Monas (National Monument)

Monumen Nasional

A 132-meter obelisk at the center of Merdeka Square, its summit crowned with a 35-kilogram gold flame that symbolizes the spirit of independence. The top observation deck overlooks the entire Jakarta skyline.

Monas (National Monument) was ordered built by President Sukarno in 1961 and opened to the public in 1975. It stands at the center of the 80-hectare Medan Merdeka (Independence Square), surrounded by the Presidential Palace, the National Museum, Istiqlal Mosque and the Cathedral. The shaft is 132 meters tall, clad in Italian marble, and topped with a gilded bronze flame made with 50 kilograms of gold, 35 kilograms of which was donated by the public. The cup-shaped base and the shaft are said to symbolize Indonesia's yin-yang philosophy and the rice and pestle. The National History Museum on the lower ground floor uses 51 three-dimensional dioramas to tell the story from prehistory to independence. The Independence Hall on the middle level displays the original Proclamation of Independence, with a musical reading of the proclamation. Elevators take you up to the 115-meter observation deck, offering a 360-degree view over the square, the old town and the high-rises to the south. On clear days you can even see the Java Sea to the north. Tickets: the square and museum cost about Rp 5,000–15,000, and the observation deck about Rp 20,000 (foreigners pay slightly more). Buy on site or through JakCard; daily quotas apply. Tips: arrive when it opens at 8:00, go up to the top first, then see the museum. Allow 1.5 hours. From here it is a 10-minute walk to the National Museum, or you can take Transjakarta to the old town. Getting there: a 15-minute walk from MRT Bundaran HI station, or Transjakarta Line 1 to the Monas stop. Note: closed for maintenance on the last Monday of each month. Smoking is banned in the square. Bring water against the midday sun. On weekends the square is lively with local families picnicking and visiting the deer park, but it can be very crowded.

Monas (National Monument)

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