Bantul Regency Optimistic 'Kelok 23' Will Boost Tourism Sector
Yogyakarta (ANTARA) - The Bantul Regency Government, Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), is optimistic that the completion of the construction of the Southern Cross Road (JJLS) section from Kretek to Girijati, or ‘Kelok 23’, will enhance the tourism sector in the region.
The Regent of Bantul, Abdul Halim Muslih, stated in Bantul on Tuesday that trial runs for Kelok 23 have been conducted, and the route is likely to reopen once additional construction is completed and officially inaugurated.
“The results of this trial process have been quite stable, and people like it because of the beautiful views,” he said.
According to him, Kelok 23 serves as a major attraction for tourists while simultaneously creating opportunities for investors to enter Bantul and participate in developing the tourism sector.
“There are many [investors], but we know that our southern area is Sultan Ground. Therefore, permission must be obtained from the Yogyakarta Palace,” he noted.
He mentioned that while technical permits for investment lie within the Bantul Regency, principle permits must be obtained from the Yogyakarta Palace.
“Regarding investment, the technical permits are handled by the regency. However, the principle permit must be obtained from the Yogyakarta Palace,” he added.
Halim also emphasised that the presence of Kelok 23 is a vital component in the economic development of southern DIY, particularly as a vehicle access route.
“It must certainly be accessible to all vehicles, especially four-wheeled vehicles,” he said.
He urged both operators and drivers to prioritise safety once Kelok 23 reopens and resumes operations by adhering to warnings and traffic signs.
“However, at the Kretek intersection, there are no traffic lights yet, which is dangerous. That remains a task for us to address,” he said.
The Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Bantul Regency, Agus Budi Raharja, added that the overall construction of Kelok 23 is expected to be completed within the next year.
“The Kelok 23 project is still quite extensive. It will take another year before it is fully finished,” he said.
However, he remains optimistic that the presence of Kelok 23 will increase tourist visits, an opportunity that must be seized to improve the local community’s economy.
“Kelok 23 is indeed exotic, serene, and romantic. There are certain points, especially at the rest area, that are quite attractive,” he remarked.
According to him, the area could be utilised to organise MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) players to sell their products there, in accordance with regulations to be determined alongside the DIY Provincial Government.
“So, road users will be interested in stopping there, and even more so because there will be a representative rest area,” he concluded.