When the Dutch Raced Horses at Monas and Ali Sadikin Created the PRJ at Gambir Square

It may be unknown to many that Gambir Square, now the site of the National Monument (Monas), once hosted horse races, as depicted in 19th-century paintings. Several race participants can be seen inside the fence. During the colonial era, the square was named Koningsplein (King’s Square) and was considered one of the largest squares in the world, spanning one square kilometre. In the 1940s, the Jakarta Athletic Association (Ikada) field was built on this square, where Japan inflamed the spirit of the Indonesian people to fight against the Allies: America and Britain. Until the mid-1950s, before the Dutch left due to the West Irian (Papua) issue, the eastern part of Monas was a training ground for Dutch residents who were horse-riding enthusiasts. Dozens of them would ride around Monas as a common sight. Later, the area was transformed by Governor Ali Sadikin into the venue for the Jakarta Fair (PRJ).