Historical Buildings; Monumen Nasional (Tugu Monas), Jakarta

Tugu Monas or Monumen Nasional (National Monument), The Landmark of Jakarta

Tourism Ideas - National Monument or the popularly abbreviated as Tugu Monas is a memorial standing at 132 meters (433 feet) built in the memory of the resistance and the struggle of the Indonesian people's for independence from the Dutch colonization.This monument is crowned  with gold sheetf-coated flame which symbolizes the spirit of the struggle for independence.

Following the recognition of the sovereignty of Indonesia by the Dutch government in 1949, or after the central government of Indonesia returned to Jakarta from Yogyakarta in 1950, President Sukarno began thinking about building a national monument that is equivalent to the Eiffel Tower in the square in front of the Presidential Palace.

On August 17, 1954, Bung Karno also formed a national committee. A year later, the national monument design competition was announced.This development was no other than to commemorate and preserve the Indonesian struggle for independence during the revolution of 1945. It is expected to continue to generate inspiration and patriotism among current and future generations.

Of the 51 works submitted, only one works made by Frederich Silaban, fulfilled the specified criteria set by the committee. Among other things describes the character of the Indonesian nation and can last for centuries.

The second contest was held in 1960, but again none of the 136 participants eligible. Chairman of the jury then asked Silaban to show the design to Sukarno. Unfortunately, Bung Karno didn't like the design of it. Silaban then asked to design a monument according the desire of the First President of Indonesia, but the design proposed by Silaban extraordinary. So the cost was too hight and Indonesia was unable to bear by the state budget.

Sukarno then asked the architect RM Sudarsonoto  resume the draft. Sudarsono enter the numbers 17, 8, and 45 which symbolizes August 17, 1945 the date of the Proclamation of Independence, into the design of the monument.

The National Memorial which is now a National Monument or the popular abbreviated with Monas, then built in an area of 80 hectares. This monument designed by Friedrich Silaban and RM Sudarsono, the construction began August 17, 1961 at 132 meters or 433 feet.

Monas was opened to the public on July 12, 1975. Monas is located right in the center of Merdeka, or Independence Square, Central Jakarta or in front of the Palace. Now, monuments and museums are open every day starting at 08:00 to 15:00 pm. On the last Monday of every month is closed to the public.