Merdeka Square in Jakarta

Jakarta, the bustling metropolis, has been traditional and modern; rich and poor and spiritual and worldly. The diverse culture of Jakarta is a reminder of the nation’s motto: “Unity in Diversity”. Jakarta is the main gateway to Indonesian archipelago. It is seldom treated as a centre for tourism other than the old part of the city which is a definite ‘must visit’ if you are visiting the area. Jakarta popular destinations have always attracted people from far and wide. Merdeka Square in Jakarta is one of the most popular destinations.

Merdeka Square in Jakarta –Fast Facts

Address of Merdeka Square in Jakarta: Merdeka Square, Monumental
Views square, Lapangan Merdeka 10110.

Contact no.: 021 384 0451 (info)

Features of Merdeka Square in Jakarta

  -  Jakarta's monuments can best be described as 'inspired tastelessness'. Features of the Merdeka Square in Jakarta include:

  -  Among Soekarno's (first president of Indonesia) great legacies are his heroes-of-socialism structures, and the most impressive of these is the 132m (433ft) National Monument (Monas).
  -  The phallic symbol topped by a glittering flame symbolizes the nation's strength and independence, and towers above the Merdeka Square in Jakarta.
  -  Indonesian National Museum is another popular museum at Merdeka Square in Jakarta.

Indonesian National Museum in Jakarta

The National Museum is located on the west side of Merdeka Square in Jakarta. The National Museum is popularly known as Gedung Gajah - "Elephant Building". The stone elephant given by King Chulalongkorn of Thailand in 1871 is now on the front lawn of the building.

The National Museum offers historical, pre-historical, archaeological and ethnographic aspects of Indonesia through its extensive collections of artifacts and relics that date as far back as the Stone Age. The National Museum has one of the most complete collections of bronzes and ceramics that date back to the Han, Tang and Ming Dynasties. Established by U.M.C. Rademacher under the auspices of the Batavia Association of Arts and Sciences in 1778, The National Museum was officially opened in 1868.

The National Museum boasts of a huge collection of cultural instruments, household utensils, arts and crafts. These provide an introduction to the life of the various ethnic groups which populate Indonesia. The The National Museum has one of the finest numismatic collections in the world. The religious art section is filled with artifacts and sculptures salvaged from sites of Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic edifices.

The National Monument (Monas) in Jakarta

The National Monument (Monas) is a 137-meter tall marble obelisk at Merdeka Square in Jakarta. It is topped with a flame coated with 35 kilograms of gold which represents the people's determination to achieve freedom. The National Monument (Monas) houses a historical museum and meditation hall, and is open to the public. An elevator carries visitors to the top, offering a bird's eye view across the city to the sea.

The National Monument (Monas) towers over Merdeka (Freedom) Square in Jakarta, and serves as Jakarta's most prominent landmark. The monument was built during the Sukarno era of nationalism.

Hotels in Jakarta
Dharmawangsa Hotel	Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel	Kemang Icon By Alila Hotel
Shangri-la Hotel	Jw Marriott Hotel