Kelok 23 Road in Yogyakarta Set to Open in September 2026

The National Road Implementation Unit for the Special Region of Yogyakarta has stated that the new Kretek–Girijati road, commonly called Kelok 23 along the region’s southern route, could begin operating from September 2026. Head of the Yogyakarta National Road Unit, Tisara Sita, said the five-kilometre road package forms part of the Southern Cross Route development. “The aim is to improve connectivity in the southern coastal region of Yogyakarta and to support economic growth and tourism,” Tisara said in Yogyakarta on Thursday. She conveyed that construction of the road linking Bantul and Gunungkidul Regencies continues to show significant progress. “To date, physical progress on the works has reached 94.10 per cent,” she said. She is targeting the road project for completion by 18 August 2026, with public use expected from September of the same year. “This year the Kelok 23 will already be passable, but there are still continuation works on the end sections,” said Tisara. The unfinished road end she referred to stretches for 0.96 kilometres. Completion of the remaining road, she continued, will be carried out simultaneously with the connectivity fittings package and road widening along 1.87 kilometres included in Lot 17A. “The Lot 17A Package is currently in the tender process; contract signing is planned for the end of July 2026 and it is estimated to be finished in mid-2027,” she explained. She expressed hope that the Kretek–Girijati road section can ease traffic flow, improve inter-regional accessibility, and promote equitable development in the southern part of Yogyakarta. “This road will also serve as a strategic route supporting the tourism sector, particularly access to beach destinations in the Gunungkidul and Bantul areas,” Tisara said. The government, through the Ministry of Public Works, she added, remains committed to delivering reliable, safe and sustainable road infrastructure. “Hopefully the construction of the Lot 17 Package can be completed on time and deliver optimal benefits to the community,” she said. Bantul Regency Secretary Agus Budiraharja added that Kelok 23 offers beautiful panoramic views and will eventually be equipped with a rest area for motorists. “Hopefully this rest area can truly be used by those passing through Kelok 23 to rest while enjoying the beautiful views of the sea and mountains,” said Agus. At the rest area, he continued, micro, small and medium enterprises can also place their products, with operations projected to begin in mid-2027. “In future, various facilities will be added to support this rest area, including for MSMEs,” he explained.