Siti family chooses Monas picnic during Eid al-Adha holiday: Affordable entry
Eid al-Adha holidays are being utilised by some residents for family outings. One popular destination that never lacks visitors is the National Monument (Monas) area in Central Jakarta.
Many residents arrive early, spreading mats and bringing homemade meals to enjoy together. This scene is common in Monas park during the Eid al-Adha holiday.
Several families sit relaxed under trees, enjoying the atmosphere. Children run around, while some visitors busy capturing moments against the backdrop of the Monas obelisk.
One visitor, Siti Aisyah, 38, from Bekasi, said she intentionally visited Monas with her extended family to spend the Eid al-Adha holiday. They arrived early, bringing homemade meals including dishes made from sacrificial meat.
‘Because the children are on a long break, we took the opportunity to visit Jakarta. Monas is close, affordable to enter, and the kids have been wanting to go there for a while,’ Siti said during an interview at Monas on Thursday, 28 May 2026.
‘Typically, the family spends Eid al-Adha at home after the sacrificial ritual. This year, however, since all the sacrificial activities were completed the previous day, they decided to use the time for recreation,’ Siti added.
’Siti said her family left home around 7:00am to avoid traffic and crowds, arriving at Monas by 8:00am.
‘Fearful of traffic and crowds, we left early. We arrived around 8:00am. It was already busy, but still comfortable to find a spot to sit and spread mats,’ she said.
‘Not only for relaxation, the Siti family also brought special homemade meals. One dish was beef stew made from Eid al-Adha sacrificial meat, prepared the previous day.’
‘Yes, we specifically brought our own food. It’s more enjoyable to bring homemade meals to Monas. We have rice, beef stew, crackers, sambal, and cold drinks, which are essential due to the hot weather today,’ she added.
’She confirmed the beef stew was made from the family’s recently received Eid al-Adha sacrificial meat.
‘According to Siti, bringing homemade meals for family outings is habitual. It’s not only cost-effective but also allows them to enjoy home-cooked food, especially during the Eid al-Adha period.’
’During the family picnic, Siti and her group also took photos against the Monas obelisk. She noted the atmosphere felt more pleasant compared to other holiday periods.
‘It’s quieter than usual holidays. But it’s better this way. The children are happy running around and taking photos,’ she said.
’After leaving Monas, the Siti family planned a short detour before heading home.
‘We might get ice cream for the kids first, then visit Lapangan Banteng before returning. Tomorrow we resume activities, but the main thing is the children are happy and we have quality family time,’ she concluded.