Pope Francis Begins Historic Visit to Indonesia, Focusing on Interfaith Harmony and Environmental Advocacy
Pope Francis touched down in Indonesia on Tuesday, marking the beginning of his longest journey as pontiff. This significant trip aims to support Indonesia’s Catholic community and celebrate the nation’s tradition of interfaith harmony in a country renowned for having the world’s largest Muslim population.
Warm Welcome in Jakarta
Following an overnight flight from Rome, the 87-year-old Pope was welcomed in Jakarta under the city’s typically humid and polluted skies. Upon arrival, two children dressed in traditional Indonesian attire presented him with a bouquet of vegetables, fruits, spices, and flowers, symbolizing the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
Rest and Reflections
Given the demanding nature of his 11-day trip, which will also take him to Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore, Francis planned to rest for the remainder of the day. However, the Vatican confirmed that he would later meet with refugees, migrants, and sick individuals at the Vatican residence in Jakarta, reflecting his unwavering commitment to marginalized communities.
Meeting with Indonesian Leaders
The Pope’s first full day of activities is scheduled for Wednesday. He will meet with Indonesian political leaders and the country’s clergy. These meetings are crucial as they highlight the growth of the Catholic Church in Asia, which has been significantly driven by the efforts of Indonesian clergy.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo welcomed the Pope, emphasizing the shared commitment between Indonesia and the Vatican to “foster peace, brotherhood, and the welfare of humanity.”
Highlight: Interfaith Meeting at Istiqlal Mosque
One of the most anticipated events of Pope Francis’ visit is his participation in an interfaith meeting on Thursday at Jakarta’s iconic Istiqlal Mosque. This largest mosque in Southeast Asia is just across from the capital’s main Catholic cathedral, Our Lady of Assumption. The two landmarks are so closely positioned that the Muslim call to prayer is audible during Mass, symbolizing the country’s dedication to religious freedom and tolerance.
During his visit, Pope Francis and Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar will explore the “Tunnel of Friendship,” an underground passage connecting the mosque and the cathedral, before signing a joint declaration promoting religious harmony.
Addressing Religious Tensions and Environmental Concerns
While Pope Francis aims to underscore Indonesia’s tradition of religious tolerance, recent events have challenged the country’s image as a moderate Muslim nation. Notably, in 2021, a militant Islamic couple carried out a suicide bombing outside a packed Catholic cathedral on Sulawesi island during a Palm Sunday Mass, injuring at least 20 people. The Pope’s visit, in this context, is a powerful symbol of resilience and the ongoing commitment to interfaith harmony in Indonesia.
Despite such incidents, the majority of Indonesians, including those of different faiths, have expressed a warm welcome to the Pope. Eldy, a 64-year-old retired government worker, commented, “We have no problem with the visit. He’s a guest, and we will welcome him.”
Throngs Expected at Papal Events
With Catholics comprising just 3% of Indonesia’s population, the country hosts the third-largest Christian community in Asia, after the Philippines and China. As a result, thousands are expected to attend the Pope’s public events, including a Mass on Thursday at Jakarta’s main stadium, which is anticipated to draw around 60,000 people.
Environmental Advocacy in a Polluted Metropolis
Care for the environment is a central theme of this papal visit. Pope Francis has consistently advocated for responsible stewardship of the Earth. Jakarta, a metropolis of over 11 million people, presents a stark example of environmental degradation. The city’s severe air pollution, driven by coal-fired power plants, vehicle exhaust, and industrial emissions, regularly exceeds World Health Organization limits. The Pope’s visit serves as a timely reminder of the urgent need to address these critical environmental issues.
“Indonesia has the worst air pollution in Southeast Asia,” said Piotr Jakubowski, an air pollution expert and co-founder of the Indonesian air quality monitoring company Nafas. He added that the Pope’s visit provides a valuable platform for discussing these critical issues.
Jakarta residents, too, hope the Pope will address their city’s environmental challenges. “The pollution in Jakarta is at an alarming level. That’s why the presence of the Pope can benefit the discussion of environmental issues,” said Erik Sebastian Naibaho, a 26-year-old government worker.
Building on Historical Ties
Pope Francis is the third pope to visit Indonesia, following Pope Paul VI in 1970 and St. John Paul II in 1989. These visits highlight Indonesia’s importance to the Vatican, particularly regarding Christian-Muslim dialogue and fostering Catholic vocations. Indonesia is home to the world’s largest seminary, producing hundreds of priests and religious workers annually.
Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, the Archbishop of Jakarta, expressed the significance of this visit, stating that Pope Francis aims to “encourage this kind of brotherhood to continue to be maintained and developed.”
A Journey of Faith and Unity
As Pope Francis continues his journey through Southeast Asia, his message of unity, environmental care, and interfaith dialogue will resonate with Indonesia’s Catholics and the broader global community. His visit is a testament to the enduring importance of fostering peace and understanding in a world often divided by religious and cultural differences.