National Monument (Indonesia)

              National Monument or popularly abbreviated as Monas monument or memorial is as high as 132 meters (433 feet), which was established in memory of the resistance and the Indonesian people's struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule. Construction of the monument began on August 17, 1961 under the orders of the president Sukarno, and was opened to the public on July 12, 1975. This monument crowned flame coated gold sheet that symbolizes the spirit of fiery struggle. The National Monument is located right in the center of Merdeka Square, Central Jakarta. Monuments and museums are open every day starting at 08:00 to 15:00 pm. On Monday last week of each month is closed to the public.
History
               After the central government of the Republic of Indonesia returned to Jakarta after previously located in Yogyakarta in 1950 following the recognition of the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia by the Dutch government in 1949, President Sukarno began to think about the construction of a national monument that is equivalent to the Eiffel Tower on the ground right in front of the Palace. Development aims Monas monument commemorate and preserve the Indonesian struggle for independence during the revolution of 1945, in order to continue to inspire patriotism and spirit of present and future generations.
               On August 17, 1954 a national committee was formed and a national monument design competition held in 1955. There are 51 works entered, but only one works made by Frederich Silaban that meet the specified criteria committee, among others, describe the character of the Indonesian nation and can survived for centuries. The second contest was held in 1960 but again none of the 136 participants who meet the criteria. Chairman of the jury then asked Silaban to show his design to Sukarno. But Sukarno does not like the design of it and he wanted the monument was shaped phallus and yoni. Silaban then asked to design a monument with a theme like that, but the design of the proposed Silaban so extraordinary that the cost is very large and is not able to be covered by the state budget, especially when the economic conditions were pretty bad. Silaban reject designing smaller building, and suggested the construction be delayed until the Indonesian economy improves. Sukarno then asked the architect R.M. Soedarsono to resume the draft. Soedarsono enter the number 17, 8 and 45, August 17, 1945 symbolizes the start Proclamation of Indonesian Independence, into the design of the monument. The National Memorial was later built in an area of ​​80 hectares. This monument diarsiteki by Friedrich Silaban and RM Soedarsono, began construction August 17, 1961.