Welcome Monument

Beneath the outstretched arms of the Welcome Monument, a silent story unfolds. The Welcome Monument, also known as Monumen Selamat Datang, stands proudly in the heart of Jakarta. It’s more than just a statue; it’s a symbol of Indonesian hospitality, a welcoming embrace to all who visit. Commissioned by President Sukarno in the early 1960s, the Welcome Monument was envisioned as a centerpiece for the 1962 Asian Games, a symbol of Indonesia’s emergence onto the world stage. The monument, a towering bronze sculpture of a man and a woman waving in greeting, was designed by Henk Ngantung, the then-vice governor of Jakarta, and brought to life by the skilled hands of sculptor Edhi Sunarso. Initially, Sukarno intended the monument to be titled “Indonesian people greet their future,” a testament to his optimistic vision for the nation. The figures, standing five meters tall and perched atop a pedestal, reach a total height of thirty meters, dominating the Bundaran Hotel Indonesia roundabout. This bustling roundabout, or Bundaran HI, is named for its proximity to the historic Hotel Indonesia, a landmark in its own right. The roundabout forms a vibrant crossroads where major thoroughfares like Jalan M.H. Thamrin, Jalan Imam Bonjol, Jalan Sutan Syahrir, and Jalan Kebon Kacang converge. The woman in the sculpture holds a bouquet of flowers, a gesture symbolizing the warm welcome extended to visitors. Interestingly, the monument’s design draws inspiration from the socialist realism style of Soviet sculptor Vera Mukhina. Even Sukarno himself is said to have contributed to the design, adding his personal touch to this iconic landmark. The Welcome Monument has witnessed the ebb and flow of Jakarta’s history. From its inauguration on August 17, 1961, to the present day, it has stood as a silent observer of political rallies, cultural celebrations, and the daily pulse of city life. Today, the area around the monument, restored in 2002 with new fountains and lighting, serves as a gathering place for people from all walks of life. During Jakarta’s Car-Free Days, the roundabout transforms into a vibrant space where people jog, cycle, and capture the spirit of the city through photography. The Welcome Monument, with its outstretched arms and welcoming gesture, continues to embody the spirit of Indonesia, a nation open to the world.