By: Felicia Pramandika)*
In 2024, Indonesia will host the historic visit of Pope Francis. This visit is an important moment, not only for the Catholic community in Indonesia but also for the entire community that upholds the values of diversity and harmony between religious communities. The arrival of Pope Francis brings a message of peace and love, in line with the principles of religious moderation that have long been embraced by the Indonesian people.
Pope Francis arrived in Indonesia on the afternoon of September 3, 2024. Then on September 4, 2024, Pope Francis met with President Joko Widodo at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, and on September 5, 2024, Pope Francis attended an interfaith meeting at the Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, and continued with a meeting with beneficiaries of charitable organizations at the Office of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI).
Indonesia will be the first country visited by Pope Francis in his series of visits in September 2024. After Indonesia, Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore.
During his visit to the State Palace, Wednesday (4/9/2024), the Supreme Leader of the World Catholic Church was welcomed directly by the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo with a state ceremony. The Pope arrived at the Merdeka Palace at around 9.35 WIB riding a white Toyota Innova Zenix through the front gate of the Palace. Upon arrival, the arrival of Pope Francis’ car was guided by a marching band and cavalry.
The Pope’s vehicle then took him around the Presidential Palace complex. Along the path of Pope Francis’ vehicle stood children in traditional clothes carrying the Red and White flag and the Vatican flag. The children cheered to welcome Pope Francis.
As a country with the largest Muslim majority population in the world, it is still able to maintain harmony between religious communities. Religious moderation is an important foundation in dealing with differences of belief in society. In the context of the arrival of Pope Francis, religious moderation becomes increasingly relevant. Pope Francis is known as a leader who emphasizes the importance of interfaith dialogue and avoiding extremism.
With a moderate religious approach, Indonesian society welcomed Pope Francis with an open attitude, respecting differences, and celebrating diversity. This is an opportunity for the Indonesian people to show the world that religious harmony and tolerance are still well maintained amidst the existing diversity.
Religious tolerance is key to maintaining harmony in Indonesia. Pope Francis’ visit is a moment to strengthen the values of tolerance that have grown in society. In recent years, efforts to increase religious tolerance have continued to be encouraged, both by the government and by civil society organizations.
Interfaith Youth Organizations together with Pope Francis signed the ‘Jakarta – Vatican Declaration’ which was carried out at the Paul VI Audience Hall. The signing of the declaration was carried out by the Chairman of the Catholic Youth Stefanus Asat Gusma, the General Chairperson of the Ansor Youth Movement (GP) Addin Jauharudin and interfaith youth organizations, the Indonesian Christian Youth Movement (GAMKI), PP Pemuda Muhammadiyah, and Hindu Youth (Paradah) at the Paul VI Audience Hall, Vatican, Rome, Italy on August 21, 2024.
GP Ansor General Chairman, Addin Jauharudin, said that Pope Francis greatly respects Indonesia, Pancasila, and even agreed to sign the Jakarta-Vatican Declaration initiated by young people from various religions in Indonesia.
On the same occasion, Stefanus Gusma and other organizations committed to implementing the Jakarta-Vatican declaration. By signing this declaration, the Catholic Youth and others committed to implementing the declaration upon arrival in Indonesia.
The Jakarta-Vatican declaration is themed “Justice and Peace for the World”, first to become a young generation of Indonesia who always practices the values of Pancasila as positive energy for world civilization. Second, to invite young people around the world to build a world society that adheres to the principles of tolerance, solidarity, and mutual cooperation. Third, to support and disseminate the views and values contained in the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together (Abu Dhabi Document) to realize world justice and peace.
The Diocesan Priest of the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Father RD Yustinus Sulistiadi, stated that Pope Francis is very aware of the important role of young people in preserving the earth and building a better future.
In his first visit to Indonesia, Pope Francis reminded the young generation of Indonesia about the importance of preserving the earth as a legacy for future generations. In addition, Pope Francis also called for the importance of voicing humanitarian issues as a shared responsibility.
Religious leaders from various faiths in Indonesia also provided support and appeals to their followers to maintain tolerance and harmony. They invited their followers to welcome Pope Francis with respect and peace. This appeal is important in maintaining conduciveness and avoiding potential conflicts that may arise due to differences of opinion.
The arrival of Pope Francis to Indonesia is a source of pride for the people. This is a form of recognition of Indonesia as a country with a diverse and tolerant society. People from various religious and cultural backgrounds warmly welcomed this visit as a historic moment that affirms Indonesia’s position in the international arena as a country that upholds the values of peace and humanity.
Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia is expected to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and the Vatican, as well as increase cooperation in various fields, including interfaith dialogue and global peace efforts. This moment is also an opportunity for Indonesia to demonstrate its commitment to maintaining peace and tolerance amidst diversity.
)* The author is a social observer