Pope Paul VI Will Return To Indonesia In The History Of Today, December 3, 1970

The arrival of the great leader of Catholics, Pope Paulus VI was greeted directly by President Suharto. (Perpusnas)

JAKARTA History today, 52 years ago, December 3, 1970, Sri Pope Paul VI visited Indonesia. He was greeted directly by President Suharto and all Indonesian people in Jakarta. The visit of the world's big Catholic leader was in order to choose the spirit of world peace. Mainly maintaining inter-religious harmony.

Previously, Indonesia had been in good relations with the Vatican since the time of the revolution. At that time, Pope Pius XII had provided support and prayers for Indonesia's struggle to defend independence.

The time of revolution is an important momentum in the history of the nation's journey. Independence fighters tried to sacrifice once again to defend Indonesia. All of this was because the Dutch returned to the point of wanting to colonize Indonesia for the second time.

The nation's leaders also Soekarno, Hatta, Sjahrir, and othersplayed tactics. Some chose to take up arms by war. The rest chose to light the fire of struggle through diplomacy. Those who have the capacity to build relationships with the outside world are asked to move quickly. They become a mainstay in paving the way so that Indonesia can international support.

Raden Said Soekanto Tjokrodiatmodjo also took part in the task. The first Indonesian National Police Chief was asked by Bung Hatta to garner support for America and Europe in 1948. He even carried out a mission to seek support up to the Vatican.

Soekanto was also well received by the great leader of the world's Catholics, Pope Pius XII. Pope Pius XII, who in fact has the mission of keeping peace touched by Indonesia's struggle to defend independence. He also gave support and prayers for Indonesia. This event is the first time a good relationship between Indonesia and the Vatican has been established.

With the remaining time, Soekanto visited Pope Pius XII in Rome. Soekanto wore Teluk Belana clothes from songket cloth carrying a family heirloom keris. Soekanto was warmly accepted. The cardinal who received Soekanto joined his kneeling attitude on a red chapter. Then, the Pope prayed for Indonesia's safety, Soekanto Basin Indonesia won. After the meeting at the Pope's Palace, Pius XII, Soekanto was photographed at the gate with the Pope's guard from Switzerland.

The photo was published in the Romano Observatory magazine in London and arrived in Indonesia. After Soekanto appeared in the magazine, several countries learned that he was in Rome and knew a little about his efforts to ask America for help. This has resulted in several countries coming to Rome, they are trying to meet Soekanto to obtain actual information about American assistance to Indonesia," said Awaloedin Djamin and G. Ambar Wulan in the book of Police General RS Soekanto Tjokrodiatmodjo (2016).

In fact, the good relationship between Indonesia and the Vatican has been maintained for a long time. Another leader of Catholics, Sri Pope Paul VI, has shown closeness. He included Indonesia as a country to be visited during his Asian visit.

He arrived in Jakarta via Kemayoran Airport on December 3, 1970. He arrived in the context of a world peace mission. His arrival was immediately welcomed by Indonesian President Suharto and First Lady Siti Hartinah (Mrs. Tien).

Both were also awarded by Pope Paul VI a photo with the Vatican signature and medal. After that, Pope Paul VI made visits to various places. From the Cathedral Church to Gelora Bung Karno.

I can feel the meaning of our conversation and the words "Father (Bon Setitit)", he wanted to be given another chance to return to his hometown after that. During his lifetime, Dad was also active in political activities in the Catholic Party with Mr. Drs Frans Seda.

One of their activities was the welcoming of Sri Pope Paul VI to Jakarta in 1970. At that time, he was involved in the core committee for welcoming Sri Pausulus VI at the Senayan Sports Building", which was turned into a welcoming venue and holding a joint Mass," explained Stephanus G. Setitit in the book Sebiji from Southeast: Biography Bon Setit (2021).