The time capsule is the tradition of sealing a memory of the present time and opening it in the future. This tradition symbolizes hopes for the future. By sealing letters or memorable items and burry them, we want to communicate with our future selves. We want to tell the hopes and dreams that we have from the present time.
Indonesia has its own time capsule. It is safely kept in Merauke, West Papua. In fact, it has its own time capsule monument to secure it.
Indonesia Time Capsule Origin
The monument was finally inaugurated in 2018 by President Joko Widodo after two years of construction. It is keeping a time capsule full of children’s dreams and hopes, which were collected in 2015. This time capsule will be safely stored for 70 years before it’s scheduled to be opened in 2085. We will then find out if the future goes as how these children dreamt.
The time capsule is the brainchild of Joko Widodo. It began in 2015 with an expedition from the West of Indonesia going East, crossing all 34 provinces in the nation. The expedition collected messages from children for the future, mostly conveying their optimism for the future.
In total, the capsule conveys seven dreams which are the following:
- Corruption-free within the Indonesian government and public services
- Economic growth which will put Indonesia as the world barometer of economic growth
- Infrastructure development is evenly distributed in all areas of Indonesia
- Indonesia as the world education and technology center
- Hence, upholding intelligent human resources
- Indonesian society strongly holds its religious foundations while embracing the ethical values and culture of pluralism.
- All in all, Indonesia is becoming a developed and independent country
Time Capsule Monument Design
The monument keeps the children’s time capsule since this is the sole purpose of the construction. It symbolizes the children’s dreams and hopes for the next 70 years. Therefore, it has a special design which clearly shows above.
It is located near Mopah airport, and passengers can see its distinctive “A” letter shape while landing. Many people say it resembles The Avengers logo. Even President Joko Widodo mentioned the similarity when he inaugurated the monument in 2018.
The shape from above is not the only thing unique about this monument. Built on 2,5 hectares, the monument occupies a total area of 1 hectare. The monument is 8 meters tall. The entire building spreads out for over 17 meters. The total length of the monument and the building is 45 meters. All these numbers represent Indonesia Independence Day.
The monument also embodies Papuan culture in its architecture. It has five entrance gates that symbolize five tribes of Merauke: the Auyu, Malind, Muyu, Mandobo, and Mappi. It is like having these tribes guarding the monument. Meanwhile, the monument’s shape clearly shows the influence of the Dani tribe’s war tower.
Visiting Time Capsule Monument
Locals near Alun Alun of Merauke District often visit Time Capsule Monument Merauke. The location is also near government offices. It also has an open-air field for holding public events. In the afternoons and weekends, many locals come to this monument to hang around with friends.
The monument has become a must-visit place for tourists in Merauke. After all, the design is unique, with rich details of Papuan culture. Of course, it’s a must-visit site when you are in Merauke.
Spend your day exploring the capsule monument. You can walk around it to see all the cultural details. Then, take the stairs to enter the monument. You will not miss the time capsule up there. And the capsule is not the only thing you can enjoy from above. While you have to wait until 2085 to open the capsule, you do not have to wait to enjoy the majestic view from above.
