From Borobudur to Monas, Indonesia Turns UN Blue to Mark 80 Years of the United Nations

To mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and commemorate United Nations Day, Indonesia joined countries around the world in the global #UNBlue campaign by illuminating three of its most iconic landmarks in the official blue of the United Nations. The National Monument (Monas) and the Bundaran HI intersection in Central Jakarta as well as the Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java were illuminated on 24 October, 80 years to the day when the UN Charter entered into force. 

The colour blue, which features on the UN flag, symbolizes peace, unity and hope. 

Launched in 2015 to celebrate the UN’s 70th anniversary, the UN blue campaign has since grown into a global tradition that unites countries, cities and communities to mark the shared values and achievements of the United Nations. From Rome to Rio, from Nairobi to New York, hundreds of landmarks – including the Pyramids of Giza, the Eiffel Tower and the Sydney Opera House – have been bathed in UN blue over the years. 

“By joining the #UNBlue campaign, Indonesia reaffirmed to the world its enduring commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation,” said Miklos Gaspar, Director of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Jakarta. “Illuminating its own iconic landmarks in UN blue reflects Indonesia’s pride in its cultural heritage and its role as a nation that stands for peace and for unity in diversity.”

A special highlight of this year’s celebration was the illumination of Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Buddhist monument in the world. Built during the Shailendra Dynasty on the turn of the 8th and 9th centuries, Borobudur stands as a masterpiece of ancient Javanese civilization reflecting human creativity, ingenuity and spiritual reflection. Its return to the UN blue campaign this year carried added significance, as Borobudur last participated in the global initiative during the UN’s 70th anniversary in 2015.

Members of the public were encouraged to join the celebration by visiting the blue-lit landmarks, taking photos or videos, and sharing them on social media. The campaign invited everyone to take part in this visual expression of unity and to show support for the values that the UN represents.