The monument was built by Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono I in 1755. It was known as Tugu Golong-Gilig (Golong-Gilig Monument), and was built in the spirit of unity of the people. The top of the monument was shaped round (golong) and the pole was cylindric (gilig) shaped, hence its name. The height of the monument is 25 meters. It was built in the shape of a cylindrical pole conical to the top, the bottom as a circular fence, while the top round. It was built line connecting the southern sea, the Yogyakarta palace and Mount Merapi. At the time of meditation, it was said that the Sultan of Yogyakarta at that time used this monument as a benchmark to face the peak of Mount Merapi.