Sultan HB X Responds to One-Star Google Reviews Targeting Culinary Entrepreneur

YOGYAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, considers the mass action of netizens giving one-star ratings simultaneously on the Google Review account of a culinary entrepreneur as excessive.

This action gained traction on social media after a polemic surfaced regarding alleged illegal parking fees imposed on food truck operators in the Alun-alun Kidul area, Yogyakarta City, a few days ago.

“Well, for me, it’s just too much,” Sultan said on Monday (21/9/2026).

Sultan emphasized that handling the controversy over the alleged illegal parking fees is entirely in the hands of the police.

According to him, the Transportation Agency (Dishub) has already issued a statement on the matter, and it is up to the authorized parties to follow up.

“Dishub has already released a statement, so just resolve it. There’s the police, and others. Let the city administration deal with it,” he added.

Issue of Fees Set by Parking Attendants

Sultan also stressed that parking attendants do not have the authority to unilaterally set land rental fees.

He even suspected that the parking attendants operating in the Alun-alun Kidul area are not official.

“Do parking attendants really have that right? I’m worried it’s illegal. That’s all,” he said.

Yogyakarta City Government Coordinates with Police

Previously, the Yogyakarta Palace urged authorities to follow up on the alleged illegal fees faced by food truck operators at Alun-alun Kidul.

Responding to this, Yogyakarta Deputy Mayor Wawan Harmawan said he has communicated with the police.

“I think what the palace conveyed and their commitment is absolutely right. Indeed, it’s the responsibility of the authorities to investigate further and obtain detailed, concrete information,” Wawan said in an interview at Alun-alun Kidul, Yogyakarta City, on Friday (18/9/2026).

He stated that any further investigation into potential criminal acts falls under police authority.

Therefore, the Yogyakarta City Government has coordinated and handed over the case handling to the police.

“We will see later what the police conclude since it is under their jurisdiction. I have coordinated with them regarding potential criminal elements,” he added.

Food Truck Parking Fee Rp1 Million per Day

The polemic began after a food truck entrepreneur complained about being asked for money while operating in the Alun-alun Kidul area.

According to widely circulated social media videos, the entrepreneur was asked to pay fees for parking and meals over five days, from September 16 to 20, 2026.

The parking fee requested reportedly reached Rp 1 million per day.

After operating for just one day, the food truck owner decided to stop selling at Alun-alun Kidul and moved to another location.

Regarding the issue, Penghageng Kawedanan Hageng Panitrapura Karaton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, Gusti Kanjeng Ratu (GKR) Condrokirono, stated the food truck had obtained official permission from the Palace.

“The Yogyakarta Palace has granted permission for the food truck activity in accordance with applicable regulations,” said the second princess of the Yogyakarta Palace in a written statement on Friday (18/9/2026).