Yogyakarta officials link urban planning to local economic growth

Regional representatives in Yogyakarta are advocating for urban development strategies that integrate cultural heritage and pedestrianization with local economic growth.

The Yogyakarta City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) is encouraging the development of cultural heritage sites into integrated public spaces to drive local economies. A primary example is the Pangeran Diponegoro Monument Museum in Tegalrejo, which is implementing the ‘Latar Rejo’ program. This initiative involves 65 businesses offering traditional culinary items such as gudeg and bakmi Jawa, aiming to merge historical education with micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) development.

Simultaneously, the Yogyakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD DIY) has expressed support for plans to transform the Malioboro area into a full pedestrian zone. While acknowledging that a pedestrian-friendly environment can enhance the tourist experience and reduce emissions, officials emphasized that the policy must not disrupt the economic activities of local traders. The council stressed that the success of the Malioboro redevelopment should be measured by the ability of tourists to spend more time and money within the local business ecosystem.