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Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Monas : Jakarta's Landmark

The National Monument or "Monas" is one of the monuments built during the Soekarno era of fierce nationalism. It stands for the people's determination to achieve freedom and the crowning of their efforts in the Proclamation of Independence in August 17th, 1945.

The 137-metre tall marble obelisk and topped with a flame coated with 35 kg of gold. The base houses a historical museum and a hall for meditations. The monument is open to the public and upon request the lift can carry visitors to the top, which offers a bird's eye view on the city and the sea.

On the top observatorium platform we can see bir of eye Jakarta cityscape, The Museum Hall describe Indonesia's struggle for independence through a series of dioramas.


At the bottom of the monument, we can find National Heritage Museum which contents our Sang Saka Merah Putih -- First National Flag, handmade by Mrs. Fatmawati -- wife of President Soekarno at Independence Day, August 17th, 1945.

And the recorded of President Soekarno's speechs, about 15 minutes. One of his famous words was “Jas Merah” acronym from “Jangan pernah Meninggalkan Sejarah” ( means : to be a great Nations, please don’t ever leave our history. We can not reach this day, without passed the days before ).


Another activity is surrounding Medeka Square by Delman (Traditional Chariot).

Open daily from 08.00 - 17.00

See my travelogue National Monument "Spirit of Nation"

Location   : Central Jakarta
Directions : From Gambir train station just walk out to the east, near the Merdeka Palace.