Pope Francis embarked on the longest journey of his pontificate as he arrived in Indonesia on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. The 87-year-old pontiff's 11-day trip will span multiple countries in Southeast Asia, including Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore.
Upon landing in Jakarta, Francis was greeted with a traditional welcome ceremony. Two children, dressed in local attire, presented him with a bouquet comprising vegetables, fruits, spices, and flowers, symbolizing Indonesia's rich cultural and natural diversity.
Indonesia, the world's largest archipelagic state with over 17,000 islands, is home to a population of 275 million, making it the fourth most populous country globally. Despite Muslims constituting 87% of the population, Indonesia recognizes six official religions, reflecting its commitment to religious pluralism.
The highlight of Francis' visit will be an interfaith meeting at Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia, on Thursday. This event underscores Indonesia's tradition of religious tolerance, encapsulated in its national motto "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" (Unity in Diversity).
"Indonesia and the Vatican have the same commitment to fostering peace and brotherhood, as well as ensuring the welfare of humanity."
The papal visit also aims to address pressing environmental concerns. Jakarta, one of the world's most populous urban areas, grapples with severe air pollution. As the leader of the Catholic Church, Francis has consistently advocated for environmental stewardship, a message that resonates in Indonesia, which boasts the world's third-largest rainforest area.
For Indonesia's Catholic community, which comprises 3% of the population but represents the third-largest Christian community in Asia, this visit holds immense significance. A Mass scheduled at Jakarta's main stadium on Thursday is expected to draw 60,000 attendees.
This trip marks the third papal visit to Indonesia, following Pope Paul VI in 1970 and St. John Paul II in 1989. As Indonesia continues to navigate its role as the world's largest archipelagic economy and a key player in Southeast Asia, Pope Francis' visit serves as a reminder of the country's importance in global interfaith dialogue and environmental discussions.