The Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) Government is moving forward with plans to transform the iconic Malioboro area into a fully pedestrianised zone by the end of 2026. While the initiative is intended to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment, local vendors have urged authorities to address parking and transport issues before the policy comes into effect.
The proposal would make Malioboro a 24-hour pedestrian-only area starting in November 2026, marking one of the biggest changes to the city’s most popular tourism and shopping district in recent years.
Mayor to Review Sidewalk Access, Parking and Traffic Arrangements
Responding to the provincial government’s plan, Yogyakarta Mayor Hasto Wardoyo said the city administration would hold discussions with the DIY Government to determine how each section of the Malioboro area should be managed.
According to Hasto, every sidewalk leading into Malioboro has different characteristics and will require its own regulations.
“For example, what should be done with the northernmost sidewalk, and what should be done with the middle sidewalk? We will resolve this later, meaning we will develop a policy solution,” Hasto told Kompas.com on Wednesday (8 July 2026).
The mayor also addressed the installation of gates on several roads around Malioboro by the Yogyakarta Transportation Agency (Dishub). He explained that the infrastructure is part of preparations should access restrictions be required once the pedestrianisation scheme is implemented.
Hasto added that traffic management around the area, including parking facilities and vehicle circulation, would be reviewed in detail. The city plans to apply different rules depending on the location, with some roads functioning as vehicle turning points, some being closed entirely, and others remaining accessible for residents living around Malioboro.
“There are areas without U-turns, so it has to be different. I mean, that’s what needs to be detailed. Yes (including parking), U-turns and parking areas,” he said.
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Vendors Call for Better Parking Before Policy Takes Effect
While supporting efforts to improve Malioboro, traders say supporting infrastructure must be ready before the area is fully pedestrianised.
Slamet Santoso, a representative of vendors at Malioboro Terrace, said parking facilities around the tourism district are currently insufficient to support a car-free policy.
“The transportation issues I mentioned are still not adequate, or the infrastructure related to parking,” Slamet told Detiknews on Monday (6 July 2026).
He stressed that the provincial government should prioritise parking infrastructure before implementing the new policy.
“Well, it’s still inadequate. We are demanding that the provincial government prepare parking facilities in advance if Malioboro becomes a fully pedestrian area,” he said.
According to Slamet, parking capacity has become increasingly limited since the closure of the Abu Bakar Ali Special Parking Area (TKP). At the same time, large tourist buses are no longer permitted to park at the Senopati TKP, leaving Ngabean TKP as the only designated location capable of accommodating large buses.
The planned pedestrianisation is expected to reshape the way visitors experience Malioboro, one of Yogyakarta’s busiest tourism destinations.
However, both the city administration and local businesses acknowledge that the success of the policy will depend on how effectively supporting infrastructure, traffic management and parking facilities are prepared before the transition is completed at the end of 2026.
