Prabowo Absent At Pope Francis Cemetery, Indonesia Utus Official Representative

President Prabowo Subianto during a meeting with Pope Francis during his visit to Indonesia 2024 (@prabowo)

President Prabowo Subianto will certainly not attend Pope Francis' funeral procession at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025.

The absence of the head of state has raised the spotlight, especially as other world leaders have expressed their commitment to attend the final tribute ceremony for the Catholic Church's supreme leader.

The President's spokesman, Prasetyo Had, said that the President would most likely send representatives to replace him. However, who will become Indonesia's official envoy in the global and symbolic event has not yet been determined.

"For certain reasons, the President seems unable to come directly. However, he plans to send representatives," Prasetyo said when met in Jakarta, Wednesday, April 23.

The reason for President Prabowo's absence from this important event is considered to be able to cause speculation and question the sensitivity and diplomatic position of Indonesia in interfaith affairs and international relations.

Meanwhile, leaders of major countries such as US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have confirmed their presence in St. Peter's Square, where Pope Francis' funeral mass will be held.

Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88, is known as a reformist figure and bridge of cross-religious dialogue. The absence of the President of Indonesia in this funeral can be read as a sign of the weakness of spiritual diplomacy or a lack of appreciation for interfaith figures who have contributed greatly to promoting world peace.

For information, the funeral mass will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re and attended by various church leaders and state leaders from five continents.

The Pope's body will then be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore as requested by her final request, marking the beginning of a nine-day mourning period called Novemdiales.