Bantul Regency Optimistic Kelok 23 Will Boost Tourism Sector

RRI.CO.ID, Yogyakarta - The completion of the Kretek–Girijati road section, known as Kelok 23, has shortened travel times and improved connectivity between coastal tourism areas in Bantul and Gunungkidul. Smooth accessibility along this Southern Cross Route (JJLS) is expected to increase tourist mobility, enabling integrated exploration of various leading destinations in southern Yogyakarta Province.

Bantul Regent, Abdul Halim Muslih, said that trial operations of Kelok 23 have been conducted, and the route is likely to reopen after additional construction is completed and officially inaugurated. “During this trial phase, the results have been quite solid and people like it because of the good views,” he said in Bantul on Tuesday, 22 September 2026.

According to him, Kelok 23 has become a tourist attraction in its own right while opening opportunities for investors to enter Bantul and help develop the tourism sector.

“There are many investors who are interested, but as we know, our southern area (land) is Sultan Ground (belong to Yogyakarta Palace. So, permission must be obtained from the Yogyakarta Palace,” he said, as quoted by Antara.

He noted that technical permits for investment fall under Bantul Regency’s authority, while principal permits must be secured from the Kraton Yogyakarta Palace

Halim also emphasized that the presence of Kelok 23 is an important part of economic development in southern Yogyakarta Province, particularly as a vehicle access route for the public. “It certainly must be accessible to all vehicles, especially four-wheeled vehicles,” he said.

He urged managers and drivers to prioritize safety when Kelok 23 opens and resumes operations, by complying with warnings and traffic signs.

Bantul Regency Secretary, Agus Budi Raharja, added that overall construction of Kelok 23 is expected to be completed within the next year. “Kelok 23 still has a long connection to complete. It will take another year before it can be finished,” he said.

Nevertheless, he is optimistic that Kelok 23 will increase tourist visits, and this opportunity must be seized to improve the local economy.

“Kelok 23 is indeed exotic, serene, and romantic. There are certain spots, especially at the rest area, that are quite attractive,” he said.

According to him, the area can be used to organize Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to offer their products on-site. These activities will be carried out in accordance with regulations determined jointly with the Yogyakarta Provincial Administration.

“This way, road users will be interested in stopping there, and even more attracted because there is a representative rest area,” he said. ***