Thrusting into the sky like a giant marble phallus, the national monument (Monas) represents the strength of the Indonesian people, and dominates the centre of Merdeka Square.
Built at extraordinary cost over a 14 year period from 1961, and reaching 132m in height, you can ride a lift to the top of the construction, and peep over the edge nervously in order to see stunning views over the city, or at least you could if Jakarta was not constantly covered in a thick chemical smog that only occasionally lifts.
