REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, YOGYAKARTA — On the eve of the turn of 2025 towards 2026, Tugu Pal Putih to Malioboro, Yogyakarta City, began to be crowded with thousands of tourists. Observing the Republika, they were on foot after parking their vehicles around the site.
Although the fireworks are not held as in previous years, the enthusiasm of visitors remains high to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the iconic area due to the distinctive atmosphere offered. The flow of tourists continues to arrive and crowd the main areas of the city center.
In anticipation of overcrowding, the police force is now implementing motor vehicle sterilization as well as traffic engineering at a number of strategic points. Malioboro area has been closed early from 18:00pm, while Tugu Pal Putih will be sterilized from motor vehicles from 21.00 pm until Thursday (1/1/2026).
The implementation of this Car Free Night makes Malioboro fully a space for pedestrians. Tourists take advantage of the moment to take a leisurely walk, take a selfie, to enjoy a variety of foodie delicacies. TransJogja fleets, rickshaws, and andong are still allowed to pass through to support visitor mobility.
Kasat Lantas Polresta Yogyakarta, AKP Alvian Hidayat, said the closure of Malioboro area aims to provide comfort and security for the community. In its arrangement, Malioboro Road is divided into two lanes, the left side as an emergency lane and the right side exclusively for pedestrians and tourists.
“We are giving access such as Car Free Night to the public so that they can enjoy Malioboro without a vehicle,” AKP Alvian said on Wednesday (31/12/2025).
“The left becomes an emergency lane, then the one on the right becomes a pedestrian lane as a tourist path. So please people take a walk in the right lane,” he said.
In addition to the closure of Malioboro, traffic engineering was also carried out with the diversion of flows from various directions, including Jalan Sudirman, Simpang Jetis, and Simpang Pingit. Meanwhile, Jalan Pasar Kembang remained open and operating normally. Police have also set up about 15 official parking spots located in the area of Ring 1 Malioboro and Ring 1 Keraton. The parking location can be accessed through a barcode system that can be scanned by visitors.
“Please take advantage of the parking space we have provided and park where it should be, do not park carelessly,” Alvian said.
Meeting Republika, one of the tourists from Bandung, Ria admitted to choosing Malioboro area as a place to celebrate the eve of the turn of the year because of its distinctive atmosphere and full of togetherness. “I go to Jogja every year, and Malioboro always has a different atmosphere. Without a big stage or fancy entertainment, just walk, look at the crowds, it feels special,” Ria said.
The same was said by Arif, a tourist from Jakarta. According to him, Malioboro offers a simple yet memorable experience. “It feels more warm and familiar here. People gather, walk leisurely, enjoy the night. That’s what made us choose Malioboro for the new year,” he said.
Regarding the fireworks, some tourists claimed to understand the policy and instead supported it as a form of empathy. “There are no fireworks nor does it matter. It is precisely that we value this decision as a form of empathy to the victims. Celebrating the new year does not have to be hura-hura,” said Dewi, a tourist from Surabaya.
“The essence of the new year is reflection and togetherness. With an atmosphere like this, without fireworks, instead it feels calmer and more meaningful,” he added.
