Arjuna Wijaya Statue, Jakarta

Arjuna Wijaya Statue, Jakarta

Situated in the heart of Jakarta's business district, the Arjuna Wijaya Statue stands as an iconic symbol of Indonesian heritage, culture, and national pride. Positioned at the bustling intersection of Jalan MH Thamrin and Jalan Medan Merdeka, this impressive monument, created in 1987, is composed of copper and stands 5 meters tall and 23 meters long, with a weight of 3,600 pounds.

Drawing inspiration from the Mahabharata—one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India in Hinduism—the statue depicts the legendary figure Arjuna, one of the Five Pandava brothers, riding on a horse-drawn carriage and defeating Karna in the Bharata Yuda War. This powerful scene was brought to life by Indonesian sculptor Nyoman Nuarta, who designed the Arjuna Wijaya Statue as a poignant reminder of Indonesia's struggle for independence.

Erected under President Soeharto's direction, the statue serves as a tribute to Indonesia's hard-earned freedom, with the hope that it would inspire future generations to defend their homeland. Furthermore, Nuarta's interpretation of the monument highlights its role as a symbol of impartial law enforcement, drawing inspiration from the story of a statue depicting Arjuna's battle against his brother, the Duke of Karna.

Visitors to Jakarta should make it a point not to miss the Arjuna Wijaya Statue. As a vibrant symbol of Indonesia's history, cultural diversity, and national pride, it serves as a captivating reminder of the resilience, determination, and unity that define the nation and its people.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Jakarta. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Arjuna Wijaya Statue on Map

Sight Name: Arjuna Wijaya Statue
Sight Location: Jakarta, Indonesia (See walking tours in Jakarta)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Jakarta, Indonesia

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Throughout the centuries, the European powers, particularly the Dutch who colonized Indonesia from the 1800s until 1945, left their mark on Jakarta. At one time known as Batavia, the de-facto capital of the Dutch East Indies, today Jakarta boasts a wealth of old-time structures, featuring a fascinating blend of European and Javanese design influences.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles

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