Jakarta – The leader of the world Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has landed at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Cengkareng, together with a number of entourage from the Holy See of the Vatican, Tuesday (3/9) afternoon.
The Bishop of Rome was welcomed by Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag) Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, and Chairman of the Committee for the Arrival of Pope Francis Ignasius Jonan. The Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Indonesia, Piero Pioppo also welcomed the Pope whose real name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
Minister of Religion Yaqut said that the simplicity of the Supreme Leader of the World Catholic Church should be an example for all religious communities.
“I think his simplicity is extraordinary. “He is an example of how to be a leader, because he is not only a religious leader, but also a state leader,” said Yaqut.
In addition, he added, Pope Francis is also a leader who always conveys a message of peace between religious communities, because this effort is the key to tolerance in creating world peace.
“I think this message will be a joint speaker with President Jokowi at the State Palace,” he explained.
He also said that the agenda of the visit to the Istiqlal Mosque was felt to be an important event in creating peace for religious communities in Indonesia.
“On behalf of the government, I would like to welcome Pope Francis to the land of Indonesia, the land of Pancasila, and the land of Bhineka Tunggal Ika,” said Minister of Religion Yaqut.
Previously, the General Chairperson of the Muhammadiyah Central Leadership, Haedar Nashir, also appreciated Pope Francis who chose to use a commercial aircraft rather than a private jet.
“In the midst of his busy schedule, Pope Francis was pleased to visit Indonesia using a commercial plane and take a long journey,” he said.
He also appreciated the Pope’s attitude in choosing to stay at the Vatican Embassy rather than staying at a luxury hotel. According to him, the attitude shows the exemplary behavior of a leader.
Meanwhile, to secure Pope Francis during his visit to Indonesia, the TNI and Polri Headquarters are carrying out tight security, including preparing anti-terror troops and snipers.
According to the Commander of the Joint Regional Defense Command (Pangkogabwilhan) I, Vice Admiral Agus Hariadi, the snipers were prepared in accordance with the applicable standard operating procedures (SOP) for securing state guests.
