We don’t need to travel to Singapore to see dancing water with lights as the city now offers a new and similar experience at West Iran Liberation Monument in Central Jakarta.
Following a major revamp in 2017, Monumen Pembebasan Irian Barat or West Irian Liberation Monument has been gaining popularity among Jakartans and tourists looking for alternative public spaces and creative spots other than the National Monument (Monas) and Kota Tua.
Known as Waterloo Plein during the Dutch colonisation era, the location was made popular with the establishment of the West Irian Liberation Monument in 1963. It is now transformed as a destination where people can relax, exercise, hold public events and other community gathering as well as witness the dancing fountain at its semi-circle amphitheatre area.
The light and water show can be enjoyed every Saturday starting from 6.30pm, showcased in three different sessions. This new attraction has bring magic back to the the historical site as it regained its popularity, especially after the major renovation in 2018.
Yori Antar from HAP Architects helped transform the architectural design where the process involved integrating areas around the monument, including a sports zone and a park zone. It’s now an open space, designed in the style of an amphitheatre with a number of historical quotes on the walls, reflecting a remembrance when West part of New Guinea (West Papua or Irian Barat) fell to Indonesian territory, received from the Netherlands.
This year, West Irian Liberation Monument also become a center spot for the city 492nd anniversary celebration where thousands of people gather with family and friends going for a picnic at Semasa Creative Night and enjoying dancing fountain in the central location.
West Irian Liberation Monument
Lapangan Banteng
Jalan Banteng Barat, Pasar Baru
Sawah Besar, Central Jakarta
