Central Jakarta is the heart of the city's administrations and businesses. Home to the Presidential Palace and government buildings, the area also features Jakarta's most well-known heritage buildings from the colonial era. Jakarta's iconic National Monument stands within Merdeka Square, one of the largest city squares in the world. Monas, as it is fondly known by locals, is surrounded by other major sites, such as the Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral. The National Museum is also nearby, showcasing a rich collection of ancient stone sculptures, traditional textiles, and historical artifacts. Minutes away from the square lies the histo...