Visitors enjoying the long weekend atmosphere at Monas, Jakarta, Friday (15/5/2026).

Monas: The Enduring Magnet of Jakarta Tourism

The charm of the National Monument (Monas) as the main attraction for Jakarta tourism has not faded over time.

Entering the second day of the May 2026 long weekend, Friday (15/5/2026), the area around the 132-meter-tall monument was crowded with thousands of visitors coming from various parts of the archipelago and abroad.

The atmosphere of family picnics under shady trees and long queues for the tourist train have been the dominant scene since morning.

Interestingly, many visitors are willing to travel thousands of kilometers just to see the gold at the top of the monument.

A Childhood Dream Come True

One interesting story comes from Nur Cahya (52), a tourist from Palopo, South Sulawesi. For Nur, this visit was not just an ordinary vacation, but the realization of a childhood dream.

“Yes, this is my first time here. Tomorrow there is a family wedding event, so I stopped by to sightsee first,” said Nur Cahya at the location, Friday (15/5/2026).

Even though the Jakarta sun was starting to get hot, the look of happiness never left her face. She admitted to being amazed to be able to take photos directly with the monument in the background, which she had only ever seen on television.

“I’m happy to finally be able to see the monument directly that I had only seen on television since I was a child,” she added.

Besides the monument, Nur also visited the Istiqlal Mosque and performed Friday prayers at the iconic mosque.

Not only Nur, but a large group also came from East Java. Mujiyono (60) brought a family group from Tulungagung using two buses at once.

“The first destination is the monument, after this we continue to PIK,” said Mujiyono, who had been traveling by land since Thursday afternoon.

Visitor Data: Foreign Tourists Begin to Arrive

The surge in visitor numbers was confirmed directly by the management. The Head of the Area Management Unit, Muhammad Isa Sanuri, revealed statistical data that has been rising significantly since the gates opened.

Monas

Monas, officially known as the National Monument (Monumen Nasional), is a 132-meter tower located in the heart of Merdeka Square, Jakarta, Indonesia. Built to commemorate the struggle for Indonesian independence, its construction began in 1961 under President Sukarno and was completed in 1975. The monument features a flame-shaped gold-plated peak and an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city, symbolizing the nation’s enduring spirit of freedom.

National Monument

The National Monument, often referring to the National Monument in Jakarta, Indonesia, is a 132-meter tower built to commemorate the struggle for Indonesian independence. Construction began in 1961 under President Sukarno and was completed in 1975, symbolizing the people’s resilience and unity. The monument features a golden flame at its peak and houses a museum depicting Indonesia’s history from pre-colonial times to the modern era.

Istiqlal Mosque

Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia, is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, built to commemorate Indonesian independence. Construction began in 1961 under President Sukarno and was completed in 1978, symbolizing national unity and religious tolerance. Its modern design incorporates seven gates representing the seven heavens of Islam, and it stands adjacent to Jakarta Cathedral, highlighting Indonesia’s pluralistic heritage.
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Monas

Monas, officially known as the National Monument (Monumen Nasional), is a 132-meter tower located in the heart of Jakarta, Indonesia. Built to commemorate the country’s struggle for independence, its construction began in 1961 under President Sukarno and was completed in 1975. The monument features a gold-plated flame at the top and houses a museum and observation deck, symbolizing the nation’s enduring spirit and history.

National Monument

The National Monument, often referring to the National Monument in Jakarta, Indonesia, is a 132-meter tower symbolizing the country’s struggle for independence. Construction began in 1961 under President Sukarno and was completed in 1975, with its gold-plated flame representing the spirit of the Indonesian people. The monument houses a museum detailing Indonesia’s history and offers panoramic views of Jakarta from its observation deck.

Istiqlal Mosque

Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia, is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, built to commemorate Indonesian independence. Construction began in 1961 under President Sukarno and was completed in 1978, with the mosque’s name meaning “independence” in Arabic. It stands as a national symbol of religious freedom and unity, often hosting major Islamic events and interfaith activities.