Pandansimo Bridge in Yogyakarta Was Changed To Kabanaran, Prabowo Explained Its Historical Value

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto delivers a speech at the inauguration of the Kabanaran Bridge in the Special Region of Yogyakarta on Wednesday (November 19, 2025). (ANTARA/Andi Firdaus)

JAKARTA - The government has changed the name of the Pandansimo Bridge in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) to the Kabanaran Bridge, following discussions with the local government and direct instruction from Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, the Ngarso Dalem.

President Prabowo Subianto, in his remarks at the bridge's inauguration on Wednesday, stated that the name Kabanaran holds significant historical value for the local community.

"Earlier, we heard about the historical significance of this place: the site of Prince Mangkubumi's struggle against the Dutch; his headquarters was here," he said.

He also stated that the presence of infrastructure in the area is expected to facilitate connectivity and access to the Special Region of Yogyakarta.

Met before the bridge inauguration, Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggono explained that the name change was necessary because the bridge, which now stands majestically on the southern coast of Yogyakarta, connects two regencies: Bantul and Kulon Progo.

"Because it connects two regencies, we need to get direction from the governor, and in Yogyakarta, of course, from Ngarso Dalem. He suggested the name Kabanaran," said Dody.

Dody believes this new name better aligns with the character and identity of the area the bridge crosses.

At the same location, the Director General of Highways at the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, Roy Rizali Anwar, added that the name Kabanaran does have a strong historical basis.

He said the proposal for the name change came from the regional government and was then discussed with the Yogyakarta Palace.

"The name was changed because the historical name here was Kabanaran. By agreement with the regional government, the name was agreed upon as Kabanaran Bridge," said Roy.

With this new name, the government hopes that the 2.3-kilometer bridge will not only serve as a physical link between regions, but also as a symbol of respect for Yogyakarta's history and local identity.