The strategic step of the DIY Regional Government to realize Malioboro which is environmentally friendly and cultured

KABARJAWA – The Yogyakarta Special Region Government (DIY Regional Government) took fast and strategic steps to rearrange the Malioboro area by ending the use of ABA parking lots.

The land contract period officially ended on May 13, 2025. Following up on this, the DIY Regional Government immediately fenched the ABA ex-Park area on May 19, 2025 as an initial stage of relocation.

This step not only marks the end of the ABA parking lot operation, but also opens a new sheet of transformation of the area into a green open space (RTH).

Transition process

Fencing is a symbol of the start of the transition process for parking attendants (Jukir) and street vendors (PKL). During this time, they depend on the livelihoods there.

Head of the DIY Transportation Agency, Chrestina Erni Widyastuti, emphasized that this relocation is part of a major strategy for the arrangement of the Malioboro region which has been an icon of Yogyakarta’s cultural and tourism.

The government is trying to bring city space that is greener, orderly, and relevant to the cultural function and Malioboro tourism.

“This arrangement not only answers transportation and spatial needs, but is also a concrete step to make Malioboro as an area that is in harmony with the identity of Yogyakarta as a cultural city,” said Erni.

Transformation of ABA parking lots

After the demolition process is complete, the DIY Environment and Forestry Service (DLHK) will convert the land into an inclusive and representative green space.

This transformation is part of the commitment of the Yogyakarta Regional Government in providing environmentally friendly public spaces, strengthening cultural values, and supporting sustainable city development.

DLHK DIY designed green space in the ex-ABA by integrating three main zones: public zones, social zones, and natural zones. About 55 percent of the total area will become a green cover, which can accommodate up to 1,000 visitors at once.

The land area of ​​± 7,000 square meters is currently in the process of re -measurement by the Land and Spatial Planning Office (DPTR) with the Yogyakarta Palace.

What distinguishes this green space from another open space is a design approach that prioritizes cultural elements. DLHK DIY will plant endemic trees that have a strong philosophical and symbolic value, which is in line with the local wisdom of Yogyakarta.

This concept also supports the preservation of the philosophical axis that has been recognized as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO.

RTH ex-Park ABA is not only present as the lungs of the city, but also as a room for reflection and cultural interaction. The government is targeting the preparation of the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) to be completed in 2025 with full support of the privilege (Danais).

The physical development process will begin after DED is complete, projected to take place at the end of 2025 or early 2026.

“The Yogyakarta City Government and the Yogyakarta City Government are fully committed to assisting all affected parties during this transition period. We want to ensure that this process runs smoothly and inclusively, and is fully supported by the community,” concluded Erni.

The transformation of ABA parking lots into green space does not only represent the physical changes of the city. However, this is also a symbol of Yogyakarta’s strong commitment in caring for the harmony between the environment, culture, and the community.

This green area will be a proud public space and inherit the noble values ​​of the city of Yogyakarta for future generations. (EF Linangkung)