Essential Rules for Visiting the Between Two Gates Heritage Area in Kotagede
The Between Two Gates (BTG) heritage area in Kotagede, Yogyakarta, has come under scrutiny after being temporarily closed due to tourists visiting without prior notice. So, what are the procedures and rules for visiting BTG?
Located in the Purbayan Village, Kotagede District, BTG is a cultural heritage site and part of a residential area that maintains traditional Javanese house layouts. The name ‘Between Two Gates’ originated from research conducted by the UGM Department of Architecture in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin in 1986. Researchers named the area ‘Between Two Gates’ because it is situated between two gates.
“This is not actually a public road, but rather part of residents’ homes. In Kotagede, the concept is known as ‘rukunan’,” said BTG Manager, Joko Nugroho, during a conversation at the site on Sunday (7/6/2026).
“Since everything faces the same direction and the spatial composition is identical, opening this area creates a continuous row that appears to be a road, even though it is not a public street and is part of private residences,” he explained.
Nevertheless, Joko emphasised that tourists are still permitted to visit BTG. However, tour groups are specifically expected to notify the management in advance. The management has been collaborating with various tour guides and travel agents, who typically contact residents before bringing guests to the area. Information regarding group arrivals is then shared with residents via internal communication groups to ensure that visits do not disrupt daily community life.
“They usually inform us of the date, the number of guests, and the planned activities, so that residents can prepare,” he said.
In addition to tour groups, Joko noted that many individual visitors, often arriving after seeing social media posts, are more difficult to manage. He stated that many tourists arrive without realising that Between Two Gates is a residential area still inhabited by locals.
“The problem we face now is people arriving individually. We cannot control them because they come as individuals,” he remarked.
Therefore, Joko requested that visitors to BTG maintain politeness and respect the privacy of residents by adhering to several guidelines. He noted that tourists are welcomed as long as their visits are orderly and respectful of the community.
“Saying ‘permisi’ or ‘kulo nuwun’ (excuse me) when passing through; not entering house areas or pavilions (pendopo) without permission; not creating noise that disturbs residents; not littering; and respecting the daily activities of the local community,” he concluded.
Previously, the Between Two Gates heritage area was forced to close temporarily due to the actions of certain tourists. The manager recounted that the closure lasted for two days.
Joko Nugroho explained that the closure took place on Sunday morning (31/5). At approximately 07:00 AM, two buses carrying foreign tourists arrived at BTG without any prior notification. The sudden arrival of dozens of international tourists caused significant discomfort among the local residents.
“There was a group of foreign tourists, reportedly from Asia, arriving in two buses. Because it was very early in the morning and there were many people, it became very crowded and noisy,” Joko explained when contacted on Wednesday (3/6).
“Ultimately, one of the residents asked why there was no prior notice. Because the crowd was too large, we decided to stop the entry, as there were many others waiting to enter, and we did not want to cause further disruption,” he added.