Overview

Home to the National Monument, Lapangan Merdeka measures one square kilometer and ranks as one of the world's largest squares. With government buildings and Jakarta's major thoroughfares lining its four sides, it makes for a very pleasant and picturesque stroll on a cool day. The park conceals a long history. From a grazing field it became a military training ground in 1809. It was then renamed Koningsplein (King's Square) in 1816 and Lapangan Gambir toward the end of the 19th century, during which it also hosted an annual night fair. Finally, it became the Freedom Square in 1975.