Jakarta Globe, Lenny Tristia Tambun, May 06, 2014
Finalists in the Abang None Jakarta pageant rehearse at the National Monument (Monas) on July 2, 2013. (Photo courtesy of @abnonjakarta). |
Jakarta.
One of Jakarta’s most iconic landmarks, the National Monument, will be washed
this week and next for the first time in decades.
“Today we
commenced [the cleaning] and some experts from Germany will come on Thursday to
clean the obelisk,” monument manager Rini Haryani said on Monday.
Usually
referred to as Monas, shortened from Monumen Nasional, the obelisk stands in
the center of a grassy park in Central Jakarta that attracts thousands of
tourists every day, along with hawkers, street performers and local children
kicking footballs.
Sukarno,
Indonesia’s first president, ordered the construction of the 132-meter tower,
which opened to the public in 1975.
The grounds
and other attractions will remain open during the cleaning, scheduled to end on
May 18, but the top of the monument will be off limits.
“Visitors
can still visit the National History Museum and the Hall of Independence, they
are still open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m,” Rini said.
German
company Kaercher, known for its work on public monuments, has taken on the
mammoth task of washing away 22 years of discoloring dirt and Jakarta
pollution. The company recently changed its Facebook cover photo to an illustration
of two figures abseiling down the structure’s facade.
Kaercher
cleaned the monument in 1992 — the last time it had a professional rinse. Rini
said the company would use special heavy duty equipment.
Jakarta
Deputy Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama said he had entrusted Kaercher with the
task because it did well in 1992 and because of its strong international
reputation.
“First of
all it is free,” he said. “Many companies offered us to clean it up for free,
but we need a company that has experience… and we want to be able to promote
our landmark.”
Kaercher
has cleaned over 80 global landmarks, including the London Eye in England and
Mount Rushmore in the United States.
Basuki
dismissed criticism over his choice of a foreign company.
“There are
many other historical monuments in Jakarta that need to be cleaned up,” he
said. “Why don’t they make a fuss about these monuments?”
The city
has invited residents and visitors to attend an event during which they can
participate in the cleaning on May 15.
Monas last
underwent major maintenance between Oct. 21 and Dec. 15, when its elevator system was replaced.
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