Sultan HB X Highlights Changes in Gunungkidul Over the Past 10 Years: Infrastructure Advances but Not Yet Evenly Distributed

The Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, has highlighted the significant changes that have occurred in Gunungkidul Regency over the past decade. According to the Sultan, the current condition of Gunungkidul is far different from 10 years ago, particularly in terms of improving regional connectivity. Sultan HB X assessed that progress in development, especially in the infrastructure sector, has had a major impact on easing access between regions. “The condition of Gunungkidul is already different from 10 years ago. There is growth. Infrastructure roads are perhaps currently adequate enough, even if they can still be considered minimal. But to reach Gunungkidul from the western, northern, eastern, and southern ends, there is already ease of access,” he stated on Thursday (9/4/2026). Nevertheless, Sultan HB X reminded that the main challenge now is no longer just physical development, but rather the equitable distribution of development outcomes so that they can be felt by the entire community. Economic growth, which has so far been centred in the southern coastal areas, needs to be encouraged to reach other underdeveloped regions. Sultan HB X did not deny that the southern coastal area remains the most dominant centre of economic growth in Gunungkidul. “The southern coastal area indeed has much greater growth compared to the surrounding areas that may not yet have investments,” he explained. “(But) how can development be more equitable, not just the coast, but also extending to others,” Sultan HB X added. To promote equitable distribution, the DIY Governor emphasised acceleration through the Lumbung Mataram programme. This programme is expected to strengthen the village community’s economy through the agricultural and livestock sectors. Sultan HB X is optimistic that the programme can serve as an instrument for equitable welfare distribution based on villages, as it also opens up other business opportunities beyond agriculture. “My hope to accelerate that is, I have the Lumbung Mataram programme,” he stated. “This is to provide equitable welfare for the less fortunate communities,” he said.