The Yogyakarta City Government is set to intensify its efforts in urban planning, specifically targeting slum areas and city riverbanks, to address the pressing issue of population density. This ambitious initiative, slated for the second half of this year, will notably feature the implementation of vertical housing concepts.
Yogyakarta Mayor Hasto Wardoyo confirmed that this comprehensive revitalization project would be prioritized following a green light from the Ministry of Housing and Residential Areas. The Ministry conducted a thorough review of several designated target zones in late May 2026, paving the way for the upcoming urban development.
“One of the primary targets for this restructuring is the riparian zone along the Code River, where we will implement a vertical housing concept,” Mayor Hasto stated in Yogyakarta on Monday, June 1, 2026. He further elaborated that the modern stilt house design, a form of vertical dwelling, is ideally suited for riverbanks. This approach aims to foster more aesthetically pleasing public spaces, ultimately enhancing the mental well-being of residents.
The revitalization of the Code River area is planned as a collaborative endeavor, bringing together various stakeholders including the government, local communities, universities, corporations, and even the esteemed Yogyakarta Palace. This multi-sectoral partnership underscores the city’s commitment to a holistic and inclusive development process.
According to Mayor Hasto, approximately four kilometers of the Code River area still require significant intervention to ensure the river’s inspection path is seamlessly connected. This crucial pathway, which traverses the Yogyakarta City region, stretches from the border of Sleman Regency to Bantul. “There are still four critical points that need to be completed to link the roads along the Code River, making them continuous as both a river inspection path and an emergency access route for residents,” he explained.
The estimated budget required for this extensive urban planning initiative is approximately Rp56 billion. Despite the substantial cost, Mayor Hasto expressed optimism that the project would advance steadily, bolstered by the robust support from various parties and cross-sectoral collaborations.
Concurrently, Deputy Minister of Housing and Residential Areas Fahri Hamzah visited two key target locations in Yogyakarta City on Friday, May 29, 2026. These sites included the Giwangan area in Umbulharjo District and the Code River banks in Gondokusuman District, both earmarked for significant transformation.
Deputy Minister Fahri elaborated on the government’s strategy, indicating a proactive search for new development areas situated within city centers. This approach is designed to prevent residents from relocating too far from urban amenities, thereby mitigating the phenomenon of urban sprawl. He highlighted that when communities disperse too widely from city centers, they often face significant challenges due to the lack of essential infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and other public facilities.
“Therefore, leveraging land within city centers is considered the most effective solution, particularly for the densely populated regions of Java Island,” Fahri asserted. He also noted that these site inspections could serve as a valuable recommendation for developing low-cost urban vertical housing.
The cost advantages of such projects stem from the fact that the land is often state-owned, whether by the central government, local authorities, or state-owned enterprises (BUMNs). This allows land costs to be significantly reduced through government subsidies, making housing more accessible. Consolidating residences vertically is deemed far more efficient and comfortable, especially given the diminishing availability of rice fields and the fact that approximately 60 percent of Indonesia’s population is concentrated on Java Island.
“Throughout this urban planning effort, the riverfront areas must remain pristine and green. Slum areas typically suffer from poorly managed public spaces, so the future goal of slum revitalization must successfully incorporate and create vibrant public spaces,” Fahri emphasized.
Pilihan Editor: Mengapa Pelaku Industri Sawit Ragu terhadap Badan Ekspor
Summary
The Yogyakarta City Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Residential Areas, is launching a project to revitalize slum areas and riverbanks through the implementation of vertical housing. This initiative focuses on the Code River region, where modern stilt-house designs will be used to improve living conditions while maintaining green public spaces. The project aims to connect inspection pathways and emergency routes across a four-kilometer stretch, supported by a Rp56 billion budget and a multi-sectoral partnership.
To combat urban sprawl and ensure accessibility to public facilities, the government is prioritizing the development of underutilized land within city centers. By leveraging state-owned property, officials aim to provide affordable, efficient housing solutions for the densely populated region of Java. This strategy seeks to transform neglected areas into comfortable, well-integrated communities while preserving the environmental integrity of riverfront zones.