Bung Karno's Reason For Prioritizing Monas Development Compared To The Istiqlal Mosque

Bung Karno while reviewing the construction of the Monas Monument, which began on August 17, 1961. (Twitter/@rizkidwika)

JAKARTA - President Soekarno played a major role in Jakarta's growth and development. He does not only see Jakarta as the capital city of the country. For him, Jakarta is a mercusuar'' of national civilization. Bung Karno's big dream is the reason Bung Karno often intervenes in building Jakarta.

All kinds of construction from buildings to monuments - must have their blessing. Especially in the construction of the National Monument (Monas) and the Istiqlal Mosque. However, Bung Karno recently prioritized Monas over Istiqlal.

Jakarta's appeal has been worldwide since time immemorial. In fact, long before the Dutch colonial period. The trade struggle in Jakarta was able to attract people to come and settle. Bung Karno knew very well about it.

He never underestimated the narrative of Jakarta as an important city. There are also many historical events for the Indonesian nation to be presented in Jakarta. He perpetuated the breakthrough when he served as the number one person in Indonesia.

Bung Karno wants to make Jakarta an example of an ideal city in Indonesia. he has his knowledge as an engineer. He intervened in Jakarta's development affairs. Big man also started to initiate all kinds of lighthouse projects in Jakarta. From the construction of sports complexes to monuments.

Sebagai ajian, Bung Karno ikut memilih pemimpin untuk Jakarta. Ia melihat kejahatan yang terjang sosok yang cocok menjadi pusat panduan perkembangan ibu kota. Semuanya untuk memastikan Jakarta mampu dibangun seiring dengan kota-kota besar yang ada di dunia.

The typical products of these designs are modern and monumental. Soekarno likes great symbols that will make the world tarnish and make Jakarta level with any modern big city and really appreciates his own strength and the tradition of revolution. He really likes skyscrapers and statues that are attracting attention.

Most of the statues in Jakarta during this period were raised on a very high foundation and towered into space. For example, the West Irian Liberation Monument in Lapangan Banteng and the Selamat Statue Come near Hotel Indonesia," said Susan Blackburn in the book Jakarta History 400 Years (2012).

The plan to build the Istiqlal and Monas Mosque is included in the series of lighthouse projects that Bung Karno wants to build. The construction of the two is carefully planned. The construction of the Istiqlal Mosque especially.

Istiqlal's development plan has been going on since the 1950s. Bung Karno and the Old Order last held a competition to find the best architect. Moreover, he himself acted as a jury. He also chosen architect Friedrich Silaban as the winner in 1955.

The story of the construction of Monas is not much different. The Monas development plan was rolled out almost the same as Istiqlal. Bung Karno wanted to answer the input of the Indonesian people so that Indonesia could have a symbol of the nation's magnificent and luxurious struggle.

Soekarno did not forget to hold a competition to find the best architects. Even though Soekarno was not sure what the design of the first and second competition participants ended without a winner. In the end, Bung Karno directly chose the architect who was given the space to design Monas: Soedarsono.

The construction of the two monumental projects began in the same year. The National Monument on August 17, 1961. The Istiqlal Mosque on August 24, 1961. However, in the middle of the road for the construction of the monumental project was hampered by funds. Indonesia's economic condition is in disarray.

Bung Karno also experienced a dilemma. He had to choose one of the lighthouse projects that had to be prioritized. The choice fell to Monas. Soekarno's power to choose Monas was excited. Government officials and the people wondered why Soekarno was more concerned with Monas than the Istiqlal Mosque, which incidentally houses of worship for all Muslims in Jakarta.

The figure of the Masyumi Party, Abdullah Salim, also spoke up. The political figure who is also the chairman of the Greater Jakarta DPRD met Bung Karno directly to explore the main reason for the construction of the Istiqlal Mosque to be number two.

Soekarno in fact has his own reasons. He tried to calm Abdullah Salim by giving an understanding that Istiqlal's construction would continue, there was or without Bung Karno in the title of Indonesia's leadership.

It's different with the construction of Monas. If it wasn't Soekarno, the project's leader would not be completed. Moreover, Monas is the embodiment of the struggle of the entire Indonesian nation. From all religions to ethnic groups.

Bung Karno finally made a difficult decision by prioritizing the construction of Monas compared to Istiqlal. Monas was finally inaugurated on July 12, 1971. Then, the Istiqlal Mosque was only inaugurated on February 22, 1978. the two were inaugurated during the New Order government.

"I prioritized and immediately completed the construction of the Monas Monument rather than the construction of the Istiqlal Mosque because I am sure that if I do not have (meaning to die) the construction of the mosque will still be continued by the people until finished. Meanwhile, the construction of the Monas Monument may not be continued," said Bung Karno as written by his aide Maulwi Saelan in the book From the 45th Revolution to the 66th Coup: The testimony of the Deputy Commander of the Tjakrabirawa (2008).