Yogyakarta Expects 1.7 Million Tourists Over Christmas and New Year as Extreme Weather Looms

23 hours ago 2

December 4, 2025 | 06:43 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Regional Tourism Agency of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) predicts that the Christmas and New Year holiday season in 2025/2026 will attract visits from domestic tourists, estimating a range of 1.5 to 1.7 million people.

"December is the time when domestic tourists visit Yogyakarta the most. Our estimates indicate that the number of visitors at the end of this year will reach 1.7 million people," said the Secretary of the DIY Tourism Agency, Lis Dwi Rahmawati, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

Lis explained that the estimation is based on the increase in hotel room bookings and travel reservations from public transportation and travel agencies by the end of this year.

Among the predicted destinations that will be crowded are tourist attractions such as Prambanan Temple, Parangtritis Beach, Kaliurang, Glagah Beach, and Gembira Loka Zoo. Meanwhile, in the center of Yogyakarta, areas like Malioboro, Tugu Yogyakarta, and Taman Pintar are also expected to be very crowded.

However, Lis warned that the increase in year-end rainfall has the potential to pose risks in several areas. Tourists are advised to be cautious of destinations that are prone to risks during extreme weather conditions, such as landslide-prone areas in the Menoreh Hills in Kulon Progo, the Sewu Mountains, and the Patuk-Imogiri hills in Bantul Regency.

Tourism observer and Lecturer of the Tourism Business Study Program at the Vocational School of Gadjah Mada University, Ghifari Yuristiadhi M. Makhasi, believes that tourists need to understand risk mitigation when engaging in outdoor activities. "For example, when camping near a lake or river, they should pay attention to the weather conditions and potential hazards," he said.

Ghifari emphasized the importance of tourism operators conducting risk assessments and treatments to ensure the safety of tourists.

In addition, the government and the tourism industry must have solid anticipatory measures. "Effective mitigation is crucial, and tourists need to be provided with clear recommendations to ensure their safety," he added.

According to Ghifari, Yogyakarta must demonstrate itself as a resilient and safe destination in dealing with extreme weather conditions. He suggested that the DIY Government should start promoting weather-adaptive tourism during the Nataru holiday. He based this on the BMKG's prediction of extreme weather during the 2025 Nataru holiday period.

"Starting from December 3, 2025, the BMKG warned of the potential for heavy rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds in several areas of DIY. The risks include hydrometeorological disasters, such as floods, landslides, waterlogging, and infrastructure damage," Ghifari said.

The DIY Government should effectively communicate the weather forecast from the BMKG and the Regional Disaster Management Agency to tourism operators, accommodations, operators, and the public or tourists. This also includes mitigation protocols at tourist destinations, such as maintaining drainage systems, inspecting building structures, and preparing evacuation routes.

Ghifari suggested promoting indoor or flexible tour activities, such as museums, cultural tourism, workshops, and culinary experiences. Environmentally friendly and educational tourism: Introducing nature and environmental education tours and teaching tourists and local communities to adapt to extreme weather. For example, bringing rain gear, evacuation route maps, emergency contact information, and emergency contacts.

Andriana Wulandari, Chairperson of Commission B of the Yogyakarta Regional People's Representative Council, stated that the safety of tourists should be a priority. She urged all stakeholders to increase vigilance and coordinate to monitor tourism movements leading up to the Nataru holiday.

"The most important thing is ensuring that tourists are safe and comfortable when visiting Yogyakarta. Tourists can also be directed to comply with the regulations at tourism locations," she said.

Read: Pertamina Ensures Adequate Fuel Supply for Christmas and New Year Holiday

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