Situated in the heart of Jakarta, precisely at the intersection of Jalan M.H. Thamrin, Jalan Imam Bonjol, Jalan Sutan Syahrir, and Jalan Kebon Kacang, the Welcome Monument stands as a symbol of national pride and hospitality. This 17-meter-tall bronze statue serves as Jakarta’s zero-kilometer point, consistently captivating visitors from across the globe. Its majestic presence in the center of the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout offers a distinctive urban panorama, where the bustling traffic of the capital harmonizes with the tranquility of the surrounding park and fountain. Boasting a 4.7 rating from 8,640 reviews, the monument has firmly established itself as an essential destination, preserving profound history and enduring cultural value.
📸 写真ギャラリー
Why Visit This Landmark
The Welcome Monument is far more than a traffic guide; it is a historically significant work of art conceived under President Soekarno. Constructed in 1962 to welcome athletes and state guests for the IV Asian Games, the monument was designed by the then-Governor of Jakarta, Henk Ngantung, and sculpted by a team from Yogyakarta led by Edhi Sunarso. Every detail carries profound symbolic meaning. Historically, the statue’s northward orientation was intended to greet arrivals from Kemayoran Airport, while its waving hand gesture and grasp of flowers symbolize Indonesia’s openness and friendship with the world. It is this historical and artistic value that makes the site an essential visit for those seeking to understand the diplomatic spirit and national pride of Jakarta.
Experiences to Enjoy
As an urban explorer, you will find that the monument offers a dynamic visual and atmospheric experience throughout the day. From morning to afternoon, the expansive park and wide sidewalks are frequently filled with locals exercising or relaxing, particularly on Sundays when the Car Free Day event takes place. The ambiance grows even more captivating as night falls, with city lights shimmering against a backdrop of skyscrapers and the central fountain commanding attention. You can enjoy elevated city views by accessing the skydeck located at the TransJakarta Bundaran HI bus stop. Access to the area is straightforward and meticulously organized, featuring glass railings and modern lighting that enhance its elegant appeal. Along the connecting walkways, you will also encounter traditional food stalls offering local snacks, adding warmth to your exploration of the district.
Getting There
The Welcome Monument is located at Jl. Kebon Melati 1 No.5, RT.1/RW.5, Menteng, Kec. Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta 10310. This location is highly accessible, situated at the intersection of four major roads that serve as vital arteries of the capital. Public transportation options such as TransJakarta, MRT, or LRT provide convenient access, with the nearest stations located around Bundaran HI. For a more comfortable experience, you can ride the TransJakarta bus to the Bundaran HI stop and tap your electronic card to access the skydeck area. If you prefer private vehicles, parking is available around the hotel and office complexes in the Thamrin area. However, utilizing public transportation is strongly recommended to avoid frequent traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours.
Practical Tips for Visitors
To ensure an optimal visit, several considerations should be kept in mind. The ideal time to visit is from late afternoon into the evening, when the city’s illumination and the fountain display their maximum beauty. If you plan to enjoy the elevated panorama, ensure you carry an electronic payment card compatible with the TransJakarta bus stop’s tap-in system. Wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear, as you will be walking across extensive park areas and wide sidewalks. Avoid visiting on weekdays during peak hours if you prioritize tranquility, and make use of Sunday mornings to experience the vibrant Car Free Day atmosphere. Finally, maintain cleanliness of the area and respect the monument as a cultural heritage site that requires preservation.
Visitor Reviews
"The Bundaran HI bus stop is no longer just a boarding and alighting point for TransJakarta buses; it has also become one of the best spots to enjoy Jakarta’s nighttime skyline. From the skydeck area on the upper level, visitors can take in the city panorama featuring a row of skyscrapers along Jalan MH Thamrin down to Sudirman. At night, the atmosphere feels exceptionally special, with the shimmering city lights and the central fountain drawing all eyes."
"The Welcome Monument, towering over the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout in Central Jakarta, has stood since 1962. This bronze statue depicts a man and a woman standing side by side, holding hands while waving and holding bouquets, symbolizing friendship and hospitality. The site features a circular basin with a fountain, a small park, and wide sidewalks that are filled every Sunday morning with residents exercising and socializing during Car Free Day."
"The Welcome Monument was constructed in 1962 on the initiative of President Soekarno to welcome athletes and state guests for the IV Asian Games. The waving pair holding flowers symbolizes Indonesia’s hospitality and friendship, while its northward orientation was originally meant to greet arrivals from Kemayoran Airport. The monument was designed by Henk Ngantung, with the sculpting work carried out by a Yogyakarta team led by Edhi Sunarso."
The Welcome Monument has stood firm for over six decades as a silent witness to Indonesia’s historical journey. It is far more than a directional marker or a photo backdrop; it is a tangible representation of the nation’s spirit of hospitality and diplomacy. With its high rating and thousands of continuous visitors, the monument proves that cultural and historical values remain deeply relevant amid urban modernization. You will discover that every corner of Bundaran HI holds stories worth exploring. Visit this location, immerse yourself in its atmosphere, and allow this iconic monument to become an integral part of your journey to discover the true essence of Jakarta.
