Regulating Street Art in Yogyakarta: Public Space, Artistic Freedom, and the Rights of Urban Artists

Abstract

Street art occupies an ambiguous position within urban governance, simultaneously functioning as a form of artistic expression and an activity subject to public-space regulation. In Yogyakarta, a city widely recognized for its vibrant artistic culture, restrictions on murals, graffiti, and unauthorized public artworks may create tensions between aesthetic governance, property rights, public order, and artistic freedom. This article examines the regulation of street art in Yogyakarta from a justice-based perspective. Using normative juridical research and policy analysis, the study examines local regulations concerning public space, visual expression, property, public order, and cultural development. The article argues that excessive regulation of street art may disproportionately affect emerging and economically disadvantaged artists who lack access to formal exhibition spaces. At the same time, artistic freedom must be balanced against legitimate interests concerning private property, public safety, and community preferences. The study proposes a rights-based regulatory framework that distinguishes artistic expression from vandalism while establishing transparent procedures for the authorization of public artworks. Meaningful participation of artists and local communities should be incorporated into decisions concerning murals and other public artworks. The article concludes that Yogyakarta's urban art governance should protect artistic expression while ensuring that public-space regulation is proportionate, transparent, and socially inclusive.