Monas, or the National Monument of Indonesia, is a must-see attraction in Jakarta. It is not only a towering landmark that dominates the city skyline, but also a symbol of the nation’s struggle for independence and unity. Whether you are a history buff, a culture lover, or a sightseer, Monas has something for everyone.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything you need to know about Monas, including its history, architecture, museum, observation deck, and nearby attractions. You will also discover some tips and tricks to make the most of your visit to Monas and Jakarta.
History
Monas stands for Monumen Nasional, which means National Monument in Indonesian. It was conceived by the first president of Indonesia, Sukarno, who wanted to build a monument that would commemorate the struggle for independence from the Dutch colonial rule. He also envisioned Monas as a symbol of the national identity, pride, and unity of the Indonesian people.
The construction of Monas began in 1961, and was completed in 1975. It was officially inaugurated by the second president of Indonesia, Suharto, in 1978. Since then, Monas has become a popular tourist destination and a cultural attraction in Jakarta. It also hosts various ceremonies and events, such as the Independence Day celebration, the flag-raising ceremony, and the national prayer.
Architecture
Monas is a stunning example of modern architecture, with a design that reflects the Indonesian culture and values. It consists of a marble base, a concrete shaft, and a bronze flame. The total height of Monas is 132 meters, which makes it taller than the Statue of Liberty (93 meters) and the Eiffel Tower (106 meters).
The base of Monas is shaped like a square, with each side measuring 45 meters. It represents the human and natural resources of Indonesia. The shaft of Monas is shaped like a pillar, with a diameter of 15 meters at the bottom and 6 meters at the top. It represents the spirit and the will of the Indonesian people. The flame of Monas is shaped like a bowl, with a diameter of 14 meters and a height of 6 meters. It represents the freedom and the sovereignty of Indonesia. The flame is coated with 35 kilograms of gold, which gives it a dazzling shine.
The orientation of Monas is also significant, as it aligns with the cardinal directions. The north side of Monas faces the Presidential Palace, the south side faces the Indian Ocean, the east side faces the rising sun, and the west side faces the setting sun.
Museum
The base of Monas houses the National History Museum, which showcases the history and the culture of Indonesia through various exhibits and dioramas. The museum covers an area of 80 x 80 meters, and has four main sections: the prehistoric era, the Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms, the Islamic sultanates, the colonial period, and the national revolution.
The museum displays more than 50 dioramas, which depict the important events and figures in the Indonesian history, such as the arrival of the first humans, the spread of Hinduism and Buddhism, the rise and fall of the Majapahit and Mataram empires, the arrival of Islam and the European powers, the struggle for independence, and the development of the modern Indonesia.
The museum also exhibits various artifacts, such as sculptures, paintings, reliefs, and inscriptions, that illustrate the cultural and artistic aspects of the Indonesian history. Some of the highlights include the statue of Ganesha, the relief of Borobudur, the inscription of Canggal, and the painting of Diponegoro.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8 am to 4 pm. The ticket price is 5,000 rupiah for adults and 3,000 rupiah for children. You need to follow the dress code and the security check before entering the museum. You can also rent an audio guide or join a guided tour for a more informative and enjoyable experience.
Observation Deck
The top of Monas features an observation deck, which offers panoramic views of Jakarta and the surrounding area. You can access the observation deck by taking an elevator from the base of Monas. The elevator can accommodate up to 11 people, and takes about 2 minutes to reach the top.
The observation deck is a circular platform, with glass windows and telescopes. You can see the landmarks and the attractions of Jakarta, such as the Presidential Palace, the National Museum, the Istiqlal Mosque, the Jakarta Cathedral, and the Merdeka Square. You can also see the mountains and the sea in the distance, depending on the weather and the visibility.
The observation deck is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8.30 am to 3 pm. The ticket price is 10,000 rupiah for adults and 6,000 rupiah for children. You need to follow the dress code and the security check before entering the observation deck. You can also take photos and videos, but you need to pay an extra fee of 5,000 rupiah for a camera and 10,000 rupiah for a video camera.
The best time to visit the observation deck is in the morning or in the evening, when the sky is clear and the sun is not too bright. You can also catch the sunrise or the sunset, which are spectacular sights from the top of Monas. You can also see the flame of Monas lit up at night, which adds to the beauty and the charm of the monument.
Getting There
There are several ways to get to Monas from Jakarta airport, depending on your budget, time, and preference. Here are some of the options:
Bus:
You can take a bus from Jakarta airport to Monas, operated by Damri. The bus runs every 15 minutes, and the journey takes about 40 minutes. The ticket price ranges from Rp 47000 to Rp 200000, depending on the type of bus. This is the cheapest and most convenient option, as the bus stops right in front of Monas.
Train:
You can take a train from Jakarta airport to Monas, but you need to change trains twice. First, you need to take the Railink train from the airport to Duri station. Then, you need to take the Commuter Line train from Duri to Tanah Abang station. Finally, you need to take another Commuter Line train from Tanah Abang to Juanda station, which is the closest station to Monas. The total journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the ticket price is about Rp 33000. This is a fast and comfortable option, but you need to be familiar with the train system and the stations.
Taxi:
You can take a taxi from Jakarta airport to Monas, which is the fastest and easiest option, but also the most expensive. The taxi ride takes about 20 minutes, and the fare is about Rp 130000 to Rp 170000, depending on the traffic and the meter. You can find a taxi at the airport, or book one online or by phone. You need to make sure that the taxi is licensed and uses a meter, or negotiate the price beforehand.
Nearby Attractions
Monas is not the only attraction in Jakarta. There are many other attractions and places of interest near Monas, which you can explore and enjoy. Here are some of the nearby attractions that you should not miss:
The National Museum:
This is the oldest and the largest museum in Indonesia, which houses more than 140,000 artifacts and collections from various fields, such as archaeology, ethnography, geography, history, and art. The museum is located across the street from Monas, and is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8 am to 5 pm. The ticket price is 10,000 rupiah for adults and 5,000 rupiah for children.
The Istiqlal Mosque:
This is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, which can accommodate up to 200,000 worshippers. The mosque is a symbol of the religious tolerance and harmony in Indonesia, as it is located next to the Jakarta Cathedral, a Christian church. The mosque is open to the public, except during the prayer times. You can join a guided tour or explore the mosque on your own. You need to wear modest clothing and remove your shoes before entering the mosque.
The Jakarta Cathedral:
This is the oldest and the most prominent church in Jakarta, which dates back to the 19th century. The church is a beautiful example of neo-Gothic architecture, with stained glass windows, statues, and paintings. The church is open to the public, except during the mass times. You can join a guided tour or explore the church on your own. You need to respect the religious atmosphere and the rules of the church.
The Merdeka Square:
This is the largest square in Jakarta, which covers an area of 1 square kilometer. The square is surrounded by important buildings and monuments, such as the Presidential Palace, the National Museum, the National Library, and the Supreme Court. The square is also a popular spot for recreation and leisure, as it has a park, a fountain, a pond, and a deer enclosure. You can walk, jog, bike, or picnic in the square, or join the locals in various activities and events.
Monas, or the National Monument of Indonesia, is a must-see attraction in Jakarta. It is not only a towering landmark that dominates the city skyline, but also a symbol of the nation’s struggle for independence and unity. Whether you are a history buff, a culture lover, or a sightseer, Monas has something for everyone. You can learn about its history, architecture, museum, observation deck, and nearby attractions in this comprehensive guide. You can also discover some tips and tricks to make the most of your visit to Monas and Jakarta.
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