The Indonesian National Monument

_Monas

The Indonesian National Monument or Monas as it is known by locals, is a 137-meter high obelisk that was built to commemorate Indonesia's independence from its 350 years of colonization. It was inaugurated in 1972 and its construction was almost entirely funded by donations from the people of Indonesia.

_{Italian marble cladding}

It stands in the middle of Lapangan Merdeka or "Freedom Square" in the Indonesian capital city, Jakarta. The obelisk is clad with Italian marble and there is a flame on its top, which is made out of bronze and covered with 35 kg of gold leaf.

The entrance of the monument is via a tunnel that gives access to the National History Museum, which is under the monument, in the underground.

_{The entrance to Monas is via a tunnel}

In this museum, 51 dioramas show episodes of the history of Indonesia, from the earliest days. From the Singhasari and Majapahit empires, through the European colonization and their struggles for independence, and the Japanese occupation during World War II, until the proclamation of independence.

_{Diorama of the Proclamation of Independence}

_{Diorama of demonstrations of The People Triple Demand Actions, in 1966}

From the museum, stairs lead to a square platform, which has a nice view of Lapangan Merdeka, and reliefs of Indonesian History.

_{You will find these reliefs along the four walls of the Square Platform}

_{Reliefs made from molded cement}

But if you want to have an overview of Jakarta, you have to pay the entrance fee to the top of the monument. A lift goes up to the viewing platform, which is at a height of 115 meters.

_{Jakarta skyline from the Monas viewing platform}

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