The Nationwide Monument, or "Monas" as it is generally known as, is one of the typical monuments designed during the Sukarno era of intense nationalism. The top of the Nationwide Monument (Monas) is Flexibility Rectangle. It appears for the peoples' perseverance to obtain freedom and the glorious of their initiatives in the Proclamation of Flexibility in Aug 1945. The 137-meter high stone obelisk is lead with a relationship protected with 35 kg of gold. The base houses a historical museum and a hall for meditations. The monument is open to the public and upon request the lift can carry visitors to the top, which offers a bird's eye view on the city and the sea.
Go early to beat the crowds and the haze. It is easy for the less physically able as lifts take visitors to the top. The diorama exhibition in the basement gives such a distorted view of Indonesian history - thanks to the dictator Suharto wanting to brainwash the nation - it's amusing. This imposing obelisk is Jakarta's most famous landmark. Construction started in 1961 under President Soekarno but was not completed until 1975, under President Soeharto. The monument houses a couple of museums. The Freedom Hall depicts Indonesia's struggle for independence through a series of dioramas, whereas the Hall of Contemplation displays the original Declaration of Independence document and a recording of the speech. An elevator takes one to the observation platform, which commands a bird's-eye view of the cityscape.
