Location: Merdeka Square, Jakarta Central Jakarta
This monument, symbolizing the nation’s independence, is situated at the center of Taman Medan Merdeka (Medan Merdeka Square). Its architecture is designed as a Lingga and Yoni, The Hindu symbol of fertility. The Lingga reaches a height of 137 meters and is topped with a flame wrapped in 35 kilograms of pure gold. An elevator rides to the top of the monument and from its viewing platform visitors can get a bird’s eye view of Jakarta. The basement houses a museum depicting the nation’s history. In the Hall of Silence visitors can hear the original voice of Soekarno reading Indonesia’s Proclamation of Independence. Near the monument is a statue of Prince Diponegoro on horseback. This hero fought the Dutch in the Java War (1925-1930). After his capture he was jailed in the town hall of Batavia before being banished to North Sulawesi.
MONAS is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, until 7 p.m. (from http://www.jakarta-tourism.go.id)
