Closure of Yogyakarta's Between Two Gates a Community Decision, Aiming for More Orderly Visitors

The closure of tourist access to Between Two Gates in Purbayan Village, Kotagede, has been confirmed as a temporary measure only. The management, together with local residents, is currently reorganising the visitor system to make it more coordinated, considering the area is part of a residential neighbourhood and not a public space. Between Two Gates manager and head of RW 9 Kampung Alun-alun, Joko Nugroho, stated that the decision to close the access was not taken unilaterally by a single resident, but was the result of a collective agreement among the area’s inhabitants. ‘So it was not because someone disliked it and then closed it. We did have an agreement. We have a management group and a WhatsApp group for Between Two Gates residents. Then we informed everyone that it was temporarily closed, and the residents agreed,’ Joko said when contacted on Tuesday (2/6/2026). Joko confirmed the decision was made following a surge in tourist visits during the long holiday, which was deemed to disrupt the residents’ comfort. The peak occurred on Sunday (31/5) morning when a large group of tourists arrived without prior notice and outside of opening hours. ‘Because of the crowded conditions, the residents eventually felt disturbed. Then, because there was no prior notification, we finally asked them to stop first, and then they left,’ he said. However, Joko emphasised that his party does not reject the presence of tourists. All this time, the residents had actually opened access to the area, known for its distinctive alleyway between traditional Javanese houses, so it could be enjoyed by the public. The reason for closing the access was not solely due to yesterday’s incident but also because some visitors have long regarded Between Two Gates as an open tourist destination like a public space, whereas the area is actually part of the residents’ living environment.