Meeting Pope Francis, Jokowi Explains Indonesia's Diversity

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) emphasized that the diversity protected by Pancasila is the main capital for Indonesia in its efforts to contribute to world peace.

This was conveyed by President Jokowi when he received a visit from Pope Francis at the State Palace, Wednesday, September 4 morning.

The event was also attended by Vice President Ma'ruf Amin and the elected president who is also Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto.

"Thank you to Pope Francis' Holy Father who is willing to come to Indonesia. Moreover, this is the longest flight the Pope has ever experienced. We interpret this moment as a form of strength in respecting differences," said Jokowi.

Previously, Pope Francis arrived at the Merdeka Palace complex at around 09.36 WIB, where he was greeted by about 500 school children wearing various traditional clothes from all over Indonesia. The Pope got out of the vehicle he was traveling in at 09.41 WIB, and in a wheelchair, he seemed to greet a number of children who greeted him enthusiastically.

After that, President Jokowi welcomed and greeted Pope Francis. The state welcoming ceremony was held before the two of them entered the Merdeka Palace at 09.57 WIB.

During the meeting, President Jokowi was accompanied by a number of ministers of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet, including Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Coordinating Minister for Human and Cultural Empowerment (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendy, Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung.