Youth Advancement Monument
A towering Soviet-style monument symbolizing youth's spirit and contribution to national development in Jakarta.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Less traffic, better photos
Youth Advancement Monument
Best Time
Less traffic, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A towering Soviet-style monument symbolizing youth's spirit and contribution to national development in Jakarta.
"An iconic landmark representing the burning spirit of youth in national development."
📸 Best Photo Spots
Capture the monument from various angles around the roundabout. Early mornings offer fewer cars for unobstructed shots .
🚗 Traffic Awareness
The roundabout can be chaotic. Be cautious when crossing streets and taking photos. Consider a taxi or ride-sharing service.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Torchbearer
Senayan Roundabout
A muscular young man holding a torch aloft, symbolizing the burning spirit of youth in national development.
Soviet-Style Architecture
Senayan Roundabout
A 24.9-meter tall dark-grey terrazzo statue with a distinct Soviet-era aesthetic.
Symbol of Progress
Senayan Roundabout
Represents the dynamic movement and strength of the younger generation in driving national progress.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Senayan Roundabout
Understanding the Monument's Symbolism
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pizza Man, Monumen Bunderan Senayan, Pemuda Membangun... Siapa sih nama asli patung ini?
📸 Best Photo Spots
Capture the monument from various angles around the roundabout. Early mornings offer fewer cars for unobstructed shots.
🚗 Traffic Awareness
The roundabout can be chaotic. Be cautious when crossing streets and taking photos. Consider a taxi or ride-sharing service.
💡 Nicknames Explained
Locals and expats have nicknamed it 'Pizza Man' or 'Ouch, Hot!' due to its appearance.
📍 Strategic Location
It marks the entrance to Kebayoran Baru, near Gelora Bung Karno and the DPR/MPR building.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Best Photo Spots
Capture the monument from various angles around the roundabout. Early mornings offer fewer cars for unobstructed shots.
🚗 Traffic Awareness
The roundabout can be chaotic. Be cautious when crossing streets and taking photos. Consider a taxi or ride-sharing service.
💡 Nicknames Explained
Locals and expats have nicknamed it 'Pizza Man' or 'Ouch, Hot!' due to its appearance.
📍 Strategic Location
It marks the entrance to Kebayoran Baru, near Gelora Bung Karno and the DPR/MPR building.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Youth Advancement Monument is a striking and symbolic landmark in Jakarta, appreciated for its imposing Soviet-style design and representation of youth's role in national development. Visitors note its strategic location and iconic status, though the busy roundabout can make photography and navigation challenging. Some find its nicknames amusing, adding a touch of local character.
"Patung Pemuda Membangun (The Youth Building Statue) is one of Jakarta's iconic monuments, located at the Senayan Roundabout, specifically at the southern end of Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, marking the border of the Kebayoran Baru district in South Jakarta. The statue depicts a muscular young man holding a torch above his head, symbolizing the burning spirit and active role of the younger generation in the nation's development.
Construction of the statue began in July 1971 by a team of sculptors from the Bureau of Architectural Engineers and Artists (ISA) led by Imam Supardi, with Munir Pamuncak as the project manager. The statue is made of reinforced concrete covered with terrazzo, standing 24.9 meters tall. Initially, the inauguration was planned for Youth Pledge Day on October 28, 1971, but due to construction delays, it was finally inaugurated in March 1972. The entire project was funded by Pertamina under the leadership of Ibnu Sutowo, as a gift for Jakarta's 445th anniversary.
The location of Senayan Roundabout was chosen for practical and strategic reasons. Practically, the area is large enough to accommodate a large statue. Strategically, the roundabout is a meeting point for various parts of the city, close to the Gelora Bung Karno sports complex and the DPR/MPR building, which are the centers of national political and sports activities.
The statue was designed to emphasize the dynamic movement and muscular structure of the young man, symbolizing strength and burning passion. The raised torch symbolizes the light illuminating the path to the future, a symbol of the unyielding spirit of development. Interestingly, the statue has been nicknamed “Pizza Man” by expatriates due to the torch's resemblance to a pizza plate, and “Ouch, Hot” by locals, referring to the youth's expression of enduring the heat.
Patung Pemuda Membangun is not merely a work of art but a symbol of the spirit and contribution of youth in Indonesia's development. Its presence in the heart of Jakarta serves as a reminder of the importance of the younger generation in advancing the nation. Its dynamic and expressive design makes it a reminder of the energy and determination required for development. As Indonesians, this statue inspires us to continue contributing positively to the nation's progress."
M Irvanie Rama Harahap
"This location is a good example of how NOT to manage urban traffic. Often driver-only private cars are given priority over sardine-packed buses (note I use plural form).. Wonder if the policy makers ever uses the buses.."
pakderws
"Nice being back. A very good point for orientation in Jakarta."
Gerald Haderlein
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The monument is located at the Senayan Roundabout, at the southern end of Jalan Jenderal Sudirman. You can reach it by taxi, ride-sharing apps (like Gojek or Grab), or public buses that frequent Jalan Jenderal Sudirman. Be prepared for Jakarta's notorious traffic, especially during peak hours.
