Two Sides of Tourism

New year, new destinations! Here's 52 destinations for traveling by The New York Times: 52 Places to Go in 2014. Yogyakarta is one of the destinations! I was surprised when my city included in the list. Now it's time for people in the world to know Indonesia as a country with many things to experience, not only in Bali but also in other cities like Yogyakarta.

However, it's kind of dilemma for me. Yogyakarta getting more attractive is nice thing but it also takes its toll. I was born and live my whole life in Yogyakarta so I am aware with the differences in this city.

More tourist means more places for them to stay. As stated on the article: 20 new starred hotels will open through 2015. Well, it's good for the tourist but... is it good for the local people?

I read an article in 2012. It is said that the debit of ground water in Yogyakarta is decreasing. Why? because 1) the number of building is increasing so open area for water permeation is decreasing, 2) water consumption is increasing along with population escalation.  Before, 12 meters digging is enough to find water. Now it's 15 meters or even more! I'm not surprise if we have to dig 30 meters next time.

Changes also happen on the street. Before, only a few people have motorized-vehicle. I remember my mother picked me up from school with bicycle. The traffic were calm and quite. No pollution, both air and sound pollution. I really enjoyed sitting on the back of bicycle while remembering the lessons I got from school.

Now, the traffic becomes extremely crowded. Everybody has their own vehicle: one person one vehicle. Even more in holiday season: traffic jams happen everywhere because many people visit Yogyakarta and bring their cars or travel with big buses. Pollutiooooon! It's just.... tiring now :(

Yogyakarta's streets are not wide. Most of it just small alley that can only be passed by one car in one time. It's not designated for buses and a lot of car. If you force to do it, traffic stops. Now I have to wait the traffic lights turn red-green minimum three times when this happens. Tell me where's my lovely, quite, and comfortable city?

I think, Yogyakarta is not ready yet to welcome big number of visitors. We still have to fix many things. Don't be in hurry or we destroy the city itself.

However, tourists keep coming. We can't stop it. We should not. We can't deny that we really need tourists to support the economic sector since many people work in tourism area.

So, here's a note from a person who loves her city: Please be responsible when you are traveling: Do NOT litter. Use water wisely. Use public transport. Respect the local cultures. And treat the city you visit like you want your city to be treated.

Enjoy Yogyakarta then!