PurposeThis paper aims to examine the role of stakeholders and their interconnected relationships based on power and interests in realising sustainable development in coastal areas using the Maritime Village program in Tambaklorok, Semarang City, Indonesia as a case study.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGD) with stakeholders, observations, as well as online news, and official government reports, followed by taxonomic analysis.FindingsThe results showed the four categories of stakeholders, namely players, context setters, subjects, and crowd. The Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR), Regional Development Planning Agency (BAPPEDA) of Semarang City, Spatial Planning Agency (DISTARU) of Semarang City, and the Fisheries Office of Semarang City were found to be key players with a role in the success of the program. PT Pelindo (Indonesia Port Corporations) was identified as a context setter with low interests but high power, acting as an accelerator in the development program.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lied in its examination of the power and interests of stakeholders involved in government projects. It was recommended to strengthen coordination among the stakeholders to ensure the success of the program.