Kraton Spear-Model Portals Installed on 13 Malioboro Access Roads

Portals have been installed on 13 access roads leading to the Malioboro area in Jogja, featuring a design modelled on traditional Kraton warrior spears. Observations at Jalan Suryatmajan showed the portals are predominantly dark green on the posts and base, with golden-yellow ornaments at the tip resembling a spear. Head of the Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) Transportation Agency, Chrestina Erni Widyastuti, stated that almost all side streets or access points to Malioboro have been equipped with portals, with only one location remaining. “All are done, except for the northern arm of Jalan Reksobayan (Ngejaman) which is not yet complete,” Erni said via text message on Saturday (25/7/2026). Erni explained that the agency has also conducted trials of the portal usage on Jalan Sosrowijayan, Jalan Perwakilan, and Jalan Dagen. According to Erni, the trial results show the portals are effective at holding back the flow of vehicles attempting to enter the Malioboro area during the car free day (CFD). “It is quite effective at holding back the flow entering Malioboro. The obstacle is when a four-wheeled vehicle has already entered, making it difficult to turn around. This requires familiarisation,” she said. She explained that portal trials will continue periodically, with simulations planned for every Car Free Day on Sunday mornings. “The plan is to trial it every Car Free Day, Sunday morning from 05.00 to 09.00 WIB,” she clarified. Erni added that the portal design embraces Jogja’s cultural nuances. “The concept is a Kraton warrior’s spear,” she concluded.