The National Monument, commonly known as Monas, is the most iconic landmark located in the heart of Jakarta. This massive white obelisk stands 132 meters tall in the center of Merdeka Square. It was built to commemorate the long struggle of the Indonesian people for their independence.
Many visitors come to this site to enjoy the park or take photos with the giant tower. However, the most special feature of the monument is the golden flame sitting at the very top. This "Flame of Independence" is covered with real, pure gold that sparkles beautifully under the sun.
Many people think there is only a little gold on the peak. However, did you know that actually Monas holds a total of 72 kilograms of real gold used for various decorations? This gold is a symbol of the wealth and the strong spirit of the Indonesian nation.
The History of the Gilded Tower
President Sukarno started the construction of Monas on August 17, 1961, to show the world Indonesia's greatness. He was inspired by the design of the Eiffel Tower and wanted a landmark that reflected the national identity. The project was designed by two famous Indonesian architects named Frederich Silaban and R.M. Soedarsono.
It took about 14 years to finish the construction because the country faced many political and funding issues. The project was even stopped for a while during the 30 September Movement before it could continue again. Finally, the monument was opened to the public on July 12, 1975, by the second president, Suharto.
The tower is not just a modern building but also a place that holds deep traditional meanings for the people. Its design is based on the philosophy of Lingga and Yoni, which represents masculinity and femininity. It also looks like traditional tools called Alu and Lesung that farmers use to grind rice.
Teuku Markam and the Gift of Gold
A large portion of the gold found on the monument was a gift from a very wealthy man named Teuku Markam. He was a successful businessman from Aceh who was often called a "Crazy Rich" person of his time. He donated 28 kilograms of his own gold to help fulfill the dream of President Sukarno.
When the flame was first created, the gold layer on the outside weighed about 32 to 35 kilograms. In 1995, the government decided to add more gold to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Indonesian independence. This addition brought the weight of the gold on the flame to exactly 50 kilograms.
Besides the gold on the flame, there are another 22 kilograms of real gold located inside the building. This hidden gold is used to decorate the independence gate, the Garuda emblem, and the national map. This brings the grand total of real gold used in Monas to 72 kilograms, which is much more than most people expect.
Exploring the Treasures Inside Monas
Inside the base of the monument, visitors can visit a large history museum located three meters underground. The museum has 51 diorama displays that tell the story of Indonesia from ancient times to the modern era. It is a wonderful place for students and tourists to learn about the journey of the nation.
One of the most emotional experiences is visiting the Room of Independence to hear the recording of Sukarno’s voice. This room stores the original text of the Proclamation of Independence inside a gold-plated gate. Hearing the historic speech while surrounded by real gold creates a very powerful atmosphere for everyone.
Visitors can take a lift to the observation deck located at a height of 115 meters. From this platform, you can enjoy an amazing 360-degree view of the entire city of Jakarta and the sea.
