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In Jakarta, lies one of the biggest city squares in the world: Medan Merdeka – or Buffelsveld, as it was called in the Dutch Colonial era. The 1,000,000 sqm piazza was a modest open field to herd water buffalos, hence the Dutch name. It was then renamed to Koningsplein (King’s Field) before our first president Soekarno, decided Medan Merdeka (Independence Square) was a more suitable name given it was four years after Indonesia’s independence day.
Since the beginning, it has been serving as a venue for fairs. Jakarta Fair was originally held here – before it moved to Jakarta International Expo – and quite similarly in the olden days, the Dutch had enjoyed the amusing Pasar Gambir right here.
The vast square is now very easy to find, as it is home to the National Monument Monas, the highest monument in the city standing at 132 metres tall. The square has a spacious lawn that surrounds the monument, from which visitors can enjoy lush greeneries, ponds so still they bear reflections, the rush of fountains, artworks and also the architectural scene of notable buildings within proximity.
Medan Merdeka also makes an ideal spot for a picnic. You can catch up on your reading, while the kids enjoy some outdoor activities. They would be delighted to watch the butterflies at the flower garden, or admire the copper statues of the national heroes. Bring in the kites, bicycles and outdoor toys anytime. There’s no need to wait for the perfect weather – it is forever sunny here in Jakarta.
The monument also has a museum, and an observation deck offering a 360-degree view of Jakarta. Not only is it the largest square – it’s also a historic spot that doubles as a recreational destination.