Hearing the word Monas must be familiar, especially for Jakarta residents. Monas, which stands for National Monument is a monument that was erected to commemorate the struggle of the Indonesian people in seizing independence. Not only an icon of the struggle of the Indonesian people, Monas is also used as a tourist destination by Jakarta and foreign citizens.
The first president Sukarno planned to build a national monument equivalent to the Eiffel Tower. The 132 meter high National Monument began construction in August 1959 on an area of ??80 hectares by architects Soedarsono and Frederich Silaban. This monument was inaugurated on August 17, 1961 by Indonesian President Soekarno and officially opened to the public on July 12, 1975, during the era of the Second President Soeharto's administration.
Monas has a deep philosophical meaning. The design of the Monas Monument is based on the concept of Lingga and Yoni. The towering monument is a symbol of the phallus, meaning male and fertility. While the saucer or bottom platform is Yoni which symbolizes women, feminine elements.
Ir. Sukarno made a contest to find the best design of Monas. The contest was held twice, the first was participated by 51 participants. Then the designs of the participants were reselected by the national committee until one of Frederich Silaban's designs remained. The reason for Frederich Silaban's design was chosen because it was in accordance with the expected criteria.
However, the committee was not satisfied with Frederich's plan. Finally they made the second contest. This time the contest was participated by 136 participants, but none of the designs were feasible. Because it didn't work, Ir. Soekarno asked Frederich Silaban to create a new concept. Frederich also invited another architect named RM. Soedarsono as his partner.
As many as 28 kg of the 38 kg of gold on the Monas torch were donations from Teuku Markam, an Acehnese businessman who was once one of the richest people in Indonesia. The gold came from a gold mine in the village of Lebong Tanda. At this time gold at the top of Monas is added to 50 kilograms.
Before being known as Monas, this monument had changed its name five times. Starting from Gambir Field, Ikada Field, Merdeka Field, Monas Field and Monas Park.
Inside Monas there is a museum! The museum is called the History Museum. The museum is located 3 meters below the surface of the National Monument monument with an area of ??80X80 square meters.
Not only museums, inside the Monas there is also the Independence Room. The Amphitheater Room of Independence is located inside the National Monument Cup Monument. In it there are four attributes of the independence of the Republic of Indonesia, the Map of the Republic of Indonesia, the Sang Saka Merah Putih Flag, the symbol of the Unity in Diversity, and the Gate that contains the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.
Monas Development has been opposed by various groups, especially students. The reason is because Ir. Sukarno was considered to be a waste of money by building Monas. Indonesia needs more infrastructure development after independence. Although it was rejected, finally on July 12, 1975 Monas was opened to the public and become a tourist destination until now.
Are you interested in visiting the National Monument?
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