Pope Francis to Meet Jokowi, Prabowo Today

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Pope Francis, the Supreme Leader of the World Catholic Church, is scheduled to meet with Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and President-elect Prabowo Subianto today, September 4, 2024, as part of his state visit to the country. This meeting is expected to be a significant highlight of the Pope's visit, which will continue through September 6.

“That's the plan. There will be a meeting with the President-elect in a meeting. For technical matters, ask the state protocol,” Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas confirmed in Tangerang on Tuesday, September 3.

He explained that during the apostolic journey in Indonesia, the Pope will first meet with Jokowi at the Merdeka Palace on Wednesday, September 4. The agenda for this meeting will focus on global development issues, including religious tolerance and strengthening the relationship between Indonesia and the Vatican.

The Indonesian government will also use this opportunity to showcase the country's cultural and religious diversity. The Minister emphasized the importance of demonstrating Indonesia's ability to maintain unity despite its diverse population. “That’s what we want to convey to him (the Pope),” he said.

Pope Francis' apostolic journey to the Asia Pacific region, which includes Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore, is the longest visit he has undertaken during his 11-year papacy. 

Indonesia was chosen as the first stop due to its significant Christian population, which comprises approximately 20.5 million people, including 8.5 million Catholics. Pope Francis’ visit marks the Holy Father's third trip to the country after Paul VI’s visit in 1970 and Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1989.

ANTARA 

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