Jakarta, on the island of Java in Indonesia, sprawls over 25km (15mi) from its docks in the north to the suburbs of in the south. The city centre fans out from around Merdeka Square, a grand, barren field, which contains the central gold-tipped landmark of the National Monument (Monas). The Monumen Nasional (or Tugu Monas, the National Monument tower) is a 450 ft (137 m) tall tower in Central Jakarta, symbolizing the fight for Indonesia's Independence. Its construction began in 1961 under Sukarno and was not finished until 1975 under Suharto. It is topped by a 14.5 tonnes flame-shaped bronze plated in 35 kg (1,125 troy ounces) of gold.

Visitors can take a lift up to a platform with a good view of Medan Merdeka Park, Istiqlal Mosque and the city, if it is not too foggy. Inside the base of the monument is an exhibition on the country's Declaration of Independence and several dioramas showing the history of Indonesia.

The design of the monument is meant to combine elements of masculine and feminine. The design based on Lingga-Yoni, the symbol of fertility in ancient Hindu-Javanese belief. The phallic shaft comes toward the ground and is engulfed by square base meant to symbolize fertility. The monument body was made of steel and concrete covered with italian white marble. On the top of the tower there's a square terrace that can be reach by visitor with elevator. From here visitor can see aerial view of Jakarta. The monument is crowned by gold-coated flame, right on the top of the peak terrace. This golden flame symbolize the spirit of freedom and the struggle for independence of Indonesian people.

Jakarta doesn't really have a centre: rather there are a number of centres all separated by vast traffic jams, incredible pollution and heat. For most visitors, the area south of the monument holds most interest. Jl Thamrin is the main shopping and deluxe hotel thoroughfare, while just to the east is the main restaurant and cheap hotel area, Jl Jaksa.