September 3, 2025 | 11:23 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) has reported a notable surge in hotel occupancy during the recent wave of protests across various regions from late August to early September 2025.
Occupancy rates have climbed to an average of 40 percent, despite this period being considered low season. Yogyakarta, although affected by mass protests, including the burning of the DIY Police Headquarters and the alleged death of a student from Amikom University, still attracted a significant number of visitors.
So, why did Yogyakarta hotels see this unexpected surge?
Reasons Behind the Surge
According to PHRI DIY Chairman Deddy Pranowo Eryono, the increase in visitors is largely due to Yogyakarta being perceived as relatively safe amid the unrest.
“One of the triggers for the rise in occupancy is that tourists consider Yogyakarta a safe destination even during widespread demonstrations,” Deddy said on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
Visitors reported that confidence in Yogyakarta’s safety surged after the events of August 29–30, 2025, when demonstrators clashed with authorities at the DIY Police Headquarters.
The Role of Sultan HB X
During the unrest, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, the King of the Keraton and Governor of DIY, personally approached the burned police headquarters.
After meeting with representatives of the demonstrators and police officials, the Sultan spoke to the crowd to calm tensions, prompting them to disperse. The incident quickly went viral on social media.
Deddy noted, “The Sultan’s visit became a remarkable attraction, reassuring visitors about their safety in Yogyakarta. People believed that despite the chaos elsewhere, security remained intact because of strong leadership.”
Observations by Tempo confirmed that demonstrators did not target nearby commercial areas, including shopping centers, reinforcing the perception of safety.
“We, as hospitality business owners, are grateful because the Sultan’s intervention had a significant impact on public confidence,” he added.
Predicted Further Rise Ahead of Sekaten
Some visitors even extended their stay in Yogyakarta to ensure safety, traveling with family or alone. Most guests came from regions still marked by unrest, including Jakarta, West Java, and Central Java, with Jakarta residents making up the majority, Deddy said.
Occupancy is expected to rise further, possibly reaching 60 percent by the weekend (September 5–7, 2025), coinciding with the Hajad Dalem Sekaten celebrations and Grebeg tradition at Yogyakarta Palace.
Despite travel warnings from countries such as the United States, Malaysia, Singapore, France, Japan, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and Canada, foreign tourists continued to visit and stay in Yogyakarta.
“Many foreign tourists still feel safe and have not left immediately when protests erupted here,” Deddy noted.
Editor’s Choice: Tourists Flock to Malioboro as Yogyakarta Declared Safe After Recent Protests
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