Other Side Of Monas. Central Jakarta

Monas! Jakarta’s own Washington Monument which itself is surrounded by one of the largest public parks in Jakarta. Situated in the central government district of Jakarta, Monas or Monumen Nasional (National Monument) sits directly beside the Presidential Palace of Indonesia. Many Government buildings such as the Constitutional Court, National Secretary Office also surround the area. Though being somewhat Obelisk-shaped, the Monas itself draws inspiration from Hindu and traditional Javanese beliefs. Constructed during the reign of Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, it takes its belief and inspiration from the idea of Lingam of Lingga from Hinduism. The Lingam itself is a symbol of the Hindu deity Shiva, and it is usually placed atop a platform known as a Yoni. In the case of Monas, we too can see the obelist itself placed upon a platform-like structure which these two objects combined are meant to symbolize masculine and feminine features which are responsible for creation of new life.

Aside from religious inspiration, the area around Monas is also connected to the Pasar Baru district of central Jakarta. Pasar Baru or New Market was once and still is a major hub of various types of textiles, mostly owned and run by Indian expatriates who have lived in Jakarta for generations. Behind these lavish textile markets also houses one of, if not, the oldest Chinese temples in Indonesia. Though being hidden behind small and narrow alleyways, caretakers of the temple are always more than happy to receive visitors who are curious about the architecture and history of the temple itself.

Across the cross cultural markets of Paru Baru, remains one of the most well maintained art deco and New Imperial architectural monuments of the Dutch Colonial era. The Philately Building or Gedung Filateli once was the major post office for the Dutch East India company. Serving as the HQ for the Indonesian Philately Community momentarily, the building itself has now since been refurbished and repurposed into a creative and public hub for all to visit and enjoy.