The European settlement in Yogyakarta initially revolved around Loji Kecil (Vredeburg Fort). With the surge in economic activities, particularly following the establishment of sugar cane plantations and factories, there was a notable increase in the European population in Yogyakarta. As the population grew, so did the demand for housing, prompting a decision to expand the European settlement northward. Cornelis Cane, the Resident of Yogyakarta at that time, sought permission from Sultan Hamengku Buwono VII to construct a new residential area for Europeans. The expansion of the settlement became feasible at the beginning of the 20th century with the issuance of Rijksblad Sultan Jogjakarta No. 12, 1917, granting permission for the development of the Kotabaru area (Nieuwe Wijk) to the east of Kali Code. Construction commenced in 1920 through a special committee formed by the Resident and the Sultan.
Kotabaru embraces the garden city concept, emphasizing a higher proportion of parks and open spaces, setting houses back from road borders, and segregating residential areas from public facility spaces. It is conceived as an independent city equipped with comprehensive public facilities to cater to the needs of its residents. The layout of Kotabaru follows a radial design with a central square connected by a grand boulevard. Upon closer inspection, the area appears divided into two parts by the boulevard, with a field in the middle. The west side comprises a designated residential area, while the east side accommodates public buildings.
In the historical context of Yogyakarta, Kotabaru holds significance as a witness to crucial events. During the colonial period, it marked a milestone in the development of modern residential zones. In the Japanese era, it served as both a residential and military activity hub. In the post-independence period, Kotabaru played a supporting role in Yogyakarta as the capital of the Republic. Numerous buildings in Kotabaru functioned as offices for state institutions during this time, such as the Ignatius Collage, serving as the Ministry of Defense office, and the Cipher Museum, formerly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office. Kotabaru also stands witness to the people of Yogyakarta's struggle for independen

ce, particularly during the Kotabaru invasion.
From its inception, the Kotabaru area was designed to fulfill the living needs of its residents within a self-contained space. The landscape was carefully arranged to accommodate community activities, and it became the first area in Yogyakarta to witness the installation of electricity and water networks. The remnants of the initial electricity network in Kotabaru are still visible at the ANIEM Electrical/Baboon Substation, situated in front of the Jiwasraya Office and the Abu Bakar Ali parking lot.