The National Monument, locally known as Monumen Nasional or Monas, is a towering monument located in the heart of Jakarta, Indonesia. It was constructed to commemorate the struggle for Indonesian independence. Standing at 132 meters in height, it is topped with a flame coated with gold leaf. Monas is an iconic symbol of Jakarta and serves as a popular tourist attraction, providing panoramic views of the city from the observation deck.
The construction of Monas began on August 17, 1961, under the direction of then-President Sukarno and was officially opened to the public on July 12, 1975.
Visitors can access the observation deck by purchasing a ticket for a nominal fee. An elevator takes tourists up to the deck, where they can enjoy sweeping views of Jakarta.
Monas typically opens to visitors every day except for the last Monday of each month when it is closed for maintenance. Opening hours are generally from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but it's advisable to check the current schedule as timings can change.
Inside the Monas complex, tourists can visit the National History Museum, which is located at the base of the monument. The museum showcases dioramas that trace Indonesia's history from prehistoric times to its independence period. Visitors can also see the Hall of Independence, which contains the original text of the Proclamation of Independence and a recording of the speech by Indonesia's first president, Sukarno.
Yes, there is a small entrance fee to enter the Monas complex, and an additional ticket is required to access the observation deck and the museum.
The site is equipped with visitor facilities including restrooms, prayer rooms, food stalls, and souvenir shops. Tourist information centers are also available to help visitors navigate the attraction.
The flame at the top of the National Monument represents the spirit of the Indonesian people's struggle for freedom. The gold-foil coating symbolizes the richness of the Indonesian nation.
The National Monument occasionally hosts various events, especially on national holidays such as Independence Day on August 17th, when special ceremonies and festivities take place.
Yes, photography is allowed at Monas, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals to capture memories of the iconic landmark. However, the use of drones or professional photography may require special permission.
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