusta coffee at the thematic cafes that are mushrooming along Jalan Sudirman.

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Outdoor Activities and Education

For outdoor activity enthusiasts, educational parks in Metro offer the experience of gardening and picking fruits directly from the trees. The city is also very bicycle-friendly; cycling through the clean city streets with views of neatly arranged irrigation systems provides a sense of tranquility rarely found in other big cities.

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Accommodation and Hospitality

Known as the "City of Education," the people of Metro are very open and friendly to visitors. Accommodation options are diverse, ranging from star hotels in the city center to colonial-style guest houses offering an authentic residential atmosphere for tourists seeking tranquility.

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Metro is in June to August, when the weather is generally clear for outdoor activities, or to coincide with the Metro City Anniversary celebration in June, which is usually enlivened by cultural carnivals and large-scale creative economy exhibitions.

Economy

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Economic Profile of Metro City: Lampung Tengah's Service and Education Center

Metro City is a unique entity in the economic constellation of Lampung Province. With an area of only 73.54 km², Metro holds the status of a "rare" region as it is one of the few administrative cities entirely surrounded by land (landlocked) in the heart of Lampung. Directly bordering Central Lampung and East Lampung Regencies, its strategic position on the main transit route makes it a vital economic hub for the surrounding areas.

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Transformation of the Agricultural Sector and Food Security

Although it lacks a coastline or maritime economy, Metro has a highly efficient agricultural sector. Through the technical irrigation system inherited from the colonial era (Way Sekampung Irrigation System), Metro has transformed into a food granary amidst modernization. The agricultural sector in areas like North Metro remains a significant contributor to GRDP, focusing on paddy fields and horticulture. Its economic uniqueness lies in its limited land, which has spurred the adoption of more advanced urban farming technologies compared to neighboring regions.

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Dominance of the Service, Trade, and Education Sectors

Metro's economic structure is dominated by the tertiary sector. As the "City of Education," the presence of large institutions like Universitas Muhammadiyah Metro and IAIN Metro has created a strong microeconomic ecosystem. This education service sector fuels the growth of derivative businesses such as boarding houses, culinary services, and photocopying/printing services, absorbing thousands of local workers. In the trade sector, shopping centers like Chandra Superstore and Pasar Tejoagung are drivers of money circulation, serving residents from the three surrounding regencies.

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Creative Industry and Local Handicrafts

The industrial sector in Metro focuses on small and medium-scale processing (UMKM). One of the flagship products that defines the regional economy is Batik Ciprat and sulam usus (intestine embroidery) handicrafts. Additionally, food processing industries such as Metro's signature banana chips and local coffee production are beginning to penetrate the national market. The city government actively promotes "Metro Bangga Beli" (Metro Proud to Buy) as a movement to strengthen the competitiveness of local products in the regional market.

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Infrastructure, Transportation, and Employment Trends

Infrastructure development in Metro is directed towards strengthening land connectivity. As a central point, improvements to the outer ring road are crucial for the mobility of logistics from Central Lampung to Bandar Lampung. Employment trends show a shift from the agricultural sector to the formal and professional services sectors. The unemployment rate in Metro is relatively controlled due to high labor absorption in the health sector (regional referral hospitals) and the banking sector.

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Community-Based Tourism Potential

Without coastal tourism, Metro relies on creativity through artificial and historical tourism. Destinations like "Dam Raman" and "Payungi" (Pasar Yosomulyo Pelangi) serve as creative economy models based on the community, successfully increasing household income directly through the empowerment of local residents on weekends.

Demographics

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Demographic Profile of Metro City, Lampung

Metro City is a unique urban entity in Lampung Province. With an area of only 73.54 km², this city, located in the central (inland) position, has no coastline but serves as an educational and trade hub for its three neighboring regions: Central Lampung Regency, East Lampung Regency, and as a buffer for the corridor towards Bandar Lampung.

Population Growth and Density

Based on the latest data, the population of Metro City reaches over 170,000 people. The most prominent characteristic is its population density, which reaches approximately 2,300 people/km². This figure makes it the second most densely populated area in Lampung after the provincial capital. Population distribution is concentrated in Central Metro and East Metro, which function as economic and bureaucratic gravity centers.

Ethnic Composition and Cultural Diversity

As a city that grew from a history of colonization (early transmigration), Metro has a very heterogeneous ethnic structure. The Javanese ethnic group is the dominant majority, bringing strong influences in settlement patterns and social interactions. However, the presence of the indigenous Lampung people, Bugis, Minangkabau, and people of Chinese descent creates a harmonious cultural mosaic. Tolerance among religious communities is very high, making it one of the most conducive cities in southern Sumatra.

Age Structure and Population Pyramid

Metro City has an expansive population pyramid that is beginning to shift towards a constructive phase. The proportion of the productive age population (15-64 years) is very dominant, reaching over 68%. A unique characteristic in Metro is the surge in the "non-permanent resident" population in the 15-24 age group, which consists of students and university students from outside the region who reside in boarding houses or dormitories.

Education and Literacy

Dubbed the "City of Education," Metro has a literacy rate that is almost 100%. The average education level of its citizens is far above the provincial average. The massive presence of higher education institutions for a small city creates an educated demographic ecosystem, which results in a lower rate of educated unemployment compared to other large cities.

Urbanization and Migration Patterns

Unlike coastal cities that rely on sea logistics, Metro has grown through internal urbanization. In-migration is dominated by students and job seekers from surrounding regencies (Central and East Lampung). The rural-urban dynamics in Metro are very thin; almost its entire area has now been integrated into an urban lifestyle pattern, although the agricultural sector (technical paddy fields) is still maintained on the outskirts as a historical identity and food buffer.