Jogja Last Friday Ride Speaks Out After Being Restricted from Entering Malioboro Area
Jogja Last Friday Ride (JLFR) has spoken out regarding the restriction of its route through the Malioboro area of Yogyakarta by the police. JLFR views the incident as a moment to revisit the fair use of road space for all users.
In a statement received by detikJogja, JLFR highlighted the irony that congestion caused by the dominance of motor vehicles is considered normal, while residents’ activities such as cycling and walking in public spaces are instead seen as a nuisance.
“What is ironic today is not merely a debate about a cycling activity, but the way we view road space,” JLFR wrote in its statement of position, delivered through a representative who declined to be named, on Thursday (9/7/2026).
JLFR emphasised that the community was never established to take over the streets or obstruct people’s activities. According to the group, the Last Friday Ride aims to celebrate cycling culture while reminding everyone that roads are public spaces that should be enjoyed fairly, safely and with mutual respect by all users.
“We are aware that every activity in public space must be conducted in an orderly manner, respecting the rules and minimising the impact on the community. If there are shortcomings in its implementation, we are open to evaluation and improvement,” the statement read.
“If there are shortcomings in its implementation, we are open to evaluation and improvement,” the statement continued.
JLFR also hopes that any approach towards the community will be proportionate, humane and dialog-oriented. According to the group, safety, order and respect for the law are shared goals, but they should not eliminate the space for residents to express themselves peacefully.
The community hopes the controversy over the ban on entering Malioboro can become a moment for communities, the government, the authorities and the public to engage in dialogue about more equitable management of road space.
“Because in the end, roads are not just a place to move through, but a space where we live together,” the statement concluded.
As previously reported, the police restricted the route of the Jogja Last Friday Ride (JLFR) cyclists passing through the Malioboro area of Yogyakarta city. The policy was taken following numerous complaints from traders who felt the cycling convoy disturbed visitors’ comfort and triggered congestion.
This was conveyed by the Head of the Traffic Unit of the Yogyakarta City Police, AKP Alvian Hidayat. He explained that the policy directing JLFR participants not to enter the main Malioboro route was adopted after many complaints from the public and tourists. The policy was the result of coordination between the police and the Yogyakarta city government.
“Essentially, this policy directing the activity not to enter Malioboro has been in place for some time, after the incident at edition 184 or 185. We adopted a temporary policy, because we had tried to communicate with our friends at JFLR but received no answer, no response, so in the end a total ban simply isn’t possible,” said Alvian when contacted by detikJogja on Thursday (2/7).