Merdeka Square, commonly known as Medan Merdeka, is a silent witness to the government’s history in Indonesia. This square has directly witnessed the administrations during the Dutch, Japanese, and Indonesian periods. In the past, the square was used as a field for horse racing during the Dutch colonial era. Before that, it was also utilized by the Jakarta Athletic Association (IKADA) in 1940 before moving to the main stadium GBK, Senayan, Jakarta. That’s why the square was formerly called IKADA Square during the Japanese occupation. Even during the era of Herman Willem Daendels (the semi-French Dutch colonial era), the square was used as a military training ground.

[{"url":"/assets/images/blog/The-Silent-Witness-of-Indonesias-Government-History/1.jpg","alt":"","title":""},{"url":"/assets/images/blog/The-Silent-Witness-of-Indonesias-Government-History/2.jpg","alt":"","title":""}]

After Indonesia gained independence, the square was used for the Jakarta Fair to commemorate the anniversary of Jakarta, organized by the then-Governor of Jakarta, Ali Sadikin. In the square, there are also deer usually scattered in the park and city forest surrounding the National Monument. This square is a historical tourist destination and the most comfortable place to enjoy the beauty of the National Monument. This destination is perfect for those who are passionate about history while wanting to relax in the midst of the park and city forest in the bustling city of Jakarta.