National Monument of Indonesia, National monument and obelisk in Central Jakarta, Indonesia
The National Monument stands as a 137-meter tall obelisk above Merdeka Square, clad in marble and crowned with a bronze flame covered in gold leaf. At its base lies an underground museum, while an observation deck at the upper level offers visitors a panoramic view over Jakarta.
Construction began in 1961 at the initiative of President Sukarno as a symbol of the country's independence struggle. The official opening took place only in July 1975, after political changes delayed the completion of the project.
Families and students often gather at the base of the structure, using the surrounding green spaces of the square as a meeting point and a place to relax. During important national holidays, people from across the country come here to take part in ceremonies and events together.
Access to the observation deck is via an elevator inside the column, with visits possible on most days of the week except Mondays. The underground museum and the viewing terrace require separate admissions, so visitors should allow enough time for both.
The golden flame at the top weighs 14.5 tons and is designed so it can be removed for maintenance when needed. Inside the base, a small chamber preserves personal items and documents left by the founders of the republic.
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