Merdeka Square, Jakarta
Merdeka Square (Indonesian: Medan Merdeka or Lapangan Merdeka, formerly Dutch: Koningsplein, lit. "King's Square") is a large square located in the center of Jakarta, Indonesia. Merdeka is the Indonesian word for freedom or independence. Measuring approximately one square kilometer in area, if the surrounding fields within the Merdeka Square are included, it is considered one of the largest squares in the world. At 75 hectares, it is over five times the size of Tiananmen Square, and 12 times the size of Place de la Concorde.
Merdeka Square | |
|---|---|
| Public square | |
| Indonesian: Medan Merdeka Lapangan Merdeka | |
| Former name(s): Lapangan Ikada Koningsplein | |
A view of Merdeka Square with National Monument standing in the middle of the square. | |
| Features | National Monument, fountain, statues |
| Construction | 1961–1976 |
| Opening date | 1976 |
| Amenities | parking |
| Area | 1 square kilometre (100 ha) |
| Surface | stone pavement and grass |
| Dedicated to | Indonesia independence |
| Location | Jakarta, Indonesia |
Merdeka Square | |
| Coordinates: 6°10′31″S 106°49′38″E | |
At its center stands the National Monument, often called Monas (Monumen Nasional). The paved plaza surrounds the monument often host national events such as military and float parades, as well as civic demonstrations. Surrounding the Monument is now a park with a musical fountain in western side, and a deer enclosure where deer roam among the shady trees in the southeast corner. The square is a popular destination for Jakartans for sports and recreation especially on weekends.
It is surrounded by important government buildings such as the Merdeka Palace, the National Museum, the National Library, Jakarta City Hall, Istiqlal Mosque, the Supreme Court and various governmental ministries. During the colonial Dutch East Indies era the square was called Koningsplein (King's square).