By: Andika Pratama)*
A number of elements from various circles, including the government, religious figures, and the general public, are enthusiastic about welcoming the arrival of Pope Francis on September 3, 2024. The arrival of Pope Francis is not only an apostolic visit, but also a symbol of brotherhood and peace between nations which is very important for the Indonesian nation.
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) expressed his hope to discuss with Pope Francis various global issues, especially related to world peace. In a statement delivered after inaugurating the Leuwikeris Dam in Tasikmalaya, Jokowi emphasized that world peace will be the main agenda in his meeting with Pope Francis. This is an important step, considering Indonesia’s role as the country with the largest Muslim population in the world and at the same time as an active supporter of global peace.
President Jokowi highlighted several world conflicts, such as those in Gaza and Ukraine, which will be the main focus of the discussion. He hopes that Pope Francis’ visit can encourage efforts to resolve these conflicts and achieve peace in various war-torn regions.
In addition, President Jokowi also plans to accompany the Pope on several important agendas in Indonesia, including visits to the Istiqlal Mosque and the Bung Karno Stadium (GBK) in Jakarta. These two locations were not chosen without reason. The Istiqlal Mosque, as the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, and the adjacent Jakarta Cathedral, are real symbols of interfaith harmony in Indonesia. The presence of Pope Francis in these places is expected to strengthen the message of brotherhood and harmony that has long been upheld by the Indonesian people.
Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive in Indonesia on September 3, 2024. The following day, he will be received stately by President Jokowi at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. The Pope’s official activities will also take place at the State Palace on the same day, where various global issues will be discussed in the meeting.
Next, on September 5, the Pope will visit the Istiqlal Mosque and the Jakarta Cathedral Church. This visit is very important because it confirms the symbol of harmony between religious communities in Indonesia. In the evening, Pope Francis will lead a grand mass at the Bung Karno Stadium, which is expected to be attended by thousands of Catholics from all over Indonesia.
The presence of thousands of Catholics at GBK reflects the high enthusiasm of the community for the Pope’s visit. Not only Catholics, but all Indonesian people, including those of other religions, also welcomed the arrival of Pope Francis as a symbol of peace and brotherhood between religions.
After completing his series of visits to Indonesia, Pope Francis will continue his journey to Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea) and Vanimo from September 6 to 9, then to Dili (Timor Leste) from September 9 to 11, and finally Singapore from September 11 to 13, 2024. This shows that Pope Francis’ visit to Southeast Asia is not only important for Indonesia, but also for neighboring countries in the region.
Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia was also warmly welcomed by religious leaders in Indonesia. The Chairman of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, stated that this visit carries a mission of humanity and brotherhood. This mission is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s position as an agent of humanitarian brotherhood in Asia. KWI said that Pope Francis has great concern for world peace and harmony between religious communities, two things that are also priorities for Indonesia.
The Archbishop of Jakarta, Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, emphasized that the Vatican is very interested in learning more about Islam in Indonesia. Islam in Indonesia has different characteristics from other Muslim countries, especially in terms of openness, tolerance, and harmony with other religions. The Pope’s presence at the Istiqlal Mosque and the Jakarta Cathedral is expected to be a real symbol of the harmony of religious life in Indonesia. In addition, this visit also confirms Indonesia’s commitment to continue to maintain and strengthen harmony between religious communities amidst the existing diversity.
The enthusiasm of the Indonesian people for the arrival of Pope Francis is clearly visible from the various preparations that have been made. Many Catholics have prepared to welcome Pope Francis in various places that will be visited, especially in Jakarta. Not only Catholics, many people from various religions also participated in this preparation, showing support and respect for the visit of the leader of the Catholic Church.
The arrival of Pope Francis in Indonesia is an important moment for the Indonesian nation. The enthusiasm shown by the government, religious figures, and the general public reflects Indonesia’s strong commitment to continue to maintain peace and harmony amidst religious and cultural diversity. The discussion between President Jokowi and Pope Francis on world peace, visits to symbols of interfaith harmony in Jakarta, and the grand mass attended by thousands of Catholics from all over Indonesia, are real evidence that Indonesia is ready to welcome the Pope with a spirit of brotherhood and love.
)* The author is a contributor to Jabar Trigger
