Jakarta – The highest leader of the world’s Catholic church and Head of State of the Vatican Pope Francis arrived in Indonesia today, Tuesday (3/9/2024). Various preparations have been made carefully. The Indonesian people can’t wait for the Pope’s arrival. Large billboards are installed in the corners of Jakarta, welcoming the Pope’s arrival. Welcome Pope Francis.
Upon arrival at Soetta Airport, the Pope headed straight to the Vatican Embassy in Jakarta. Joint officers implemented security for the Pope at the level of a head of state guest. The Jakarta Police and Transportation Agency have coordinated to prepare traffic engineering on the main roads that the Pope will visit. Starting from Soetta Airport, the Cathedral Church, the Presidential Palace, Gelora Bung Karno (GBK), and the Istiqlal Mosque, where the Pope will deliver a speech at the grand mass.
“The public needs to know that all routes that the Pope will cross are clear,” said the Director of Traffic for the Metro Jaya Police, Senior Commissioner Latif Usman.
Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (PMK), Muhadjir Effendy ensured that preparations to welcome the Pope’s arrival were 100 percent complete. He is optimistic that all activities to be carried out by the Pope while in Jakarta will run smoothly and safely.
“Yes, we have prepared the presence of the Pope in Indonesia, God willing, carefully, both by the government and by the Catholic community under the leadership of the cardinal and also the people throughout Indonesia welcome it with joy,” said Muhadjir Effendy.
Muhadjir also hopes that all religious communities in Indonesia will be happy to welcome the arrival of this role model for Catholics in the world.
“His (the Pope’s) presence is eagerly awaited by all people and at the same time we must be able to show a spirit of tolerance that we uphold diversity and place human values above all else,” said Muhadjir.
Minister of Religion (Menag), Yaqut Cholil Qoumas also said that Pope Francis’ presence in Indonesia should be welcomed with joy and should be appreciated by all parties.
Because, not all countries get the opportunity to be visited. He also said, Pope Francis’ visit must be interpreted as bringing a message to Indonesia. One of them is maintaining togetherness in diversity.
“This shows that the message, there is a message that wants to be conveyed. That differences are normal. So, there is nothing to question with differences,” concluded Yaqut.