History of Purwomartani, a Sub-District in Yogyakarta that Became a Toll Gate Location
Purwomartani has recently gained wider public recognition as the location of a major access point on the Solo-Yogyakarta-NYIA Kulonprogo expressway, namely the Purwomartani toll gate. This toll gate serves not only as an entrance and exit point for vehicles but also displays distinctive cultural elements characteristic of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY).
One feature that has drawn particular attention is the use of Javanese script or Hanacaraka in the ornaments displayed at the toll gate. Yogyakarta has long been recognised as an autonomous region that maintains high regard for local cultural values. This is evident in various policies and symbols that preserve traditional identity, even in the development of modern infrastructure such as toll roads.
At the Purwomartani toll gate, the gate’s name is displayed not only in Latin characters but is also accompanied by Javanese script or Hanacaraka meaning “Purwomartani.” The toll road operator, PT Jasamarga Jogja Solo, has coordinated with the DIY Regional Government regarding the use of Javanese script to align with regional cultural values.
According to the Sleman Regency Government website, administratively, Purwomartani sub-district is one of the territories within Kalasan District in Sleman Regency. The formation of this territory is linked to village administration restructuring policies during the early period of independence.
The formation of the sub-district was based on a proclamation from the Special Region of Yogyakarta Government in 1946, which was subsequently reinforced through Proclamation Number 5 of 1948 concerning changes to sub-district territories. The merger of these territories was carried out to reorganise village administration more effectively.
The name Purwomartani itself is connected to the region’s past conditions. Before becoming a residential area as it is today, this area was known for a forest area called “Wono Martani.” The majority of the population at that time also worked as farmers, depending on agricultural land surrounding the forest area.
In 1949, when the sub-district merger was carried out, the name Purwomartani was officially adopted for the new village. This naming also coincided with the territory’s position as the first in the area code sequence within Kalasan District. Over time, Purwomartani developed into a fairly strategic area in Sleman, particularly following the construction of the toll road that passes through the territory.