Mayor Hasto Reveals Reason for Restricting JLFR from Entering Malioboro: Disrupts Traffic

The Yogyakarta municipal government (Pemkot) has firmly restricted the Jogja Last Friday Ride (JLFR), the cycling activity held every fourth Friday night, from passing through the Malioboro area of Yogyakarta. Yogyakarta Mayor Hasto Wardoyo has revealed the reason behind the decision.

“Perhaps the bicycles that are prohibited are only on that night, on Friday night. Friday night is an exception in that, on that night, cyclists entering Yogyakarta City arrive unexpectedly, without planning or programming, from all directions and flood into the city, so it severely disrupts traffic,” Hasto told journalists on Thursday (9/7/2026).

Hasto explained that when streams of cyclists fill the roads without any traffic management, officers are forced to carry out traffic engineering by closing certain routes on a situational basis.

“So, in a situation like this, we do have to manage conditions. On a Saturday night or weekend night, if we are swarmed by cyclists without rules, without coordination, it becomes very difficult. That is why we end up closing certain routes at the time as well,” he asserted.

Hasto stressed that the restriction does not amount to prohibiting residents from cycling in Yogyakarta. He expressed hope that the JLFR can proceed in a more orderly fashion through better coordination.

“I hope that, although this community has no formal structure — there is no chairman, no organisation — I am convinced there are actually leaders who can provide direction,” he said.

He also asked JLFR participants not to crowd the core zone or buffer zone of Yogyakarta City, which serve as centres of public activity.

“That is my hope, and I convey it to the cycling community: on the fourth Friday, the last Friday, we hope the ride will be well coordinated and will not swarm into crowded public spaces such as the core zone and buffer zone of Yogyakarta City,” he concluded.

JLFR Ready to Evaluate

Previously, Jogja Last Friday Ride (JLFR) had spoken out regarding the route restriction in the Malioboro area of Yogyakarta. The group said it is ready to be evaluated.

In a statement received by detikJogja, JLFR highlighted the irony that congestion caused by the dominance of motor vehicles is regarded as commonplace, whereas residents’ activities such as cycling and walking in public spaces are seen as a nuisance.

“What is ironic today is not merely the debate about a cycling event, but the way we view the space of our streets,” JLFR wrote in its statement, delivered through a representative who declined to be named, on Thursday (9/7/2026).

JLFR asserted that from the outset the community was not formed to take over the roads or obstruct people’s activities. According to the group, the Last Friday Ride aims to celebrate cycling culture while reminding everyone that streets 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 carried out 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.