Soekarno Monument

Soekarno Monument: The Piling Pillar of Civilization in the Heart of Central Kalimantan

Tugu Soekarno is more than just a concrete monument standing on the banks of the Kahayan River in Palangka Raya. This historical site symbolizes courage, geopolitical vision, and the starting point for the development of one of Indonesia's largest provinces, Central Kalimantan. As a silent witness to important events in the post-independence era, this monument holds a grand narrative about the ambitions of the first President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ir. Soekarno, in shaping the nation's future through the concept of equitable development and national defense.

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Historical Origins and Founding Period

The history of Tugu Soekarno began in the mid-1950s, when the Central Kalimantan region was still part of Kalimantan Province (with its administrative center in Banjarmasin). The aspirations of the Dayak people to have their own province grew stronger, which was then positively responded to by the central government.

On July 17, 1957, President Soekarno made a historic visit to the wilderness that would later become the city of Palangka Raya. At the location that is now the Tugu Soekarno complex, the Proclamator laid the first stone for the construction of Palangka Raya City. This event marked the birth of a city designed from scratch (planned city) on peat and jungle land, an ambitious project of unprecedented scale in Indonesia at that time.

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Architecture and Construction Details

Architecturally, Tugu Soekarno features a design rich in symbolism of nationalism and local wisdom. The monument consists of a main pillar surrounded by protective pillars. One of the most unique features is the presence of 17 piles, symbolizing Indonesia's independence date.

The structure of the monument incorporates sacred numbers referring to the proclamation: the numbers 17, 8, and 45. The number 17 is represented by the number of pillars, the number 8 by the height or certain elements, and the number 45 is reflected in the total area or other decorative elements. In the center of the monument, there is an inscription marking the inauguration of the city's development. Although its design appears simple compared to modern monuments, its strength lies in the philosophy of "Piling Pillar" (Tiang Pancang), meaning that progress in Central Kalimantan began from this very point.

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Historical Significance: Vision of the National Capital

One of the most interesting and specific historical facts about Tugu Soekarno is its connection to the discourse on the relocation of the National Capital (IKN). When laying the first stone, Soekarno not only intended to build a provincial administrative center but also had a long-term vision of making Palangka Raya the Capital of Indonesia, replacing Jakarta.

The choice of location near the Kahayan River was not without reason. Soekarno wanted a capital city geographically located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, far from the reach of foreign naval attacks (a land-based defense concept), and free from the legacy of colonial urban planning. Tugu Soekarno is the "zero point" of this grand design. The construction of very wide roads in Palangka Raya, compared to other cities of its time, is tangible proof of the meticulous planning instructed by Soekarno through this monument.

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Related Figures and Events

Besides Ir. Soekarno, an important figure inseparable from this site is Tjilik Riwut, a national hero from Central Kalimantan who at that time served as a key figure in the formation of the province. The collaboration between Soekarno's grand vision and Tjilik Riwut's regional spirit made this monument's location a center of political movement and development in Kalimantan.

The "Pahandut" event is also part of this monument's history. Before being named Palangka Raya (meaning a sacred, great, and noble place), this area was a small village called Pahandut. Around the monument area, great deliberations were held to convince the local community of the importance of building a modern city in the middle of the forest.

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Preservation Status and Facilities

Currently, Tugu Soekarno has been designated as a Cultural Heritage Site under the supervision of the Central Kalimantan Provincial Government and the Cultural Heritage Preservation Center. The local government has undertaken several revitalization efforts to beautify the area without altering the original structure of the monument.

Now, the area around the monument has been developed into a representative public space. There are well-maintained gardens, decorative lights, and easy access for tourists and historians to visit. Its strategic location in front of the Central Kalimantan Provincial DPRD Building and opposite the Kahayan River makes this site a primary historical tourism icon in Palangka Raya.

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Cultural and Social Meaning

For the Dayak people and the residents of Central Kalimantan in general, Tugu Soekarno is a symbol of honor. This monument proves that the identity of Central Kalimantan is officially recognized by the state. Culturally, this monument often serves as a location for traditional ceremonies or provincial anniversary commemorations, reinforcing its position as the "headwaters" of modern civilization in the land of Tambun Bungai.

The existence of this monument also teaches about the harmony between human development and nature. Although built by clearing forests at that time, Soekarno's message was that development should respect the flow of rivers and the presence of surrounding forests, a concept now known as sustainable development.

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Conclusion: A Legacy for the Future

Tugu Soekarno in Palangka Raya is not just a pile of cement and stone. It is the manifestation of the grand dream of a newly independent nation to stand on its own feet (Berdikari). Every inch of land around this monument holds memories of how a great leader and the local community united to overcome natural challenges for a better future.

As a historical site, Tugu Soekarno continues to remind the younger generation of Central Kalimantan that their province was born from a vision that transcended its time. Amidst the dynamics of Indonesia's current development, Tugu Soekarno stands tall, gazing towards the Kahayan River, safeguarding the historical mandate as the starting point of civilization's glory in the heart of Kalimantan.