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REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, YOGYAKARTA -- Special Region Yogyakarta again attracts attention during Christmas and New Year holidays (Nataru) 2025/2026, after echoing the hashtag 'One Indonesia Holiday to Yogyakarta'. How not, the figure of more than 7 million tourists that was previously predicted to crowd Yogyakarta, is now a reality.
Observing Republika, since the start of the Nataru holiday week, the mobility of vehicles on a number of roads that are usually loose, these last few days has increased and felt congested. Congestion is inevitable, even the queues for vehicles at various tourist destinations including Malioboro seem contagious. The Malioboro area is still one of the main centers of crowds. The flow of tourists who walk, shop for souvenirs, to enjoy the night atmosphere of Jogja is visible from morning until late at night.
Not only Malioboro, Yogyakarta Palace area, Taman Sari, as well as nature tourism destinations in Gunungkidul and Sleman Regency are also popular. Tourists take advantage of Nataru holidays to travel the beach, enjoy the natural scenery, and try various family tours.
Mayor of Yogyakarta, Hasto Wardoyo responded about an Indonesian vacation to Jogja. According to him, ease of access is one of the main factors of the high interest of tourists to Jogja. In addition to the tolls that have now been connected to Prambanan, other modes of transport such as trains and private vehicles are still the favorite options. This is considered to be more cost-effective than having to use a plane to other more distant and expensive tourist destinations.
“I guess we know yes, that a lot of people who also want efficiency, so maybe to go places that are more expensive, to places where flights are much more expensive, maybe it will be reduced. If you can imagine, for example, people in Jakarta want to take a vacation, it is possible that if many people still use roads to Jogja can also reach Jogja, affordable rail, that is one of the influences,” Hasto said on Saturday (27/12/2025).
In addition to access factors, Jogja is also known as a friendly tourist destination in the enclave. Hasto did not mention that many tourists claim to choose Jogja because the cost of lodging, food, and admission to the attraction is relatively affordable. With a limited budget, tourists can still enjoy a variety of experiences, from cultural tourism, culinary, to nature tourism.
“We already predict that tourists to Jogja will have a surge in Nataru's moment,” he said.
This surge in tourists also has an impact on the increasing volume of vehicles. The DIY Transportation Service records the movement of vehicles out and into DIY territory up to December 24, 2025 has reached more than two million units. The Head of Traffic Dishub DIY, Rizki Budi Utomo, said the number was an accumulation of 1,100,944 vehicles entering and 1,043,133 vehicles exiting the DIY region.
The data were obtained from 10 traffic flow observation posts, namely Samudra Raksa Gate in Kalibawang, Kulonprogo, Temon PJR, Temon Congot (Daendels), Krasak (Tempel), Kikis Joholangan, Prambanan, Gedangsari, two points in Semin, and Rongkop in Gunungkidul area. In addition to private vehicles, he explained that the flow of public transport passengers is also increasing. Dishub DIY recorded the most incoming passengers through the railway station with a total of 21,917 people, while passengers departing through the station reached 21,313 people.
Rizki added that vehicles passing through the DIY region are dominated by license plates outside the area. “Outside of DIY, four-wheelers and tourist buses have entered Yogya a lot,” he said.
The local government also continues to try to maintain the smooth flow of traffic and the comfort of tourists during Nataru holidays. Traffic engineering, parking arrangements, and surveillance in tourist areas are carried out in order to anticipate overcrowding.
Travelers Say Why Choose Jogja
Republika also toured the Malioboro area and chatted with tourists. Is it true that, with a large selection of tourist destinations, relatively cheap vacation costs, and increasingly easy access, Jogja is again the main choice for people to spend Christmas and New Year holidays?
From the observation on site, during the Nataru holiday, tourists fill the time with various activities. Some go through the heritage area, take pictures in various photo spots including on the sign that says' Malioboro ', taste typical dishes such as gudeg and bakpia, to relax in the garden.
Qonita, a tourist from Boyolali, claimed to choose Jogja because it was easy to access. He did not come alone, but with five friends. They still enjoyed his visit despite occasional less friendly weather.
“Jogja has its own magnetism. We are from Wonosobo, the access is easy by train. Despite the rain, it doesn't feel complete if it's not for Malioboro,” he said.
While other tourists, Evie, from Klaten said the combination of easy access, comfortable city atmosphere, diverse tourist destinations, and cheap food prices were the main reasons for choosing Jogja as Nataru's holiday destination. For him, Jogja is a destination that is always longed for and never loses its charm in the eyes of travelers.
“Jogja has its own charm. If you want to go to cultural tourism, nature also exists, if you want to relax, it is also good to walk in the city. It always feels like coming back here,” he said.
