Jokowi Imitates Pope Francis Using Zenix Innova, Palace: It's A Form Of Respect

The Toyota Innova Zenix which took Pope Francis on his visit to Jakarta, Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo is suspected of using a Toyota Innova Zenix to meet Pope Francis again, before holding the Grand Mass at Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta, Thursday, September 5.

Head of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO) Hasan Nasbi said the President's move to use the Toyota Innova Zenix like the vehicle that Pope Francis was traveling in during a visit to Indonesia was a form of respect.

"That's a form of respect," Hasan Nasbi said via text message in Jakarta, Thursday, September 5, was confiscated by Antara.

He said that actually the President on the previous occasion had also often used these vehicles for personal activities.

However, in the context of meeting the Pope, according to him, the use of a car similar to the one the Pope was traveling in was something natural.

"If you come to attend the Pope mass (meeting the Pope before Mass Akbar) with the vehicle, it is also natural, because the Pope also uses the same vehicle. Looking for equality rather than expressing differences is very important in diplomacy and communication," he said.

Hasan said it was the same as when the President attended a party event, where the Head of State almost always wore clothes that matched the party's color.

"So that emotionally it becomes closer, and communication can run warmer," he said.

Previously, the President used a Toyota Innova Zenix vehicle after receiving Pope Francis at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Wednesday, September 4. The car is the same type of vehicle that Pope Francis used during a visit to Indonesia.

Jokowi's move to use the Toyota Innova Zenix has caught the public's attention, because it is not an official official official vehicle commonly used by the President.

The Commander of Paspampres Maj. Gen. Achiruddin, said that the replacement of vehicles by the President was a common thing, especially in incognito or undercover activities. Achiruddin also revealed that Jokowi would use the same vehicle in Thursday's activity today.

"Tomorrow (Thursday) he will use the car. Actually, it's a normal thing because for certain activities that are incognito (admation), he often uses Innova vehicles," said Achiruddin.