The unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia is an archipelago that spans across the equator, from Sabang in the west to Merauke in the east. This vast nation proclaimed its independence on August 17, 1945 after 350 years of colonial rulings.In order to commemorate and to honor the people’s relentless struggle for independence, also known as the “Indonesian People’s Revolt for Independence August 17, 1945”, and in an attempt to awaken a sense of patriotism among the people and future generations to come the government deemed it necessary to construct a monument. This monument was later known as the National Monument.
The construction of the National Monument was based on Presidential Decree number 214 of 1959 dated August 30, 1959 on the formation of a committee for the National Monument headed by Colonel Umar Wirahadikusumah, Commander of the KMKB Jakarta Raya.On August 17, 1961, as Indonesia celebrated its 16th year of independence, Ir Soekarno the first President of the Republic of Indonesia officiated the first groundbreaking ceremony to mark the initial construction of the National Monument.Soedarsono, one of Indonesia’s most prominent architects came up with the design of the National Monument, while Prof. Dr Ir. Rooseno served as consultant to the project. Funding for the construction was mostly derived from public donations.On March 18, 1972, based on Gubernatorial decree number Cb.11/1/57/72, the monument began to open its doors to the public for the first time
The Unique Characteristics of the National Monument
The architecture and dimensions of the National Monumet 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 household. The Lingga and Yoni symbolizes the positive and the negative, male and female, day and night, water and fire, the earth and the sky, all of which signifies timelessness and immortality.On the top of the monument stands a gold plate bronze flame that symbolizes the everlasting spirit to defend the sovereignty of the nation.The structure of the monument incorporates the numbers sacred to the hearts of all Indonesians, 17-8-45, the date of the Indonesian independence. These numbers are depicted in the height and width of the saucer-like platform, which stands at 17 m and 45m x 45m respectively, and the 8m tall hall that houses the History Museum.
The architecture and dimensions of the National Monumet 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 household. The Lingga and Yoni symbolizes the positive and the negative, male and female, day and night, water and fire, the earth and the sky, all of which signifies timelessness and immortality.On the top of the monument stands a gold plate bronze flame that symbolizes the everlasting spirit to defend the sovereignty of the nation.The structure of the monument incorporates the numbers sacred to the hearts of all Indonesians, 17-8-45, the date of the Indonesian independence. These numbers are depicted in the height and width of the saucer-like platform, which stands at 17 m and 45m x 45m respectively, and the 8m tall hall that houses the History Museum.
Main Section of the National Monument
The History MuseumThe museum is located 3 meters below the surface of the courtyard. The walls, floors and pillars within this 80m x 80m hall are made entirely of marbles. Twelve dioramas line the walls along the four sides of the museum hall. The dioramas depict a series of historical events from pre history Indonesia to the struggle for independence and the referendum for self determination by the people of Irian Jaya in 1969.The Lookout Platform115 meters above the base of the National Monument is the 11m x 11m lookout platform. This plat form provides a 360-degree view of Jakarta and can accommodate up to 50 people at one time. A single elevator (11-person capacity) will take visitors to the lookout platform, and emergency stairway is also available.The Flame of IndependenceThe 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.
Translated & Photos by Andy Setyawan
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