In the heart of downtown Jakarta is this grand monument, which symbolizes the city’s openness in welcoming visitors from home and abroad.
Bundaran HI (Selamat Datang Monument) is a striking landmark that dominates Jakarta’s skyline. It’s also a popular social gathering point and a site for passive demonstrations. Unveiled in 1962, Bundaran HI served to welcome the sportspeople who competed in the Asian Games IV. It was one of several projects commissioned to improve and beautify Jakarta in advance of hosting the games. Today enjoy the warm hospitality offered by the city to its millions of visitors.
Standing on a pedestal 98 feet (30 meters) tall, Bundaran HI rises out of an ornamental pool. Crowning the monument is a 23-foot (7-meter) tall bronze sculpture of a waving man and woman. Note the bouquet of flowers that the woman raises aloft in her left hand. The towering work was created by national sculptor Edhi Sunarso and based on a sketch created by Jakarta’s former vice governor Henk Ngantung.
Surrounding the pool, a tiled pathway with a mosaic pattern is a great place to appreciate the monument. Sit at the edge and dip your toes in the water on a hot day. Watch as fountains perform a synchronized water display. At night, bright lights spectacularly illuminate the monument and pool.
Visit this attraction on a Sunday for the Car-Free Day. From early to late morning the major boulevards of Jalan Thamrin and Jalan Sudirman, which pass the monument, become pedestrian-only zones. Join local residents and tourists descending upon these streets to bike, jog, skate and walk. Sample local delicacies at food stands and be entertained by street performers.
Bundaran HI sits on Bundaran Hotel Indonesia roundabout in the Menteng district of Central Jakarta. Public buses stop a short walk away on Jalan Thamrin. The monument’s central location makes it a great starting point for visiting many other city attractions. Go on a shopping spree at nearby Grand Indonesia Shopping Mall. Enjoy sunset cocktails accompanied by stunning views from the 56th-floor restaurant of the Menara BCA tower.
