Many Investors Want to Make Yogyakarta Like Bali — Sultan: No Need for Comparison, the Cultures Are Different
Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, has responded to remarks by the Chairwoman of the DIY Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), GKR Mangkubumi, regarding the direction of Yogyakarta’s tourism development, which she argued cannot be equated with Bali’s approach.
GKR Mangkubumi acknowledged that many investors have expressed a desire to develop Gunungkidul in a manner resembling Bali, with proposed projects frequently featuring Bali-style beaches and resorts.
Sultan HB X stated that Yogyakarta and Bali have vastly different characteristics and therefore cannot be compared or developed using the same model. “There is no need to compare with Bali — Yogyakarta and Bali are different,” the Sultan said at the Jogja Expo Center (JEC) in Bantul on Saturday (14 February 2026).
The Sultan explained that although both Yogyakarta and Bali are renowned tourist destinations, they possess distinct cultural backgrounds. This fundamental difference means that development concepts, particularly in the tourism sector, cannot be applied using a similar approach.
“So there is no need to make comparisons. Yogyakarta is for Yogyakarta alone,” the Sultan affirmed.
Regarding investment, the Sultan welcomed investors to DIY and gave them the freedom to invest in any sector, not just tourism. He stated that the DIY government is not closed to investment, provided it aligns with the region’s character and prevailing regulations.
However, the Sultan cautioned that incoming investment in Gunungkidul Regency must be treated selectively to avoid environmental degradation. He warned local government officials and business operators against being lured by investments that could alter Gunungkidul’s natural character.
Equating Yogyakarta’s development concept with Bali’s, he said, is inconsistent with Yogyakarta’s character and values, and risks damaging the environment whilst potentially erasing Yogyakarta’s identity as a tourist city.
GKR Mangkubumi, in her capacity as Kadin DIY chair, said that tourism development in DIY, particularly in Gunungkidul Regency, cannot be managed using the same pattern as Bali because of the risk of environmental damage. Instead, tourism management must take into account the carrying capacity of the environment and the character of the area, especially the coastal and rural zones of Gunungkidul.
Mangkubumi stressed that beaches cannot be exclusively controlled by investors as they are public spaces belonging to the community. Development must comply with coastal setback regulations and take into account the interests of local residents.
“Please, you are welcome, but of course development in Yogyakarta must follow the character and culture that exists here. Yogyakarta should not be turned into Bali,” Mangkubumi said.