Jakarta – The General Chairperson of the Central Board of the Islamic Students Association (HMI), Bagas Kurniawan, emphasized that the poster leaflets in the name of HMI and containing an invitation to demonstrate to protest the visit of Pope Francis are false information (hoaxes).
PB HMI, Bagas emphasized, actually welcomed the arrival of Pope Francis.
Bagas also emphasized that the visit of the Supreme Leader of the Catholic Church worldwide was an opportunity to demonstrate the spirit of tolerance that is upheld by the Indonesian people.
“This is an opportunity to show the world that Indonesia is a country rich in diversity, and we are able to live side by side in harmony,” said Bagas.
He also invited the entire community to welcome Pope Francis’ arrival with gratitude and make his example an inspiration, especially for the young generation of Indonesia.
“As the next generation, we have a responsibility to maintain the spirit of tolerance and harmony in the midst of a diverse society,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Committee appealed to the congregation not to be tempted by offers from individuals selling tickets for Pope Francis’ grand mass at Gelora Bung Karno, Senayan, Thursday (5/9).
Spokesperson for the Pope Francis Visit Committee, Father Thomas Ulun Ismoyo Pr, emphasized that tickets for the event were actually provided free of charge.
“There is no charge whatsoever,” he said.
Thomas also reminded the public to be more careful about the possibility of fake ticket sales.
“Please be careful, it might be fake,” Thomas urged.
According to Thomas, the tickets in the form of bracelets were distributed through the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference, dioceses, organizations, and official invitations that had been distributed.
“So if there is news circulating that there are ticket purchases at very high prices, it can be ascertained that it does not come from the committee or is a hoax,” concluded Thomas.
For your information, it has gone viral on social media about individuals selling tickets for the grand mass at very high prices. In fact, the prices sold by these individuals can reach millions of rupiah.
