By: Theresia Oktavian )*
Pope Francis, the highest Catholic religious figure, visited Indonesia on 3-6 September 2024. In addition to meeting with the head of state and head of government, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), Pope Francis also met with a number of figures, Catholic religious leaders and youth at the Jakarta Cathedral church. A number of issues were discussed, including the issue of peace.
Upon arrival at the State Palace on Wednesday (4/9/2024), Pope Francis was greeted directly by President Jokowi with a state ceremony. President Jokowi, who was at the entrance to the Merdeka Palace, immediately welcomed Pope Francis. Jokowi was seen greeting and shaking hands with the Pope with a smile. During the state ceremony, Pope Francis was seen standing upright by President Jokowi’s side. After the event, President Jokowi introduced one by one the ministers who were present to welcome Pope Francis.
Previously, President Jokowi said that Pope Francis was a state guest, as a state guest he would try to accompany Pope Francis during activities at the Istiqlal Mosque and the Grand Mass at the Bung Karno Stadium (GBK), Senayan, Jakarta, on September 5.
On that occasion, Jokowi also said that he and Pope Francis discussed the issue of peace to the situation in Gaza when meeting Pope Francis at the Merdeka Palace. According to the President, the issue of peace is very important to discuss with Pope Francis.
The President also said that matters related to the priority of the people in peace are very important to discuss with Pope Francis as a religious figure, so that peace can occur in all regions that are currently in conflict due to war.
Pope Francis’ visit is not only a religious visit, but also carries an important mission related to global issues. President Jokowi emphasized that peace is the main topic in his discussion with Pope Francis, especially related to the conflicts that are currently still ongoing in various parts of the world.
The war in Gaza is a real threat to all people on earth. So the important thing is that all figures can elaborate intentions and ideas to build concrete steps in realizing world peace. The Pope as a symbol of world peace, while Jokowi as Head of State can provide constructive ideas in building world peace.
Pope Francis’ presence in all the regions he visits will certainly have a positive impact on the countries, including Indonesia as the Pope’s first destination on his visit to a number of Asian countries.
In addition to the Gaza war that received attention, in the meeting, both Jokowi and Pope Francis also paid special attention to the tragedy of war throughout the world. Including the Russia-Ukraine war, it was also one of the topics that was worth listening to.
The meeting of the two religious and state figures is expected to provide a concrete consensus in formulating and stopping the war that is currently taking place in Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine war which has caused a very great humanitarian tragedy.
The longer the war lasts, the more it will worsen the humanitarian tragedy that is happening all over the world. The circulation flow of basic food and other necessities is held hostage by the ongoing war.
The Chairman of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, said that Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia was to bring a humanitarian mission and a mission of brotherhood. Antonius said that Indonesia was actually ready to welcome Francis in 2020. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 plan was canceled. Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia is expected to make Indonesia and all Indonesian people become agents of peace and agents of humanity.
Meanwhile, Archbishop of Jakarta, Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo said that the Vatican has a desire to learn more about Islam in Indonesia. The Archbishop further said that Islamic leaders in Indonesia are often invited and become speakers at events held by the Vatican.
Pope Francis’ visit is indeed a little different from the visit of Saint Pope John Paul II to Indonesia 35 years ago. In his five-day pontifical visit to Indonesia in 1989, Saint Pope John Paul II visited five cities: Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Medan, Maumere, and Dili.
KWI Spokesperson who acted as a representative of the Pope Francis Visitation Committee, Father Thomas Ulun Ismoyo, Pr, said that the excitement of the people welcoming the arrival of Pope Francis was also well-known by KWI. This visit was very touching and he felt grateful because the enthusiasm of Indonesian Catholics was so great in welcoming the Pope. Father Ulun admitted that KWI did not provide official souvenirs in connection with the Pope’s visitation agenda to Indonesia.
The peace mission brought by Pope Francis to Indonesia can be a starting point for society in showing a sense of love for fellow believers to continue to voice peace between religious communities.
Indonesia as a multicultural country can be a world example in maintaining interfaith life that has been very well established. This is certainly inseparable from the founders of the nation who provided a very valuable example of how to maintain the diversity that has existed since Indonesia was born.
The role of religious figures, community leaders and support from state leaders and policy makers remains a central role in making this diverse Indonesia remain peaceful and prosperous. The arrival of the Pope is certainly a positive energy in maintaining peace and tolerance.
Pope Francis’ visit is also a very historic moment for Indonesia, as a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, which is also known for its religious diversity and tolerance between religious communities. The presence of Pope Francis in Indonesia is also expected to strengthen the message of peace and harmony amidst differences, and provide a positive impact on interfaith relations in the country.
)* The author is an observer of international issues
