Jokowi to Discuss World Peace Solutions with Pope Francis

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has revealed the topics he will discuss when hosting Pope Francis at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta in early September. He stated that they will discuss world peace.

“I believe it's crucial that we discuss this with him so that peace in all war conflicts, including those in Gaza, Ukraine, and other smaller conflicts in various countries, can be resolved,” he said after inaugurating the Leuwikeris Dam in Tasikmalaya Regency on Thursday, August 29, 2024, as quoted from audio received by Tempo.

He hoped that Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia from September 3 to 6, 2024, will be successful. He assured that all necessary arrangements have been made. “I will be with him as much as possible,” he added. 

Head of State Protocol Andi Rachmat has previously confirmed receiving a visit from Pope Francis at the Jakarta Presidential Palace on September 4, 2024. The Pope will arrive in the country one day before the meeting with Jokowi. Pope's series of visits to Indonesia will continue until September 6, 2024.

In his statement, Andi Rachmat mentioned that Pope's agenda in Indonesia includes both state and religious matters. Therefore, Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas will accompany the President during the Pope's visit.

On September 5, Pope Francis will attend a grand mass at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Complex. Additionally, there will be another event at the Jakarta Cathedral Church in collaboration with the Istiqlal Mosque.

Pope Francis' apostolic journey to Indonesia will not be limited to Indonesia alone. The Catholic leader will also visit the Asia Pacific region, including Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore, until it concludes on September 13, 2024. 

According to the official website of the Archdiocese of Jakarta, the major cities that Pope Francis will visit are Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea) from September 6 to 9, 2024; Dili (Timor Leste) from September 9 to 11, 2024; and Singapore from September 11 to 13, 2024.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

Editor’s Choice: Pope Francis to Lead Mass in Jakarta with an Attendance of Over 86,000 Catholics

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News