If you’re visiting Yogyakarta, particularly Malioboro Road, be cautious of a long-running scam involving fake batik shops, art schools, or galleries.
How the Scam Works
Version 1: The Batik Shop Trick
- A friendly stranger approaches and offers to show you the best batik shops. As you walk past several stalls, he explains the different grades of batik, emphasizing why they are low quality.
- He leads you away from the main market, down a secluded alley, to a small shop where his “friend” supposedly runs a government-sponsored batik school.
- You are given a quick demonstration of the batik-making process, complete with wax, dyes, and even complimentary tea.
- The pressure to buy sets in. Many feel obligated to purchase something, only to later realize they’ve been sold a low-quality, screen-printed imitation.
Version 2: The Art School/Gallery Variation
Instead of a batik shop, scammers might lure you into a so-called “art school” or “gallery,” following a similar script to pressure you into buying overpriced, low-quality art.
My Experience: A Close Call in 2017
During my first trip to Yogyakarta, my friend and I were approached by a well-dressed older Indian man who enthusiastically told us about a “special Batik Exhibition” that was ending that very day. We declined and moved on.
Later, while shopping for jewelry at a street stall, a friendly young vendor asked if we had visited the exhibition. We hadn’t, and mentioned we were headed to the Kraton Museum instead. He then claimed the museum was closed for lunch and suggested we check out the exhibition in the meantime. He even gave us directions.
As we made our way through the backstreets, another man—middle-aged and overly chatty—approached us, insisting he’d guide us to the exhibition. Though we declined, he continued walking alongside us, trying to make conversation.
Something felt off. I quickly Googled the exhibition and, sure enough, it turned out to be a well-documented scam dating back to 2009! I told my friend, and we immediately turned back.
Suddenly, the persistent man who had walked ahead was right in my face, furious and aggressive. He started shouting expletives, swearing at us as we walked away. He even followed us for two streets, hurling verbal abuse the entire way.
Then, as if on cue, the friendly jewelry stall vendor pulled up on his motorcycle, checking if we had made it to the exhibition. When we said we weren’t going, his expression darkened, and he sped off. Clearly, he had been expecting a cut of the scam money.
It became obvious that the middle-aged man was angry because he, too, had just lost his commission.
Later, I found countless horror stories of tourists being aggressively pressured into buying overpriced, low-quality artwork—pieces that faded quickly or even fell apart.
Oh, and the Kraton Museum?
It was never closed for lunch. That was just another lie to reroute us into the scam.
How to Avoid This Scam
- Decline invitations to “special exhibitions” or “government-sponsored art schools.”
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, walk away.
- Do a quick Google search if you’re unsure.
- Don’t let politeness trap you—you are under no obligation to buy anything.
- If you’re being pressured, leave immediately.
I hope my experience helps other travelers avoid this scam. Stay alert, and enjoy Yogyakarta safely!
