Malioboro Street: The Heart of Jogja with Enchanting Magical Allure

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Malioboro Street is one of the street areas in Yogyakarta that stretches from Tugu Yogyakarta to the intersection of the Zero Kilometer Point in Yogyakarta.

The Malioboro area generally consists of Margo Utomo Street, Malioboro Street, and Margo Mulyo Street.

History

Malioboro is the name of one of the streets in the center of Yogyakarta. Malioboro Street is one of three roads in Yogyakarta that stretches from Tugu Yogyakarta to the intersection of the Yogyakarta Post Office.

It consists of Pangeran Mangkubumi Street, Malioboro Street, and Jend. A. Yani Street. Malioboro Street is the axis of the Imaginary Line of the Yogyakarta Kraton.

The name Malioboro originates from the Sanskrit word “malyabhara,” which means a bouquet of flowers. Some experts also suggest that the name Malioboro comes from the name of a British colonial figure named Marlborough, who lived in Jogja from 1811 to 1816.

The Dutch East Indies government developed Malioboro as the central area for economics and governance in the early 19th century. Malioboro became popular during the colonial era (1790-1945).

At that time the Dutch government built Fort Vredeburg in 1790 at the southern end of Malioboro. The Dutch also constructed the Dutch Club or Societeit Der Vereneging Djokdjakarta (1822), The Dutch Governor’s Residence (1830), Javasche Bank, and the Post Office.

Read More: Waisak at Borobudur: Witnessing the Majesty and Impressive Activities

The Development of Malioboro

The rapid development of Malioboro, coupled with trade between the Dutch government and Chinese traders, continued. In 1887, Malioboro Street was divided into two after the construction of Tugu Yogyakarta Station.

Malioboro also played a crucial role in the struggle for the independence of the Republic of Indonesia.

This street witnessed fierce battles between Indonesian freedom fighters and Dutch colonial forces during the General Offensive on March 1, 1949. After six hours of fighting, the Red and White forces successfully defeated the Dutch and occupied Yogyakarta.

To this day, Malioboro continues to evolve while maintaining its original concept. It remains the center of life for Yogyakarta residents, with strategic places such as the DIY Governor’s Office, the DIY Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) Building, Beringharjo Central Market, Teras Malioboro, and the Presidential Palace Gedung Agung located in this area.

7 Places to Visit in Malioboro

Exploring Yogyakarta is not complete without a visit to the iconic Malioboro Street. This tourist area is synonymous with shopping and strolling around.

However, there are many exciting places on Malioboro Street worth checking out. Tourists can see vintage-style buildings, visit Chinatown, and hunt for Instagram-worthy photos.

1. Malioboro Street Sign

Visiting Malioboro is incomplete without taking a photo at the Malioboro Street sign. Many tourists queue up to snap a picture with the Malioboro Street sign in the background, showcasing the street and the surrounding shops.

Tourists can find several Malioboro Street signs at various points. The green signs, adorned with white lettering that reads “Jalan Malioboro” in both the alphabet and Javanese script below, are a popular spot for capturing memories.

2. Vintage Building

Along Malioboro Street, tourists can come across several vintage-style buildings that make for Instagram-worthy photo spots—quoting Visiting Jogja, these old buildings on Malioboro Street feature gevel huis facades commonly used in colonial-era structures.

There is the Digital Lounge of BPD Bank, the Kimia Farma building, and the former Chemist Druggists building.

3. The Chinatown

Not many people realize there’s a Chinatown area in the middle of Malioboro Street, known as Kampung Ketandan.

Before reaching Beringharjo Market, tourists will encounter a distinctive and grand Chinese-style gate, which serves as the entrance to the Chinatown area.

Kampung Ketandan stands witness to the historical acculturation of Chinese culture, the Yogyakarta Palace, and the residents of Yogyakarta, according to information from the Yogyakarta City Government News Portal.

For the past 200 years, this area has been the home of the Chinese community. Like most other Chinatown areas, visitors can find red and yellow-colored buildings and houses used as homes and shops.

4. Beringharjo Market

Beringharjo Market is a must-visit spot when you’re in Malioboro. Formerly known as Pasar Gedhe, this market holds historical significance as it was established during the reign of Sultan Hamengku Buwono I when building the Yogyakarta Palace.

According to Jogja Cagar, the name change to Pasar Beringharjo occurred during the rule of Sultan Hamengku Buwono VIII.

Beringharjo is derived from the words “bring” and “harjo” because the market’s original location was a beringan forest.

Here, tourists can find various souvenirs from Yogyakarta, including batik, culinary delights, trinkets, clothing, bags, and more. Don’t forget to try sate kere and nasi pecel in front of Beringharjo Market.

5. Vredeburg Fortress

In addition to strolling around, tourists can explore historical sites on Malioboro Street, such as the Vredeburg Fortress. This building was once the Dutch headquarters for monitoring activities inside the Yogyakarta Palace.

When visiting Vredeburg Fortress, tourists will come across a mini diorama of the Boedi Oetomo Congress, a diorama depicting Soedirman’s inauguration as the Supreme Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, Surjopranoto’s typewriter, the kendil (traditional jug) used by Soedirman, documents from Soetomo, and more.

The fortress has several buildings, including officer’s quarters, a resident’s house, soldier’s barracks, weapon and logistics warehouses, and even a hospital, as cited from the Yogyakarta Cultural Office website.

6. Teras Malioboro

Teras Malioboro is the heart of the Malioboro area. Teras Malioboro 1 and 2 are the relocated street vendors (PKL) who used to sell along Malioboro Street. No doubt, Teras Malioboro is a haven for unique souvenirs from Yogyakarta.

You can find everything from batik, bakpia, trinkets, clothes, bags, wallets, sandals, shoes, and more. Tourists can also explore various culinary delights at Teras Malioboro, including gudeg, sate koyor, lotek, bakso, mie ayam, and many others.

7. The Zero Kilometer

The Zero Kilometer Point of Yogyakarta marks the journey’s end for tourists on Malioboro Street. Visitors can soak in the atmosphere of Yogyakarta while relaxing on the provided benches.

This area is surrounded by historical sites such as Fort Vredeburg, the Presidential Palace Gedung Agung, the Monument of the General Offensive of March 1, 1949, the Main Post Office, the BNI 46 Building, and more.

The Zero Kilometer Point of Yogyakarta is located at the intersection of four roads: Jalan KH. Ahmad Dahlan from the west, Jalan Margo Mulyo from the north, Jalan Panembahan Senopati from the east, and Jalan Pangurakan from the south.

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Let’s Explore Yogyakarta!

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Author: Pramitha Chandra

 

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