Kraton Spear-Model Portals Installed on 13 Malioboro Access Roads

Portals at a number of access points to the Malioboro area in Yogyakarta have been installed at 13 road sections. The portals are designed to resemble the lances of Keraton warriors.

According to observations by detikJogja on Jalan Suryatmajan, the structures are dominated by dark green on the poles and bases, with golden yellow ornaments at the tips resembling spearheads.

Head of the DIY Transport Office (Dishub), Chrestina Erni Widyastuti, said almost all access routes, known locally as ‘sirip’, into Malioboro have been equipped with portals. Only one location remains without one.

“All done, except Jalan Reksobayan (Ngejaman) on the northern arm, which is not yet installed,” Erni said when contacted by text message on Saturday (25/7/2026).

Erni explained that Dishub DIY has also conducted trials of the portals on Jalan Sosrowijayan, Jalan Perwakilan and Jalan Dagen.

According to Erni, the trials showed the portals are effective at holding back the flow of vehicles seeking to enter the Malioboro area during car free day (CFD).

“Quite effective at stopping vehicles from entering Malioboro. The difficulty arises when a four-wheeled vehicle has already entered and struggles to turn around. This needs some getting used to,” she said.

She explained that portal trials will continue to be carried out periodically. The plan is to hold simulations during every Car Free Day on Sunday mornings.

“The plan is to test it every Car Free Day on Sunday mornings from 05.00 to 09.00 WIB,” she explained.

Erni added that the portals carry a design evoking the cultural character of Jogja. “The concept is the lance of a Keraton warrior,” she concluded.