The Unique Features of the Yogyakarta-Solo Tollway: Land Lease to the Sultan and Hanacaraka Adoption

KLATEN — The new tollway operated by PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk through PT Jasamarga Jogja Solo (JMJ), the Yogyakarta-Solo-NYIA Kulonprogo Tollway, contains several distinctive features.

Firstly, several sections of the project traverse land belonging to the Yogyakarta Sultanate, commonly referred to as Sultan Ground or Kagungan Dalem.

It is important to note that Sultan Ground cannot be freed or purchased. Consequently, JMJ is leasing the land from the Yogyakarta Sultanate throughout the duration of the tollway concession period.

“We are leasing from the Sultanate for the 40-year concession period,” said Finance Director of PT Jasamarga Jogja Solo Yhanni Haryanto to the Trans-Java 2026 Assessment Team at the Prambanan Toll Gate on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

Therefore, when the concession period expires, JMJ must renew the lease arrangement. Previously, Kompas.com reported that the cost of leasing Sultan Ground for 40 years is Rp 160 billion.

The Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) is known as an autonomous region that continues to uphold local cultural values. This is not only because DIY remains led by the Sultan, but the entire ecosystem within the region is committed to preserving cultural heritage, including in the infrastructure sector.

Hanacaraka ornaments have been installed directly beside the sign “Purwomartani Toll Gate”. This Javanese script signifies Purwomartani.

Logos of the Ministry of Public Works (PU), the National Investment Management Body for Future Resources (BPI Danantara), and PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk as the Tollway Business Entity (BUJT) for the Solo-Yogyakarta-NYIA Kulonprogo Tollway are also displayed alongside.

The initiative to install Hanacaraka at the Purwomartani Toll Gate stems from the fact that the tollway operated by the company spans two provinces — Central Java and DIY — both of which are characterised by strong cultural values.

However, JMJ has naturally coordinated with the DIY Government regarding the installation of Hanacaraka ornaments on the new infrastructure. “We hope that the toll gates will adequately reflect and more prominently showcase the regional character,” Haryanto said.