February 11, 2026 | 01:15 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The eldest daughter of the Sultan of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, Gusti Kanjeng Ratu (GKR) Mangkubumi, has cautioned that tourism development in Yogyakarta must remain firmly rooted in local culture.
The Chairperson of the Yogyakarta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) delivered this message during a meeting of regional leaders and entrepreneurs at the Kadin Gunungkidul Regency Congress (Muskab) on Monday, February 9, in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta. She revealed that she frequently receives proposals from investors who are ambitious to transform the coastal and tourist areas of Gunungkidul, famous for its beaches, into a likeness of Bali.
"Many investors come and express their desire to develop tourism in Gunungkidul to be like Bali," Mangkubumi stated.
She maintained that such a concept is unsuitable for adoption in Yogyakarta. "I always tell the investors, 'We are Jogja, not Bali,'" Mangkubumi said.
Preserving Local Identity
Mangkubumi’s rejection of applying the "Island of the Gods" tourism concept to Yogyakarta is driven by specific concerns. She emphasized that tourism should serve as an effort to safeguard local identity amidst the rapid influx of investment into the region.
Mangkubumi asserted that Yogyakarta must stay true to its own essence throughout the development of any tourist area. This authenticity will serve as both a hallmark of the region and a gateway to preserving local values.
Additionally, Mangkubumi reminded stakeholders that any physical development within tourist zones must strictly comply with existing spatial planning regulations. This includes adherence to beach setback rules for any development occurring in coastal areas.
She also urged entrepreneurs to be more selective regarding the types of tourism industries they develop in Yogyakarta. She prioritized environmentally friendly investments that do not damage the unique ecosystem of Gunungkidul, which is characterized by its delicate karst landscape.
Gunungkidul Regent Endah Subekti Kuntariningsih expressed that this vision of local preservation within the tourism sector is expected to further boost the region's economic growth.
She noted that the tourism sector in Gunungkidul already contributes more than Rp 8 billion annually to the Regional Original Income (PAD) through entrance fees alone. "Thus, our focus remains on continuously improving infrastructure," she said.
Read: Best Time to Visit Indonesia: 2026 Travel Guide
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