Direct parking at the roundabout itself is not feasible due to its function as a busy traffic circle. However, nearby office buildings or shopping centers like Plaza Senayan or Senayan City may offer parking facilities, though it requires a short walk to the monument.
Given the traffic, it's best to approach from a nearby safe point. Some suggest using ride-sharing services and asking to be dropped off at a safe spot near the roundabout, then walking carefully to get your shots. Early mornings are ideal for fewer cars.
Directly walking around the base of the monument is not practical or safe due to the active traffic. You'll primarily view and photograph it from the periphery of the roundabout.
Yes, several TransJakarta bus routes pass along Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, with stops relatively close to the Senayan Roundabout. Check the TransJakarta app for the most convenient routes and stops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Youth Advancement Monument is an outdoor public landmark located in a roundabout. There are no tickets or entry fees required to view it from the surrounding area.
As it's an outdoor monument in a public space, it is accessible 24/7. However, for the best experience and safety, visiting during daylight hours is recommended.
There is no admission fee. The monument is a free public landmark for all to see and appreciate.
The monument was inaugurated in March 1972, after construction began in July 1971.
The entire project was funded by Pertamina, under the leadership of Ibnu Sutowo, as a gift for Jakarta's 445th anniversary.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings on weekdays are ideal for capturing the monument with minimal traffic interference. Late afternoons during the golden hour also offer beautiful lighting.
For daytime shots, use a moderate aperture (f/8-f/11) for good depth of field. In low light, increase ISO and use a wider aperture, or a tripod if possible. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture its full scale.
Experiment with angles from different sides of the roundabout. Some find a slightly elevated perspective from a nearby building or overpass can offer a unique view, but safety is paramount.
Drone usage in Jakarta is subject to strict regulations. It's advisable to check with local authorities regarding permits and restrictions before flying a drone near this monument or any other urban area.
Its imposing height, Soviet-style design, and the symbolic torch make it a striking subject. The contrast between the dark statue and the bustling city backdrop is also visually interesting.
🎫 💡 Local Insights & History
Erected in 1972, the monument symbolizes the spirit and active role of youth in Indonesia's development. It was designed by a team led by Imam Supardi and funded by Pertamina.
It symbolizes the strength, passion, and unyielding spirit of the younger generation in illuminating the path to the nation's future and development.
Expatriates nicknamed it 'Pizza Man' due to the torch resembling a pizza plate, while locals call it 'Ouch, Hot!' referring to the youth's expression of enduring heat.
The roundabout is a strategic meeting point in the city, close to major national activity centers like the Gelora Bung Karno sports complex and the DPR/MPR building.
As a prominent landmark, it generally receives upkeep. However, its location in a busy roundabout means it's constantly exposed to urban elements.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Safety is paramount when visiting with children. Keep a close eye on them, especially when near traffic. Consider visiting during quieter times, like weekday mornings, to make the experience more relaxed. Pointing out the monument's nicknames, like 'Pizza Man,' can add a fun, memorable element for younger visitors.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different focal lengths. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the monument in its entirety against the city skyline, while a telephoto lens can isolate details like the torch or the muscular physique. Be mindful of the busy roundabout; prioritize safety when seeking unique angles. Some photographers suggest looking for elevated viewpoints, but always ensure you are in a safe and legal spot.
🚗 Budget Travelers
Utilize Jakarta's public transport system, such as TransJakarta buses, which are an affordable way to navigate the city. Ride-sharing apps like Gojek or Grab also offer budget-friendly options, especially if you're traveling with a companion. Be prepared for potential traffic delays, which are common in Jakarta, and factor this into your travel time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Symbolism of the Youth Advancement Monument
The monument's design emphasizes dynamic movement and muscular structure, conveying strength and passion. Its erection in 1972 was a significant moment, intended to inspire citizens, particularly the youth, to actively participate in nation-building. The choice of a Soviet-style aesthetic also reflects the geopolitical influences of the era, adding a unique layer to its visual identity. It serves as a constant reminder of the energy and commitment needed for continuous development.
Beyond its official meaning, the monument has garnered informal nicknames. Expatriates have affectionately called it the 'Pizza Man' due to the torch's resemblance to a pizza plate, while locals sometimes refer to it as 'Ouch, Hot!', humorously referencing the youth's determined expression. These nicknames, while lighthearted, highlight the monument's integration into the daily life and cultural fabric of Jakarta.
Navigating the Senayan Roundabout
For visitors aiming to photograph the Youth Advancement Monument, the roundabout presents a unique challenge. Direct access to the monument's base is not possible due to the constant flow of vehicles. Travelers often find themselves observing and photographing from the periphery. This has led to advice on seeking out safer vantage points or visiting during off-peak hours to minimize traffic interference and ensure personal safety.
While the roundabout itself is a testament to urban planning and traffic flow, some reviews highlight potential issues with traffic management, suggesting that private cars sometimes receive priority over public transport. This underscores the importance of planning your visit, perhaps opting for ride-sharing services or public buses that are accustomed to navigating Jakarta's busy streets, and being extra vigilant when moving around the area.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit