Tourists visiting the popular Malioboro area in Yogyakarta, part of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, are now prohibited from smoking. Following the introduction of stricter regulations, any visitor who is caught smoking tobacco in this area will face a fine of up to IDR 7.5 million.
As of 2025, the Yogyakarta City Government has officially implemented a smoke-free policy in Malioboro. This means that both locals and tourists must adhere to the rules without exception. Those who fail to comply will be penalised, with the city authorities taking a firm stance on smoking violations.
Ahmad Hidayat, the Head of the Investigation Section of Yogyakarta’s Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP), explained, “Socialisation has been carried out frequently in the past. However, starting this year, we will be imposing sanctions.”
This statement, made on Monday, January 13, 2025, was reported by Antara news agency.
The sanctions are based on the Yogyakarta City Regional Regulation Number 2 of 2017, which designates specific no-smoking areas (KTR).
These rules were introduced after several years of socialisation and guidance for those who have violated the smoking ban. In 2024, 4,158 individuals were found to have smoked in the Malioboro area, 36 of them local residents, while the rest were tourists.
In response to these violations, the authorities have provided educational efforts, encouraging people not to smoke in designated non-smoking areas. To accommodate smokers, there are three designated smoking areas within the Malioboro vicinity: the Abu Bakar Ali Parking Lot, the area north of Plaza Malioboro, and the third floor of Beringharjo Market.
The Head of Satpol PP Yogyakarta City, Octo Noor Arafat, explained that implementing these policies will involve close collaboration with the Health Office (DHO) and the Cultural Heritage Area Management Unit (UPT).
In addition, further outreach will be conducted, particularly targeting tourism service providers such as becak (rickshaw) and andong (horse-drawn carriage) drivers, who will be made aware of the regulations.
This January, a renewed effort to inform the public will be carried out by the Satpol PP, in cooperation with the Health Office and the Yogyakarta District Court. Additional signage indicating the no-smoking zones will be placed throughout Malioboro, making it clearer to both locals and tourists where smoking is prohibited.
Octo Noor Arafat added, “We will also intensify surveillance along the streets and alleys of Malioboro, ensuring that the area remains a clean and comfortable place for everyone.”
The goal is to create a healthier environment for all, as well as to maintain the city’s cleanliness and comfort for both residents and visitors alike.
“We ask everyone to work together to keep Yogyakarta a healthy city for all,” he concluded.
Cover Photo by Bangunfii
