If you are looking for a place to experience the culture, history, and spirit of Jakarta, Indonesia, look no further than Merdeka Square. Merdeka Square, which means "Freedom Square" in Indonesian, is the largest public square in the world, covering an area of about one square kilometer. It is also the site of the National Monument, a towering obelisk that commemorates Indonesia's struggle for independence from colonial rule.
Merdeka Square is not only a place of historical significance, but also a place of cultural and civic pride. It hosts various events and celebrations throughout the year, such as the Independence Day ceremony, the Jakarta Fair, and the New Year's Eve countdown. It is also surrounded by some of the most important and impressive buildings and attractions in Jakarta, such as the National Museum, the Merdeka Palace, the Galeri Nasional, the Masjid Istiqlal, and the Gedung Pancasila.
In this article, we will explore the history, architecture, and attractions of Merdeka Square and the National Monument, and provide you with some tips and trivia to make your visit more enjoyable and memorable. Whether you are a history buff, a culture lover, or a curious traveler, you will find something to interest and inspire you at Merdeka Square.
The History of Merdeka Square and the National Monument
Merdeka Square was originally a large open field called Koningsplein (King's Square) during the Dutch colonial era. It was used for military parades, sports events, and public gatherings. After Indonesia declared its independence in 1945, the square was renamed Lapangan Merdeka (Freedom Field) and became the venue for political rallies and demonstrations.
In 1954, President Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia, initiated a project to build a national monument in the center of the square. He envisioned a monument that would symbolize the unity and sovereignty of the Indonesian people and inspire them to achieve their ideals. The design of the monument was chosen through a national competition, which was won by architect Frederich Silaban. The construction of the monument began in 1961 and was completed in 1975.
The National Monument, or Monas as it is popularly known, stands at 132 meters high and consists of a marble base, a concrete shaft, and a bronze flame coated with 35 kilograms of gold. The base houses a museum that displays the history of Indonesia's independence movement, from the pre-colonial era to the present day. The shaft represents the struggle and sacrifice of the Indonesian people, while the flame symbolizes their spirit and aspiration.
The National Monument is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays. You can enter the museum by purchasing a ticket for 5,000 rupiah (about 0.35 USD) and take an elevator to the observation deck, which offers a panoramic view of Jakarta, for an additional 10,000 rupiah (about 0.70 USD).
The Other Attractions of Merdeka Square
Merdeka Square is not only home to the National Monument, but also to several other attractions that showcase the diversity and richness of Jakarta's culture and heritage. Here are some of the attractions that you should not miss when you visit Merdeka Square:
- National Museum:
The National Museum, also known as the Elephant Building because of the bronze elephant statue in front of it, is the oldest and largest museum in Indonesia. It houses a collection of over 140,000 artifacts, ranging from ancient sculptures and ceramics to ethnographic and historical items. The museum is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday to Friday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The admission fee is 10,000 rupiah (about 0.70 USD) for adults and 5,000 rupiah (about 0.35 USD) for children.
- Merdeka Palace:
The Merdeka Palace, also known as the State Palace, is the official residence and office of the president of Indonesia. It was built in 1879 as the residence of the governor-general of the Dutch East Indies and was later used by the Japanese occupation forces and the Indonesian provisional government. The palace is open to the public on certain days of the year, such as the Independence Day and the National Education Day. You can book a tour online or by phone at least 14 days in advance. The tour is free of charge and includes a visit to the palace's rooms, gardens, and collections.
- Galeri Nasional:
The Galeri Nasional, or the National Gallery, is a museum and art center that showcases the works of Indonesian and foreign artists. It was established in 1999 and occupies a former Dutch colonial building that dates back to 1817. The gallery hosts various exhibitions, workshops, and events throughout the year, featuring contemporary and traditional art forms. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday to Sunday and is closed on Monday and national holidays. The admission is free for all visitors.
- Masjid Istiqlal:
The Masjid Istiqlal, or the Independence Mosque, is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia and the national mosque of Indonesia. It was built in 1978 and can accommodate up to 200,000 worshippers. It has a minimalist and modern design, with a dome that measures 45 meters in diameter and a minaret that stands at 66.6 meters high. The mosque is open to the public from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, except during prayer times and special occasions. You can join a guided tour for free and learn more about the mosque's history, architecture, and function.
- Gedung Pancasila:
The Gedung Pancasila, or the Pancasila Building, is a historical building that was the site of a landmark speech by President Sukarno in 1945. In his speech, he outlined the five principles of Pancasila, which are the foundation of the Indonesian state ideology. The building was originally the headquarters of the Dutch East Indies Volksraad (People's Council) and later the Indonesian parliament. The building is now a museum that displays the original furniture, documents, and photos related to the speech. The museum is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday to Friday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. The admission is free for all visitors.
Tips and Trivia about Merdeka Square and the National Monument
To make your visit to Merdeka Square and the National Monument more enjoyable and memorable, here are some tips and trivia that you should know:
- The best time to visit Merdeka Square and the National Monument is in the morning or evening, when the weather is cooler and the crowd is smaller. You can also catch the sunrise or sunset from the observation deck of the monument, which is a spectacular sight.
