Pope Francis Opts for Humble Car, Refuses Luxury One: Presidential Security Forces

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Major General Achiruddin, Commander of the Presidential Security Forces (Paspampres), stated that his team has accommodated the Vatican's request for Pope Francis to avoid using luxury cars during his visit to Indonesia.

“They preferred a simple, modest, and common vehicle,” Achiruddin confirmed to Tempo on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.

Despite adjusting to this request, Achiruddin emphasized that Paspampres maintained the highest service standards and security procedures. The team continued to meticulously assess all factors to ensure maximum security for the VVIP.

“Pope Francis' security during the trip is still being implemented rigorously and comprehensively,” Achiruddin assured.

Pope Francis declined the use of the Mercedes-Benz branded presidential car. Instead, he requested the committee to arrange a vehicle commonly used by people in Jakarta. This preference was evident when Francis traveled from Soekarno-Hatta Airport to the Vatican Embassy in Central Jakarta.

Since April 2024, when the Vatican announced Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia, the Apostolic Nunciature (Vatican Embassy) in Indonesia has been diligently preparing for his arrival.

The Apostolic Nunciature has communicated with the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI), the organizing committee for Pope Francis' apostolic journey. Bishop Anton Subianto, the chairman of KWI, revealed that the Nunciature had conveyed several messages indicating Pope Francis' rejection of exclusive arrangements.

Anton cited an example, regarding accommodation, the Pope requested the committee to prepare a simple resting room. “Pope Francis will stay at the Vatican Embassy in Indonesia. There is one room prepared there. The room is ordinary, simple, but clean,” Anton told Tempo in an interview on Monday, August 26, 2024.

DANIEL A. FAJRI | FRANSISCA CHRISTY ROSANA

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