The 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), arrived in Rome, Italy, as a special envoy appointed directly by President Prabowo Subianto to attend the funeral of the supreme leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis.
This visit is not only ceremonial, but also brings an important message from Indonesia to the international community, especially related to solidarity, tolerance, and respect for human values across faith.
Jokowi brought along a personal letter from President Prabowo addressed to the Vatican Government. The letter contains deep condolences for the death of Pope Francis, who during his tenure was widely known as a defender for the oppressed, a liaison for marginalized groups, and a global figure who always called for peace and social justice.
The Minister of State Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson, Prasetyo Hadi, confirmed this news on Friday, April 25. He stated that the letter brought by Jokowi reflected the condolences of all Indonesian people, not limited to Catholics, for the departure of the great figure of the world.
"The letter expresses the condolences of all Indonesian people, not just Catholics, for the passing of Pope Francis," said Prasetyo.
In the letter, Prasetyo continued, President Prabowo also left high hopes to the Vatican and all Catholics in the world so that the teachings and human values that had been upheld by Pope Francis were maintained and continued by the successors and mankind in general.
"These values are a humanitarian legacy from Pope Francis and we must continue to maintain it. His side is in the weak, the poor, and the oppressed is a spirit that is in line with the values of Pancasila which is upheld by the Indonesian people," said Prasetyo.
He also added that all members of the special envoy delegation from Indonesia had arrived in Rome according to a predetermined schedule. According to Prasetyo, the delegation will follow the final tribute procession to Pope Francis along with leaders of other countries as well as representatives of various international religious institutions.
"The latest information we received was that last night all the delegates had departed, and now all of them are in Rome. They are ready to carry out state duties to represent Indonesia in this moment of grief," explained Prasetyo.
Apart from Joko Widodo, the Indonesian delegation also consisted of a number of cross-background figures. Among them are Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai, Deputy Minister of Finance Thomas Djiwandono, and former Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Ignasius Jonan. All three are considered figures who have important contributions in efforts to maintain human values, pluralism, and diversity in the country.
Jokowi's presence as the official representative of President Prabowo's government in Rome is in the international spotlight. Not only because of Jokowi's central role in Indonesian politics over the past decade, but also because this moment reflects the continuity of the spirit of nationality in upholding interfaith and civilizational values.
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Pope Francis' funeral moment itself became a global historical event that drew widespread attention. The whale, known to be humble, has become a symbol of the world's conscience on various major issues such as climate change, the refugee crisis, global poverty, to inter-religious dialogue. The legacy of his thoughts is expected to continue to inspire Catholics and the international community at large.
Through the presence of Jokowi and the delegation, Indonesia again shows its identity as a country that respects diversity, upholds tolerance, and participates in caring for universal human values on the world stage.
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