- The National Monument is illuminated at night, changing colors every 15 minutes. You can also watch a light and sound show that tells the story of Indonesia's independence every night at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., except on Monday and national holidays.
- The National Monument has a secret chamber under the base, which was intended to be the final resting place of President Sukarno and his successors. However, the plan was never realized and the chamber remains empty and closed to the public.
- The National Museum has a replica of the Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Buddhist temple in the world, in its courtyard. You can also see a replica of the Sangiran skull, one of the oldest fossils of Homo erectus, in its prehistoric collection.
- The Merdeka Palace has a collection of gifts from various heads of state and dignitaries, such as a stuffed panda from China, a golden carriage from Thailand, and a crystal globe from the United States. You can also see a painting of President Sukarno and his daughter Megawati, who later became the president of Indonesia, in the reception room.
- The Galeri Nasional has a permanent collection of over 1,700 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and photographs. Some of the notable artists whose works are displayed in the gallery are Raden Saleh, Affandi, Basuki Abdullah, and Hendra Gunawan.
- The Masjid Istiqlal is located across the street from the Jakarta Cathedral, a neo-Gothic Catholic church that was built in 1901. The two buildings represent the harmony and tolerance among different religions in Indonesia. You can also see a large Christian cross on the wall of the mosque, which was a gift from the cathedral.
- The Gedung Pancasila has a bronze statue of President Sukarno in front of it, which was unveiled in 2015 to mark the 70th anniversary of his speech. You can also see a replica of the microphone that he used to deliver his speech, which is kept in a glass case in the museum.
Things You Should Know Before You Visit Merdeka Square
If you are planning to visit Merdeka Square and the National Monument, here are some things that you should know:
How to get there:
Merdeka Square is located in the center of Jakarta and is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. You can take a bus, a train, a taxi, or a ride-hailing service to get there. The nearest bus stop is Monas, which is served by several bus routes, such as Transjakarta, Kopaja, and MetroMini. The nearest train station is Gambir, which is connected to the commuter rail network and the intercity rail network. The nearest taxi stand is at the National Museum, which is a short walk from Merdeka Square. You can also use a ride-hailing service, such as Gojek or Grab, to book a car or a motorcycle to take you to Merdeka Square.
Where to stay:
If you want to stay near Merdeka Square and the National Monument, you have plenty of options to choose from. You can find a range of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses that cater to different budgets and preferences. Some of the recommended places to stay are:
Hotel Borobudur Jakarta: This is a five-star hotel that offers luxurious rooms and suites, as well as a spa, a pool, a gym, and several restaurants and bars. It is located about 1.5 kilometers from Merdeka Square and the National Monument. The price per night ranges from 1,500,000 rupiah (about 105 USD) to 3,000,000 rupiah (about 210 USD).
Hotel Santika Premiere Jakarta: This is a four-star hotel that offers comfortable rooms and amenities, such as a fitness center, a business center, and a restaurant. It is located about 1 kilometer from Merdeka Square and the National Monument. The price per night ranges from 700,000 rupiah (about 49 USD) to 1,000,000 rupiah (about 70 USD).
Six Degrees Backpackers Hostel: This is a budget-friendly hostel that offers dorms and private rooms, as well as a rooftop terrace, a lounge, a kitchen, and a library. It is located about 2 kilometers from Merdeka Square and the National Monument. The price per night ranges from 100,000 rupiah (about 7 USD) to 300,000 rupiah (about 21 USD).
What to do:
There are many things that you can do at Merdeka Square and the National Monument, depending on your interests and preferences. You can:
- Visit the museum and the observation deck of the National Monument and learn more about the history and symbolism of the monument. You can also watch the light and sound show at night and see the monument in different colors.
- Explore the other attractions around Merdeka Square, such as the National Museum, the Merdeka Palace, the Galeri Nasional, the Masjid Istiqlal, and the Gedung Pancasila. You can see the collections, exhibitions, and architecture of these places and appreciate their cultural and historical value.
- Join the events and celebrations that take place at Merdeka Square, such as the Independence Day ceremony, the Jakarta Fair, and the New Year's Eve countdown. You can witness the festivities, the performances, and the fireworks that mark these occasions and join the crowd in cheering and singing.
- Relax and enjoy the scenery and atmosphere of Merdeka Square, which is a green oasis in the middle of the bustling city. You can walk, jog, bike, or picnic at the square and admire the views of the monument and the buildings. You can also meet and interact with the locals and other travelers who frequent the square and share your stories and experiences.
Merdeka Square is the heart of Jakarta and its iconic national monument. It is a place where you can learn more about the history, culture, and heritage of Indonesia, as well as enjoy the beauty and diversity of Jakarta. Whether you want to admire the architecture, explore the museum, or witness the events, you will find something to interest and inspire you at Merdeka Square.
