Tourism Office Responds to Uproar Over Photographers 'Claiming' Malioboro Sign

Complaints from tourists regarding freelance photographers claiming the Malioboro Street sign as private property have gone viral on social media. The Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) Tourism Office has spoken out on the matter. The complaint was uploaded by the Threads account @its_lisstyy, which stated that the photographers even charged a fee for photos at the Malioboro Street sign. Responding to this, Head of the DIY Tourism Office, Imam Pratanadi, expressed regret if the incident truly occurred. He explained that the Malioboro Street sign is a facility installed by the government and has become one of the tourism icons in Jogja. ‘In general, we regret if this incident really happened at the Malioboro Street sign, which was installed by the government and is now a tourism icon,’ Imam said when contacted on Tuesday (28/7/2026). Imam explained that there are currently a number of photographers who bring their own signs bearing the word ‘Malioboro’ to offer photo services to tourists in the area. However, this is different from the official sign installed by the government. ‘The current phenomenon is that some photographers bring their own signs and offer their services to tourists to take photos with the sign in the designated area,’ he said. He noted that the issue has been coordinated with the Yogyakarta City Tourism Office. Based on the information received, the Yogyakarta City Government is aware of the problem and will provide guidance to the photographers. ‘Based on coordination with the Yogyakarta City Tourism Office, this information is fully known by the Yogyakarta City Government. On Thursday (30/7), guidance will be conducted by the Cultural Heritage Technical Implementation Unit under the Yogyakarta City Culture Office,’ he clarified. Imam also urged photographers in the Malioboro area to help create a safe and comfortable tourism atmosphere for visitors. Additionally, photographers are asked to comply with the rules set by the area’s management. ‘We urge our fellow photographers in Malioboro to increase their awareness in creating an atmosphere where tourists feel safe, comfortable, and happy with their activities. Of course, they must also follow the arrangements set by the Malioboro Cultural Heritage Technical Implementation Unit,’ he concluded.