Road Access Closed by On The Rock, Watubolong Beach Traders Protest

A group of traders from Watubolong Beach, Tanjungsari, Gunungkidul, visited the Gunungkidul Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) office to demand the reopening of road access previously closed by the On The Rock tourist attraction. The local government has stated it will conduct a field inspection immediately, while On The Rock claims that an alternative route has been prepared.

“Our demand is that the access road to Watubolong Beach must be reopened,” said Suwasno, a representative for the Watubolong Beach traders, to journalists at the Gunungkidul DPRD office on Tuesday (22/09/2026).

Suwasno noted that 37 traders are affected by the closure of the access point. Furthermore, if the access remains closed, the traders’ incomes will continue to decline.

“Because the closure of the access makes our sales quiet and reduces our income,” he said.

Suwasno revealed that the current condition of Watubolong Beach is deserted, making it difficult for traders to earn a living at the beach.

“The current situation is quiet because the access road is closed by On The Rock. However, based on the results of the meeting at the Council (DPRD Gunungkidul) earlier, it is said that it will be opened tomorrow morning,” he added.

Agus Mantara, the Assistant for Economy and Development of the Gunungkidul Regency Secretariat, stated that the local government will assist in realising the residents’ demands. He noted that the local government will conduct a field inspection tomorrow.

“We are trying to help their demands. However, we must also maintain a good relationship with investors. What is clear is that we will check the field tomorrow,” he said.

Meanwhile, the legal counsel for On The Rock, Sudarmono Siringoringo, stated that an alternative route to Watubolong Beach has actually been prepared. However, he emphasised that all matters must be communicated with the management of On The Rock.

“An alternative already exists, but for certainty, it must be communicated with the management,” he said.

Sudarmono will bring the results of today’s audience to the management of On The Rock, noting that all policy-making decisions lie with the management.

“We will also convey the requests from the residents as presented at the DPRD. But again, the decision rests entirely with the authority of the management,” he concluded.