President Jokowi Will Discuss Global Issues, Especially Peace With Pope Francis

President Jokowi accompanied by Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X during the handover of the rice social assistance at the Condongcatur Village Head Office, Sleman, DIY, Wednesday, August 28, 2024. (ANTARA-Biro Setpres)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) expressed his hope to be able to discuss global issues, especially peace, with Pope Francis who will travel an autolic and state visit to Indonesia in September 2024. This statement was made by President Jokowi after inaugurating the Leuwikeris Dam and modernizing and rehabilitating the Irrigation Region to Replace Tasikmalaya Regency, West Java, today. "What is related mainly to peace. I think that is very important what we will discuss with him," said President Jokowi as quoted by Antara, Thursday, August 29. President Jokowi said that the main agenda of the meeting with Pope Francis would discuss efforts to resolve world conflicts, including situations in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as other minor conflicts. "In order for peace in all war conflicts, both in Gaza, both in Ukraine, and moderate, small, other conflicts, which exist in some countries, we can also solve," said Jokowi. Jokowi also expressed his intention to accompany Pope Francis on his visit to the Istiqlal Mosque or Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Jakarta, as much as possible. "Yes, as much as possible I will be with him," said Jokowi. Previously, it was reported that the Chairman of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI) Antonius Subianto Bunjamin said Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia was to carry humanitarian missions and mission brotherhood. He hopes that Fransiskus' visit to Indonesia, which has been delayed since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, can make Indonesia an agent of humanitarian brotherhood in Asia. Meanwhile, Jakarta Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo said the Vatican had a desire to learn more about Islam in Indonesia. “ Because Islam in Indonesia is different. So it's interesting for our brothers and sisters in Europe, especially for the Vatican, ” said Suharyo. He also said that the Istiqlal Mosque and the Jakarta Cathedral that stand side by side are symbols of harmonious life in Indonesia. Suharyo considered that Pope Francis' visit was also to appreciate and encourage brotherhood to continue to be cared for and developed.

He said there were about 60 bishops who would welcome Pope Francis, including a bishop from Australia and 10 bishops from Asian countries.