Welcoming Pope Francis' Arrival, This Legislator Highlights People's Warm Welcome

Photo: INDONESIA PAPAL VISIT COMMITTEE

JAKARTA - The House of Representatives welcomes Pope Francis' arrival to Indonesia. The presence of the Head of State of the Vatican City as well as the Head of the Holy See Government is a reflection of the world's recognition of Indonesia, which upholds religious tolerance.

"The presence of the Holy Father brings a great message of hope to all Indonesian people, not only for Catholics but also for all elements of the nation who uphold the values of harmony, peace and tolerance," said Member of Commission VIII DPR My Esti Wijayati, Thursday, September 5.

Esti highlighted and was grateful for the warm welcome given by the Indonesian people during Pope Francis' arrival.

"Of course, the participation of the community towards the arrival of Pope Francis is increasingly giving color as well as showing the identity of Indonesia as a diverse, tolerant, and warm nation. For me, this is quite touching," he said.

One of the warm welcome from the Indonesian people was seen when Pope Francis arrived yesterday, Wednesday (3/5). Along the way to the Vatican Embassy, starting from around the HI Roundabout, the Horse Statue area, to the front of the Vatican Embassy, many residents stood neatly waving at the car carrying Pope Francis.

Pope Francis also seemed to reply to the wave of people's hands that welcomed his arrival. Not only that, various community leaders and elements also welcomed the arrival of Pope Francis. The warm welcome from the Indonesian people is also seen on various social media platforms.

Esti emphasized that Pope Francis' visit was a valuable momentum to strengthen inter-religious relations in Indonesia considering that as a country with a majority Muslim population, Indonesia has long been known as a place where various religions and beliefs can coexist peacefully.

"With Pope Francis pleased to come here, this reflects the international recognition of Indonesia's commitment to maintaining harmony and tolerance among religious believers," he said.

"The visit of Pope Francis is a reminder for all of us that the values of humanity, love, and true brotherhood must always be a guideline in the life of the nation and state," continued Esti.

Members of the Commission in the DPR in charge of religious affairs call religious and international cooperation the key to creating a more peaceful and harmonious world in the midst of increasingly complex global challenges. According to Esti, harmony in diversity is a strength that must be maintained together for a better future for all Indonesian people.

"Papa Pope Francis can strengthen interfaith dialogue which has long been part of Indonesia's identity as a diverse country. He is known as a leader who prioritizes peace and interfaith dialogue," he explained.

Pope Francis' arrival to Indonesia is the third visit of the world's top Catholic Church leader after Pope Paul's 6th visit to Pope Paul's 6th in 1970 and Pope Yohannes Paul's 2nd visit.

"Hopefully the presence of Father Pope Francis can strengthen efforts to overcome all challenges of Indonesian life," said Esti.

Furthermore, Esti said that Indonesia is a country that upholds Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, so it is necessary to strengthen tolerance and mutual understanding between religious believers.

"The presence of Father Pope Francis is a reminder that unity in diversity is the main foundation for the Indonesian nation," said the legislator from the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) electoral district.

"Let's make it the moment of the arrival of Pope Francis' Holy Father to strengthen commitment in maintaining inter-religious harmony, and show the world that Indonesia is able to live in peace amidst differences," added Esti.

The arrival of Pope Francis has attracted a lot of attention. As soon as he arrived in Indonesia, Pope Francis was seen boarding the Kijang Innova Zenix car and chose to sit in the passenger seat in front of the car as he was about to leave Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Banten.

Pope Francis refuses to use a Mercedes-Benz-branded presidential car and wants the committee to prepare a car commonly used by people in Jakarta, not luxury cars and rounded up like a protocol for the head of state. Pope Francis is also known to use commercial aircraft on his way from Rome to Indonesia, and reject exclusive things.

The Pope's travel committee previously revealed a special request from the Vatican Holy See for Pope Francis' arrival, namely no welcome and luxurious facilities. Even Pope Francis refused a room with presidential suites facilities prepared by the committee and chose to stay in a simple room at the Vatican Embassy while in Indonesia.

Esti hopes that Pope Francis' historic arrival in Indonesia can provide many benefits for the people of Indonesia, specifically for Catholics.

The example of the Holy Father who always reports peace can be a reminder that we always live in harmony. Including the simplicity of Pope Francis' Father, we must be able to emulate it," he said.

For information, Pope Francis' visit was included in the analytic travel agenda which will last until September 6, 2024, where Indonesia became the first destination country in Southeast Asia.

While in Indonesia within 4 days, Pope Francis will hold a state meeting until a diplomatic meeting. Starting from a meeting with President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), to an interfaith meeting (Pidato the Holy Father) at the Istiqlal Mosque. Together with the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque Nasaruddin Umar, Pope Francis will follow the "TROWongan Persahabatan", namely a 28.3 meter long tunnel connecting mosques with the Cathedral Church.

The peak of Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia is the celebration of the Ekaristi (Homily of the Holy Father) at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (GBK) on Thursday (5/9). It is predicted that mass with Pope Francis will be attended by 80 thousand Indonesian Catholics.

Esti hopes that all of Pope Francis' agendas can run smoothly. He also appreciated the committee for organizing the Pope's faith, support from the Government, security forces and related stakeholders, to the Indonesian people who enthusiastically welcomed Pope Francis.

"Thank you to all those who helped smooth the journey and visit of Pope Francis in Indonesia. Hopefully Pope Francis' mission to spread peace and tolerance can be an example for all of us," concluded Esti.