View Laut Dab! JJLS Kelok 23 Connecting Bantul-Gunungkidul to Open Soon

The physical construction of Kelok 23, which connects Girijati, Purwosari, Gunungkidul with Kretek, Bantul, has been completed. The section, part of the Southern Cross Road (JJLS), will become operational at the earliest in September 2026.

“Alhamdulillah, as was just presented, the construction target has been completed,” said Gunungkidul Regent Endah Subekti Kuntariningsih to journalists at Kelok 23, Girijati, Purwosari, Gunungkidul, on Friday (28/8/2026).

Endah continued that construction of Kelok 23 began in August 2023, covering a distance of approximately five kilometres. Of that total, 1.9 km falls within Gunungkidul Regency.

“Our hope is that this will break up congestion heading towards Gunungkidul Regency. In addition, it will make it easier for tourists, especially those coming to the South Coast, to gain easier, faster and safer access,” she said.

In detail, Endah revealed that there are three points along Kelok 23 that will serve as viewing posts, given that Kelok 23 is situated in the hills facing the South Coast area.

“Of those three locations, two still belong to the Bantul Regency Government, while the final viewing post is located on land owned by two regencies, namely Bantul and Gunungkidul,” she said.

The final viewing post, which falls within both Gunungkidul and Bantul, will feature a rest area. In addition, there will be several outlets for micro, small and medium enterprise (UMKM) operators.

“Later, it will be up to us and the Bantul Government to work out the cooperation, given that the land is part of two regencies and will be the site of the rest area,” she said.

Field Coordinator of the Commitment Making Officer (PPK) 1.2 of the Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) Work Unit, Sukiswandi, added that the physical work has indeed been fully completed. However, Kelok 23 cannot yet be operational this month.

“The physical work is already 100 percent complete, but it will be put into operation, God willing, in September or October this year,” he said.

Regarding the plan for the opening ceremony of Kelok 23, Sukiswandi said he is still awaiting further coordination with the Ministry of Public Works.

“We just need to hold the inauguration, whether virtually or in person. We are clearly waiting for word from the Ministry of Public Works,” he said.