Sepanjang Beach, Yogyakarta: Revamp Focuses on Local Economy & Sustainability

Gunungkidul Beaches Aim for Sustainable Tourism Boost, Inspired by Bali’s Jimbaran

Gunungkidul Regency, Yogyakarta, is embarking on a revitalization project for its beaches, starting with Sepanjang Beach, with the goal of attracting more tourists while prioritizing local economic empowerment and cultural preservation. The initiative, announced this week by Regent Endah Subekti Kuntariningsih, follows improvements to Sepanjang Beach including vendor relocation and the construction of a new coastal road.

Sepanjang Beach, known for its long coastline, calm waves, and white sand, is being positioned as a destination that offers a vibrant nighttime atmosphere, drawing inspiration from the successful culinary scene in Jimbaran, Bali. However, officials are adamant that the development will not simply replicate the Bali model.

“So what we are adopting (from Jimbaran) is its MSME empowerment system,” Kuntariningsih stated during a clean-up event at Sepanjang Beach on February 12, 2026. “In Jimbaran, there are dining places at night, and that is what we will implement at Sepanjang Beach.”

The focus, according to Kuntariningsih, is on supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and ensuring that the tourism development remains authentically Javanese. Guidance from GKR Mangkubumi, Chairperson of the Yogyakarta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has emphasized the importance of grounding the revitalization in “the uniqueness of Yogyakarta’s history and architecture.”

“According to the direction from GKR Mangkubumi… the development of tourist attractions should not just visually mimic other regions, but be based on the uniqueness of Yogyakarta’s history and architecture,” Kuntariningsih added.

The plan for nighttime tourism at Sepanjang Beach is contingent on favorable sea conditions and will be overseen by a dedicated Search and Rescue (SAR) team to ensure visitor safety. Officials also emphasize the importance of maintaining cleanliness, with a commitment to ensuring the beach is clean each morning following evening activities.

Beyond Sepanjang Beach, the Gunungkidul Regency Government intends to implement similar revitalization arrangements at Krakal Beach and religious beaches like Ngobaran Beach, signaling a broader commitment to sustainable tourism development across the region.

Efforts to enhance the coastal ecosystem are also underway, including increasing vegetation, such as Casuarina equisetifolia trees, as a form of disaster mitigation. This planting is being carried out as an initial step before the construction of supporting infrastructure, like pedestrian paths and embankments, to ensure harmony with the natural environment.

The revitalization of Gunungkidul’s beaches comes as the region seeks to capitalize on its natural beauty and attract a growing number of tourists, while simultaneously protecting its cultural identity and supporting local businesses. The success of Sepanjang Beach is seen as a crucial first step in this broader strategy.