Exploring Historical Sites in Jakarta to Celebrate Indonesia’s 78th Independence Day

INDONESIA: As Indonesia’s 78th Independence Day is falling on Thursday (17 Aug), citizens are finding various ways to honour the sacrifices of their nation’s heroes.

Among the myriad options, visiting historical landmarks in Jakarta has emerged as a popular way to commemorate the struggle for Indonesian independence.

Jakarta boasts numerous historical sites that vividly portray the endeavours of the nation’s heroes in achieving freedom.

Here are some recommendations for historical sites in Jakarta to mark the 78th Independence Day, gathered from various sources.

Photo: The documentary of Museum Perumusan Naskah Proklamasi.

1. Museum of Proclamation Manuscript Formulation (Museum Perumusan Naskah Proklamasi)

Situated on Jalan Imam Bonjol, Menteng, Central Jakarta, the Museum of Proclamation Manuscript Formulation showcases the process of drafting Indonesia’s Declaration of Independence. Within its walls, visitors can explore antique furniture, historically significant rooms, and dioramas capturing the atmosphere of the proclamation’s formulation.

Photo: The documentary of TripAdvisor

2. Gedung Joang 45 (Joang 45 Building)

Located on Jalan Menteng Number 31, the Gedung Joang 45 is a Dutch colonial heritage structure with imposing pillars at its front.

Originally owned by Dutch entrepreneur LC Schomper, the building once housed Hotel Schomper, frequented by high-ranking Dutch officials, foreign entrepreneurs, and native officials visiting Batavia.

During the Japanese occupation, Dutch assets were seized, including Schomper’s property. The building transformed into an Indonesian youth dormitory, serving as a hub for political education by Japanese authorities.

However, nationalist figures like Sukarno, Hatta, Malik, and Saleh participated in dismantling this propaganda effort.

The building later changed its name to Menteng 31, housing Indonesian youth activists, and now offers a history-rich experience for visitors, including documentary displays and traditional Betawi music.

Photo: Wikipedia

3. National Monument (Monumen Nasional; Monas)

Standing tall at 132 meters in the heart of Merdeka Square, Central Jakarta, the National Monument (Monas) stands as a symbol of Indonesia’s struggle for independence.

This building was designed and constructed by Indonesian architects and engineers, namely Soedarsono, Silaban, and Rooseno, in 1961.

Monas takes the form of a square obelisk adorned with Italian marble, culminating in a 14-meter-high, 6-meter-wide golden flame crafted from 14.5 tons of copper coated with 50 kilograms of pure gold.

At its base, the National History Museum houses dioramas depicting the heroes’ fight for independence, and visitors can hear President Soekarno’s voice reciting the proclamation. From the monument’s peak, breathtaking views of Jakarta await.

Photo: Wikipedia

4. Monumen Proklamasi (Proclamation Monument)

Originally the site of Indonesia’s independence declaration by Soekarno at Jalan Pegangsaan Timur No. 56, this location now features the Proclamation Monument.

Two imposing statues of Soekarno and Hatta stand side by side, with a black marble inscription of the proclamation between them.

The monument also encompasses three historic pillars, including the Monument of the First Year of the Republic of Indonesia, the Lightning Monument, and the Sukarno-Hatta Proclamator Heroes Monument.

Photo: The documentary of Jakarta Cultural Office

5. Fatahillah Museum

Nestled on Jalan Taman Fatahillah, West Jakarta, the Fatahillah Museum was the first city hall in Batavia, now Jakarta.

The Batavia city hall also had a prison area which, during the VOC (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie) era, served as the main prison in Batavia. A single-story building once stood behind the city hall as a prison.

This prison was designated for inmates who could afford their own cells. Constructed in 1620 on the eastern bank of Kali Besar. Ali Sadikin, the Governor of DKI Jakarta, later inaugurated this building as the Jakarta History Museum on March 30, 1974.

The building houses artifacts from the Batavia period, showcasing Jakarta’s evolution from prehistoric times to the present day.

Photo: kellogsync.com

6. Kota Tua (Old Town)

Spanning 1.3 square kilometers in West and North Jakarta, Kota Tua, also known as Batavia Lama or Kota Lama, boasts a rich colonial history with Dutch forts, canals, governmental buildings, and offices.

Visitors can explore museums, cafes, art galleries, and flea markets, discovering the charm of Jakarta’s bygone era.

With these historic landmarks and monuments, Jakarta provides ample opportunities for citizens to connect with their nation’s past as they celebrate Indonesia’s 78th Independence Day on August 17th, 2023.