Lapangan Banteng Park — Attraction in Jakarta

Lapangan Banteng, formerly Waterloosplein is a historic square located in a historic area formerly known as Weltevreden, today Sawah Besar subdistrict, Central Jakarta, Indonesia. In the old colonial this field was a part of the affluent neighborhood of Weltevreden, the Waterlooplein is a fashionable place in Batavia's Upper Town. Once a week, a military orchestra was played in public. People from the upper rank of the society paraded around the square with their horse-drawn carriages. After the Revolution and the Independence of Indonesia 1945-1949, the Waterlooplein square is renamed by Sukarno as "Lapangan Banteng" which translates as "Buffalo's field" in Indonesian. Previously the Waterlooplein is also popularly known as Lion's field, after the Lion column of Waterloo memorial which once stood in the center of the field. Since the lion symbolized Dutch colonialism, Sukarno renamed the field as Lapangan Banteng after the bull or buffalo, native to the country's ricefields, which symbolizes the newly independent Republic, the people and the Indonesian National Revolution (1945-49). Thus actually was a return to a native translation of the old name of the square, Buffelsveld, in the Indonesian language. By 1960s the square was also part of Sukarno's national building project. The West Irian Liberation Monument, located in the center of the square, was completed in 1963. Colonial monuments and memorials were demolished to make way for the new Republic's projects. Lion column, Coen's statues, and several memorials surrounding the fields were demolished. Sukarno also envisioned a National Mosque and a new grand National Hotel to be constructed around the square, which today corresponds to the Istiqlal Mosque and the Borobudur Hotel. Between 2017 and 2018 the square underwent a major renovation, which adds a half circular pond equipped with illuminated fountains, and an open-air theater. And people often jog and exercise around this open area as one of most favourite public park in...

Taman Lapangan Banteng is a one of wide public park which located in central Jakarta which very strategic. Its near to Cathedral Church, Santa Ursula Catholic School, Istiqlal Mosque and Borobudur Hotel. There is a Liberation Monument of West Irian Liberation. On the top of the monument there is a statue of chested wild-haired man breaking free from his shackles with his arms and legs widely spread, which symbolizing independence. The park was formerly known as the Waterloo. In the walls there are some stories about West Irian history.

This park renovated on 2018 became more public friendly. The facilities included wide and green jogging track, fountain, kids playground, Fountain but was not operated, seating areas: bench andamphitheater, rest room, shower room but can not be used and mushola. Some rest rooms was locked and cleanliness can be improve. Trash bin is available in every corner, drinking water faucets are available. Parking lot is available however is limited, suggest to use public transport here.

During covid 19 pandemic, followed strict health protocol. Only open one access entrance, washtafel with soap is provided in this entrance. The cleaning staff is , all of them using masks.

Accessible facilities is...

The park is located in the heart of Jakarta, and it is very large. It is a good place for a morning run, either inside or outside the park. However, the outside area can be crowded with food carts that sell street food, and they can also create a lot of trash that makes the area dirty. The inside of the park is much cleaner and greener, with many paths surrounded by trees and grass. It is a nice place for a leisurely walk or a jog. Lapangan Banteng means “bull’s field” in English. It is one of the oldest parks in Jakarta, and it was built before Indonesia became independent in 1945. There are also many benches where you can sit and relax. The only thing that I don't like is that pets are not allowed inside the park. If you want to bring your pet, you have to stay on the sidewalk around the park, but it can be quite unpleasant. Lapangan Banteng is also close to the Cathedral and the Istiqlal Mosque, which are two important religious buildings in Jakarta. They are within walking distance from the park, and they are worth visiting for tourists. Overall, I think Lapangan Banteng is a nice park, except for the food carts that cause too much trash outside the park. I hope the local authorities can manage them better and keep...