Merdeka Square

Merdeka Square
The lookout of Jakarta’s colossal National Monument offers breathtaking views of the plaza and gardens that make up one of the world’s largest public squares.

Enjoy sweeping city views, admire grand colonial architecture, relax on grassy lawns and spot free-roaming deer at Merdeka Square (Lapangan Merdeka). Measuring about 185 acres (75 hectares) inclusive of its gardens, it is one of the biggest squares on the planet. Merdeka Square was created in the 18th century as the Dutch East India Company’s Koningsplein (King’s Square). It was renamed after Indonesia declared its independence from Dutch rule. Merdeka is the Indonesian word for independence.

Rising above the square is the 433-foot (132-meter) tall National Monument (Monumen Nasional), also known as Monas. Sukarno, Indonesia’s first president, gifted it to the nation as a symbol of independence. It features an obelisk crowned by a gilded sculpture of flames. Ride the elevator to the observation deck and marvel at the uninterrupted panoramas. On the ground floor is a museum exhibit with dioramas that portray Indonesian history from the prehistoric era to the battle for independence.

Stroll around the tree-shaded lawns, where groups of friends and families play games, enjoy picnics, fly kites and take shelter from the hot sun. Browse the collection of sculptures, including a bust of poet Chairil Anwar and an equestrian statue of the Javanese prince Diponegoro. Watch a musical fountain show, which takes place on weekends. Spotted deer live in an enclosure in the southeastern corner.

Inspect the colonial landmarks that frame the square. Among these are Jakarta City Hall and Merdeka Palace. At the National Museum of Indonesia, learn about the indigenous cultures native to the country’s many islands.

Located at the heart of Central Jakarta, the square is easily accessible via public buses. Gambir train station stands on the square’s eastern edge. Walk here from other major city attractions such as Immanuel Church, Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral.

Merdeka Square is busy 7 days a week and often hosts artisan markets and military parades. The National Monument is open daily and has an admission fee. Arrive early in the morning to avoid lines. The National Museum of Indonesia is open from Tuesday to Sunday.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Holiday Inn Express Jakarta Wahid Hasyim, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Jakarta Wahid Hasyim, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
Jl. K.H. Wahid Hasyim No.123, Jakarta
Holiday Inn Express Jakarta Wahid Hasyim, an IHG Hotel
ARTOTEL Thamrin Jakarta
ARTOTEL Thamrin Jakarta
3 out of 5
Jalan Sunda No.3, Jakarta, Jakarta
ARTOTEL Thamrin Jakarta
Mercure Jakarta Sabang
Mercure Jakarta Sabang
3.5 out of 5
Jl. H Agus Salim No. 11, Gambir Jakarta Pusat, Jakarta, Jakarta
Mercure Jakarta Sabang
Four Points by Sheraton Jakarta Thamrin
Four Points by Sheraton Jakarta Thamrin
4 out of 5
Jalan M.H. Thamrin Kav 9, Jakarta, Jakarta
Four Points by Sheraton Jakarta Thamrin
Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta
Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta
5 out of 5
Jalan MH Thamrin, Jakarta, Jakarta
Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta
Shangri-La Jakarta
Shangri-La Jakarta
5 out of 5
Kota BNI, JL. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 1, Jakarta, Jakarta
Shangri-La Jakarta
Ashley Wahid Hasyim Jakarta
Ashley Wahid Hasyim Jakarta
4 out of 5
Jalan K.H. Wahid Hasyim No. 73-75, Gondangdia, Menteng, Jakarta Pusat, Jakarta
Ashley Wahid Hasyim Jakarta
Ashley Sabang Jakarta
Ashley Sabang Jakarta
4 out of 5
Jalan H. Agus Salim No.22AB, RT.2/RW.1, Kb. Sirih, Menteng, Jalan Sabang, Jakarta, Jakarta
Ashley Sabang Jakarta
Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta
Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta
4 out of 5
Jl H Fachrudin 3, Jakarta, Jakarta
Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.