Jakarta - “Like this, Ed, welcome,” said Soekarno explaining to sculpture Edhi Soenarso at the State Palace’s backyard in 1959. Soekarno`s hand was raised high as if to welcome a distant guest. The late president`s orders were his inputs prior to the creation of the Selamat Datang Monument or the welcoming monument before hosting the 1962 Asian Games.
That was an excerpt by state-owned news agency Antara from the history behind one of Indonesia’s monumental monuments in welcoming the delegates from dozens of Asian nations. The story was told in the documentary entitled “Begini lho, Ed,” by Lasja Fauzia Susatyo and Alit Ambara.
Two years ago, Antara stated that even though Indonesia at the time had just obtained its independence, the country was already preparing to host Asia’s quadrennial sporting event.
Soekarno, or Bung Karno, was faced with the challenge to build sporting facilities and revamp Indonesia’s capital. Apart from constructing the Gelora Bung Karno stadium that would serve its role to host the numerous sporting events, creating the Selamat Datang monument was also included in the country’ main agenda.
The 9-meter-high monument still exists today and stands tall in Jakarta’s center to welcome yet another Asian Games event 56 years later in 2018. Its existence and iconic presence never fail to attract the attention of tourists and their camera shutters. (***)
