Kotagede is the site of one of Java’s oldest walled cities, founded during the 16th-century Mataram Empire. Within its historic walls stand ancient bathhouses, temples, tombs and traditional houses that reflect the area’s long cultural heritage. The district is also home to artisan communities including silversmiths and gamelan musicians.

However, the heritage of Kotagede has gradually eroded due to rapid urban development and weakening generational ties within the community. Economic pressures have led many residents to sell or subdivide traditional houses, reducing the integrity of the historic landscape.

The situation was further worsened by the damage inflicted on historic buildings during the 2008 Yogyakarta earthquake and the 2010 eruption of Mount Merapi. Without coordinated conservation efforts, the architectural and cultural heritage of Kotagede risks further decline.

To unlock the area’s cultural tourism potential, community groups and tourism stakeholders need to work together to preserve Kotagede’s heritage while generating sustainable economic value from it.

Arkomjogja launched the Kotagede Conservation Through Enterprise initiative to combine heritage conservation with community-led tourism enterprises.

With support from AirAsia Foundation, the project began with a detailed mapping exercise in Jagalan village, one of the five villages forming the core heritage zone of Kotagede. The mapping was conducted with the participation of the local youth organisation Karang Taruna and gathered valuable geographical and demographic information about the area.

Using the findings from this exercise, the team developed the Jagalan Tlisih Heritage Walks. These guided tours allow trained youth guides to lead visitors through the village, introducing them to Kotagede’s history, cultural landmarks and artisan communities.

By connecting heritage storytelling with tourism, the programme provides young residents with opportunities to lead community enterprises while generating income that can support ongoing conservation efforts.

AirAsia Foundation’s grant supported the development of community-led heritage tourism as a tool for conservation in Kotagede.

• Conduct a comprehensive mapping exercise of Jagalan village with local youth participation
• Develop the Jagalan Tlisih Heritage Walks as a structured heritage tourism programme
• Train youth guides to lead tours and share local cultural knowledge

Income generated from the heritage walks is reinvested into conservation initiatives and community awareness programmes to protect Kotagede’s historical assets.

Jagalan Tlisih Heritage Walks now take place every Sunday from 10am to 12pm. Tickets are available from [email protected].