Jakarta – Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) welcomed the arrival of Pope Francis at the Madya Stadium, Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Thursday (5/9), ahead of the Holy Mass with tens of thousands of Catholics in Indonesia.
On that occasion, President Jokowi conveyed his congratulations for carrying out mass services to all Catholics in Indonesia.
“I wish you a happy holy mass and may it be a blessing to others,” said the President.
The Head of State said that the government was happy to welcome Pope Francis to Indonesia.
“And today, Indonesian Catholics are happy because they can celebrate Holy Mass together with His Holiness, Pope Francis,” he said.
Jokowi said that Catholics in Indonesia are an important part of this nation, in maintaining unity, spreading love, and tolerance with people of other religions.
“Difference is wealth and tolerance is fertilizer for our unity and peace as a nation,” concluded Jokowi.
Meanwhile, one of the Islamic religious figures in Indonesia, Habib Jafar, expressed that he was very grateful to the Leader of the World Catholic Church, Pope Francis for his lessons on simplicity to Indonesia.
“Thank you, Pope, for your trust and simplicity as an important lesson for us Indonesians,” said Habib, whose real name is Husein Ja’far Al Hadar.
Habib Jafar said that he felt firsthand Pope Francis’ commitment to ecological values, religious tolerance and moderation, and simplicity.
“That is certainly an important message, practically and in real terms, especially, not only to religious leaders and state leaders, but also to us young people, who are often now trapped in hedonism,” he continued.
Habib Jafar believes that Pope Francis’ appreciation and trust in the Indonesian people, especially religious people, is shown by driving an ordinary car and opening the car windows.
“He feels safe and comfortable here so he opens his car window, shakes hands and greets anyone he passes,” he said.