Mount Kuntul Axis: Yogyak Tourism's New Face, Explore the South Coast 'One Gate for All'

Something new is emerging in Yogyakarta's tourism scene. This time, it's not about the iconic Malioboro or Tugu monument, but about a new axis rising in the south. The Bantul Regency Government, along with Kulon Progo and Gunungkidul, has just agreed to form a collaboration called "Kuntul Gunung," a tourism axis designed to strengthen the potential of DIY's southern coast as a premier tourism area.

This step is not merely a formality. Kuntul Gunung is expected to become a real cooperative vehicle for the three regencies, all sharing Yogyakarta's long and exotic southern coastline.

"The goal is coordination and cooperation in developing the southern coast, because these three regencies in the southern part of DIY possess and directly face the coast," said the Regent of Bantul, Abdul Halim Muslih, in Bantul on Monday, October 13, 2025.

From Pandansimo Bridge to Kelok 23: Infrastructure Starting to Connect

One reason for the emergence of this axis is the increasingly open connectivity between areas along the southern coast.

The completion of the Pandansimo Srandakan Bridge, for example, now makes access from Bantul to Kulon Progo much easier. Journeys that used to be somewhat circuitous can now be made faster and more comfortably, perfect for tourists wanting a road trip across DIY's southern coast.

Not stopping there, another major project is also being accelerated, namely Kelok 23 on the South Cross Road (Jalur Jalan Lintas Selatan - JJLS) connecting Bantul with Gunungkidul. This development is included in the list of National Strategic Projects (Proyek Strategis Nasional - PSN) directly supported by the central government.

"That must be followed up with more focused discussions. And according to the DIY Governor, our southern coast becomes DIY's front terrace. DIY's front terrace is Gunungkidul, Bantul, and Kulon Progo," said Halim.

Yogyakarta "Ngadep Kidul" (Facing South), A New Face from the South

The phrase "Yogyakarta ngadep kidul" is now more than just a slogan. Its philosophy is to make the southern region the front door of Yogyakarta tourism. If in the past tourists mostly knew Yogyakarta through Prambanan Temple, Kaliurang, or Malioboro, now southern beaches like Parangtritis, Glagah, and Wediombo are ready to shine as DIY's new face.

"'Yogyakarta ngadep kidul' is implemented by organizing tourism. Alhamdulillah, there are three national strategic projects, namely the Pandansimo Bridge, Kretek II Bridge, and Kelok 23, all traversing Bantul Regency," said Halim.

With these three major projects, Yogyakarta's southern coastal route is slowly forming an interconnected tourism corridor, something crucial for strengthening the tourism ecosystem in southern DIY.

One Ticket, Many Beaches

A concrete step being developed by the Bantul Regency Government is restructuring the beach tourism retribution system. Halim explained that the new system, called "one gate for all," will later allow tourists to pay just one ticket to enjoy all beaches in Bantul within one day.

"Later there will be 'one gate for all,' from whichever gate tourists enter, they can enjoy beaches along Bantul in one day, not different days. Because within the beach area, there is a connecting road from beach to beach," he said.

This concept is clearly a breath of fresh air for young travelers who love exploring. Imagine, just one ticket lets you stop by Samas Beach, continue to Parangtritis, and end the day with sunset at Kuwaru Beach, all on one smooth, connected route.

Exploring the South: From Nature Tourism to Local Culture

Beyond the beauty of its beaches, the southern region of DIY also possesses rich culture and culinary offerings that haven't been widely exposed. In several spots, visitors can find tourism villages, local handicrafts, and fresh seafood cuisine that can serve as additional attractions.

The "Kuntul Gunung" axis is not just about building destinations, but also about elevating the potential of local communities so they can grow alongside the tourism momentum. So, every tourist visit isn't just about enjoying the scenery, but also helping turn the economic wheels of coastal residents.