The National Monument (Monas) in Jakarta, Indonesia

The National Monument, or Monas (a contraction of its name in Bahasa—Monumen Nasional), was a project of the first President of Indonesia—Sukarno. Throughout his turbulent reign, Sukarno sought to unite Indonesia with tangible symbols of nationhood. Just as the Istiqlal Mosque aimed to unite Muslim Indonesians, the Monas serves as a historic memorial to the Indonesian independence movement.

Towering over Merdeka (Freedom) Square in Gambir, Central Jakarta, the Monas stands at an impressive height of about 137 meters (450 feet), topped with an observation deck and a gilded flame that illuminates the night sky.

At its base, visitors can explore a museum dedicated to Indonesian history and a meditation hall that features an authentic copy of the declaration of Indonesian independence, read out by Sukarno during the country’s emancipation from Dutch rule.

History of Monas

President Sukarno envisioned a monumental tribute to Indonesia’s independence struggle that would withstand the test of time. Collaborating with architects Frederich Silaban (designer of the Istiqlal Mosque) and R.M. Soedarsono, Sukarno integrated various auspicious symbols into the design of the towering monument.

The cup-and-tower structure of the Monas embodies Hindu imagery, resembling a lingga and yoni.

The numbers 8, 17, and 45 symbolize Indonesia’s proclamation of independence on August 17, 1945. These numbers are reflected in elements such as the tower’s height (117.7 meters/386 feet) and the area of its platform (45 square meters/148 square feet), including the feathers on a gilded Garuda sculpture located in the Meditation Hall.

Construction began in 1961 and concluded in 1975, following Sukarno’s overthrow and five years after his passing. The monument is often humorously referred to as “Sukarno’s last erection.”

Structure of the Monas

The Monas is located in an expansive 80-hectare park, accessible from the northern side of Merdeka Square. Visitors enter through an underground passageway, which leads directly to the monument. An entrance fee of IDR 15,000 (approximately $1.80 as of January 2020) grants access to all areas.

Once emerging from the tunnel, guests find themselves in the outer yard, where walls display relief sculptures depicting significant moments in Indonesian history. The history presented begins with the Majapahit Empire of the 14th century and transitions through various episodes, including Dutch colonization and the declaration of independence.

The National History Museum

Located at the northeastern corner of the monument’s base, the Indonesian National History Museum features marble walls and several dioramas illustrating pivotal moments in Indonesia’s history.

As you ascend within the base of the monument, a Meditation Hall displays symbols of Indonesian nationhood on inner black-marbled walls. A gilded map of Indonesia dominates the northern wall, and golden doors reveal a copy of Sukarno’s original proclamation of independence, accompanied by patriotic music.

The southern wall showcases a gilded statue of Garuda Pancasila, an eagle symbolizing Sukarno’s established ideology.

The Top of Monas

The viewing platform atop the monument provides a breathtaking vantage point at an elevation of 17 meters/56 feet, with an observation platform located even higher at 115 meters/377 feet above ground level.

A small elevator on the southern side accommodates up to 50 people, granting access to the observation platform, allowing for unparalleled views, though views may be slightly obstructed by safety bars. Additionally, binoculars are available for a closer look at the surrounding area.

While not visible from the platform, the impressive 14 and a half ton Flame of Independence, adorned with 50 kilograms (110 pounds) of gold foil, illuminates the night sky, making the Monas a prominent sight even after dark.

How to Get to the Monas

Monas is conveniently accessible by taxi, while the TransJakarta Busway services the area. Various bus routes also pass by the monument from Jalan Thamrin, including the BLOK M-KOTA bus.

Merdeka Square is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. while Monas and its exhibits welcome visitors daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the exception of the last Monday of each month when the monument is closed for maintenance.