NATIONAL MONUMENT
(Monumen Nasional)
Location : Jakarta
This monument located on Merdeka Square, symbol of the fight of Indonesian independence. Built on 1962 by President Soekarno with Fredich Silaban as the designer. The architecture and dimensions of the National Monument symbolizes the distinct characteristics of Indonesia. The high rising Obelisk signifies the Lingga (pestle) and the saucer like platform the Yoni (Mortar), both are cooking utensils that are commonly found in most Indonesian.
What Inside The Museum
The museum is located 132 meters below the surface of the courtyard. Twelve diorama line the walls along the four sides of the museum Hall. The diorama explain about the efforts of the Indonesian people to struggle from the colonialism and get the independence.
Within the saucer-like platform of the national monument (Middle Platform) is the hall of independence, which takes the form of an amphitheater. The halls holds the four principal components relating to Indonesia’s independence; a map of the Indonesian archipelago, the Sang Saka Merah Putih (the flag raised during the proclamation of independence), the Indonesian coat of arms “Bhineka Tunggal Ika” (unity in diversity) and the proclamation of independence text (as written and read by Soekarno and Hatta on August 17, 1945)
115 meters above the base of the National Monument is the 11m x 11m Lookout Platform. This platform provide 360 degree view of Jakarta. A single elevator will take visitors to the Lookout Platform.
- The Flame of Independence
The flame like structure at the top of the National Monument is 14 meters tall and 6 meters in diameter. This structure is made of 14,5 tons of Bronze and comprises of 77 separate elements. The entire surface of the structure is covered with approximately 50 kg of gold sheets.
