Sightseeing in Jakarta with Senior Missionaries

Recently some of the Senior Missionaries who serve in areas outside of Jakarta came to have their "papers" renewed at the immigration office.  While in town we went to the National Museum and the National Monument (MONAS).  The museum is two multi story buildings.  There were rooms of gold, porcelain, jewels, fabric/cloth, etc.  In many of the areas we were not allowed to take pictures.

This is the statue area.  Gail and I are in the back.

Legend has that this stone was used to determine if you should live.  They poured water over the top, it ran down the front and out the spout/hole at the bottom.  If you drank the water and lived, you were considered loyal, and were allowed to live. 

Puppet shows are very popular.  We were told that a show can last for hours and the people just get up, get refreshments, sleep, visit, etc. throughout the show.

 

 

 MONAS was built to commemorate Indonesia's independence.  Following are a few pictures from the top.  Yes, the pollution is bad!



 



This is the largest mosque in Indonesia and reportedly one of the five largest in the world.