The National Monument in Jakarta

Back to the Jawa island trip made 1-14 May 2012. Let us continue from the article Pekalongan, the batik centre of Indonesia.

After going around Pekalongan Saturday 5th May we went to Cirebon to visit the tomb of the saint called Sunan Gunung Jati. Then we took a train to Jakarta and arrived the next day 2 am. These are pictures from the day after, Monday 7th May. We were in front of the National Monument built to commemorate the fight to gain Indonesia's independence from the Dutch. 

For the record, independence was achieved in 1945 but only recognised by the colonialists years later. Standing at the height of 132 metres the National Monument is quite an imposing building which features prominently in Jakarta's city centre.

I was told that visitors could get to the top by taking an underground path which starts around this part.

Unfortunately we came late and it was already closed.

But we were in time for the last ride in this fun-train vehicle.

Visitors can get free rides to reach the furthest corner of the National Monument's compound.  

This save some walking time and sweat as the compound covers an area close to 1 square kilometre large.

Why, it even has a park and mini zoo of sorts...