The National Monument (Indonesian:
Monumen Nasional), is a 433 ft (132 metre) tower in the centre of Jakarta,
symbolizing the fight for Indonesia, monument built to remember the struggle of
Indonesian heroes fighting the colonial domination. Also be the symbol of
Indonesian Independence. President Sukarno originally contemplated a national
symbol to display the personality of the country, which had found freedom from
centuries of foreign rule.
It is the national
monument of the Republic of Indonesia, or what Indonesian and Jakarta people usually
call as Monas was built based on the idea of the first president of Indonesia,
Ir. Soekarno, with the help of Sudarsono and F. Silaban as the architect, and
Ir. Rooseno as the consultant. It’s builts on an area with a width of 80
hectares. Monas was officially open on 17th August 1961 by President Soekarno,
and publicly open on 12th July 1971.
The top of Monas shaped
like a flame, symbolizing a never extinguished spirit of Indonesian people. The
flame was made of bronze medal which weight was 14.5 ton, and was plated with
35 kg gold. The flame has 6 meters diameter and consist of 77 concentrated
parts.
The standing pillar of
Monas which height is 137 meters, symbolizing a rice pestle, while the cup
symbolizing a rice barn. Rice pestle and barn are traditional tools to pound
rice, figuring out Indonesia as an agricultural country. They’re also regarded
as the symbol of Indonesian people’s fertility, and as the symbol of male and
female.
National History Museum
located at the baseman of National Monument (Monas). The width of the museum is
6400 meters (80 x 80), and the whole walls, floor, and pillars are top layered
with marble. The museum can hold up to 500 people. At the four sides of the
museum there are display windows that shows the life and phenomenon that
Indonesian people has gone through since Indonesian ancient time.
You could reach the top of
Monas by elevator. Surrounding the elevator there are emergency latter to be
used in case of emergency. From the top yard you could enjoy the view of
Jakarta City and the wind blowing and caressing your face. In a clear weather
you could enjoy the view of Salak Mountain at the south side, the ocean at the
north side, and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport at the west side. While
you're in Monas area it's recommended to get into the top yard and enjoy the
views from the top.
The park area which
surrounds the monument is organized nicely. There are several kinds of plants
from various region of Indonesia in the park. There’re many seats provided
under big trees. You could see the
cultivation of spotted dears that were originated from Istana Bogor, at the
park. There’re also pathways structured from green thin stone for you to have
your feet massaged by walking on it un-shoes. There’re a pool with fountain and
the statue of Princess Diponegoro riding a horse which made of 8 ton bronze
medal on the park. This statue was made by Italian artist, Prof. Coberlato as a
grant from Dr. Mario, Honores Consulate General in Indonesia. The statue is
located near the gate of the tunnel which leads to the monument
Other places located near
to Monas are the President Palace, National Museum, The Golden Chariot (Kereta
Kencana) Sculpture, Gambir Train Terminal, Bank of Indonesia, Indosat Building
(the second biggest telecommunication company in Indonesia), Supreme Court,
Immanuel Church, Jalan Thamrin.
Jakarta people usually
utilize Monas area as a place for sport activities, in the morning and
afternoon time. Most people visit Monas on weekend and holidays.
From Soekarno Hatta Air Port, You could reach
Monas by taxi or bus. Monas located in centre Jakarta. It is easy to find. Its
just about 26 Km from air port
