Malioboro is the name of one of the streets in the center of Yogyakarta City. Jalan Malioboro itself is one of three streets in the city of Yogyakarta that stretches from Tugu Yogyakarta to the intersection of the Yogyakarta Post Office. Overall it consists of Jalan Pangeran Mangkubumi, Jalan Malioboro and Jalan Jend. A. Yani. Jalan Malioboro is the axis of the Yogyakarta Kraton Imaginary Line.
The origin of the name Malioboro itself comes from the Sanskrit language malyabhara which means flower bouquet. There are also some experts who argue that the origin of the word Malioboro comes from the name of a British colonial named Marlborough who lived in Jogja in 1811-1816 AD.
The Dutch East Indies government built Malioboro as the center of the economy and government in the early 19th century. Malioboro became popular in the colonial era (1790-1945). At that time, the Dutch government built Fort Vredeburg in 1790 at the southern tip of Malioboro. The Dutch also built the Dutch Club or Societeit Der Vereneging Djokdjakarta (1822), The Dutch Governor’s Residence (1830), Javasche Bank, and the Post Office.
The development of Malioboro is increasing rapidly, coupled with the existence of trade between the Dutch government and Chinese traders. Until 1887, Jalan Malioboro was divided in two after the Tugu Yogya Station was built. Malioboro also has an important role in the struggle for independence of the Republic of Indonesia. On this road, there was a great battle between Indonesian fighters and the Dutch colonial troops, known as the March 1, 1949 General Offensive. The Red and White troops succeeded in conquering the Dutch and occupying Yogyakarta after six hours of fighting.
Until now, Malioboro continues to develop while still maintaining its original concept, Malioboro has become the center of Yogya people’s life. Strategic places such as the DIY Governor’s Office, DIY DPRD Building, Beringharjo Main Market, Malioboro Terrace to the Presidential Palace, Gedung Agung are also in this area.
The Government of the Special Region of Yogyakarta continues to make improvements to organize Malioboro into a comfortable area to stay in. In 2016, the government has succeeded in sterilizing the vehicle parking from Malioboro and is currently arranging this area on the east side for pedestrians. Lesehan stalls are still being maintained to maintain the characteristics of Malioboro. Then in 2022, all street vendors on Malioboro Street will be moved to the Malioboro Terrace Area so that this road will be tidier and more comfortable to pass.